A
Add-Ons (Plug-ins):
Programs that provide extra facilities for a WWW browser e.g. sound, and video.
Alt newsgroup:
An alternative type of newsgroup that follows different, less stringent rules.
America Online (AOL):
The largest commercial online service that provides Internet services from e-mail to Web access; originated from a bulletin board service.
Anonymous Posting:
Posting articles to newsgroups without leaving your name or e-mail address.
Anonymous Remailer:
Service that permits users to send e-mail or post articles on Usenet anonymously.
Anonymous FTP:
A means of retrieving files from the host computer as an unnamed guest with limited privileges.
Applet:
The name given to a small binary file (program) which is executed on your computer as part of Web Page loading. Applets are created by JAVA.
Archie:
Short for "archiver," an indexing tool that helps you to find files that are available by anonymous FTP.
ARPANET:
In 1969, the US Department of Defense commissioned a project to link computer networks. This infrastructure eventually came to be known as the Internet.
Article:
A message posted to a Usenet newsgroup.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange):
The worldwide standard used for text files. FTP programs change numbers, letters, some punctuation marks, symbols and control codes into previously assigned fixed numbers ranging from 1 to 127. The numbers are then stored by the program in the form of 7-bit binary numbers. Internet e-mail systems typically use ASCII when transferring files.
Attachment:
Any file (including graphics and programs) that is attached to and mailed as part of an e-mail message.
Authentication:
Security method used to verify that documents are received by the authentic sender in original form.
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B
Banner (Advertising):
On-line advertising technique involving the placement of small hyperlinked ads (billboards) on frequently visited pages of a Website to create traffic to another site.
BBS (Bulletin-Board System):
A dial-up computer service that offers services including e-mail, discussion groups, message posting, public downloads, etc.
Binary:
Binary refers to any data maintained or transmitted in digital form. Usually, binary refers to any information that is stored with 8 bits. Binary files are not interpreted in a standard way, as are 7-bit ASCII files; therefore, information stored in binary form must be used with a compatible program that is able to decode and read the binary information.
Bit:
Smallest unit of data, one binary digit in computer language; either a 1 or a 0.
Bounce:
Undelivered e-mail that is returned, or "bounced," so that the sender will know that the message was not received and resend the checked message.
Browser:
A program used to find and review HTML documents located on the World Wide Web. Netscape and Internet Explorer are two of the most widely used GUI browsers.
Bulletin Board:
The Internet equivalent of a notice board, where messages can be posted and read by anyone.
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C
CD ROM (Compact Disc-- Read only memory):
A compact disc on which computer data can be stored and accessed.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface):
The programming standard which defines how a Web Page can interact with a user, i.e. fill out a form.
Click-Through:
The result of a viewer clicking an ad to go to the sponsoring site.
Click-Through Rate (CTR):
The percentage of ad views or impressions that resulted in an ad click. The industry average is between 2% and 4%.
Client/Server:
Client programs are installed on computers throughout a network, which is, is turn, connected to a small number of server programs that provide search capabilities and information retrieval services to the client. A few server programs have the capability to run searches, collect data and update their databases independently on a preset schedule determined by the client. Veronica, Archie, Gopher and the World Wide Web are examples of Internet client/server systems.
Client:
A computer (or, more specifically, a software application, e.g. a browser) that uses the resources provided by another computer.
Compression:
The technical process by which data are condensed in digital format for storage or transmission.
CPM:
Cost per one thousand. With respect to banners, the cost per one thousand views, or impressions, of a given banner.
Cross-Post:
Mailing the same message to more than one mailing list or discussion group. This is also considered "spamming" the newsgroups if the post is duplicated in like newsgroups.
Cyberspace:
Term coined by science-fiction writer William Gibson in the "Neuromancer" to refer to a computer generated reality, similar to what many now call virtual reality. The term has been co-opted to mean the entire online world of the Internet and any other computer network.
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D
Dial-up connection:
An Internet connection that requires the user to dial a phone number to complete the connection.
Direct Connection:
Constant connection that does not require dialing to connect.
Domain Name System (DNS):
An Internet addressing system, similar to telephone numbering, that uses a series of names, listed from specific to general and separated by dots(.). Common domains include gov (government), com (commercial) and edu (educational).
Domain:
The naming hierarchy of the Internet includes unique names for each computer or server extending to individual companies. www.mvcompany.com is often referred to as a domain name or URL.
Download(ing):
Transferring a program from a remote computer to your computer.
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E
E-Mail (Electronic Mail):
Messages sent electronically from one computer to another. A means of exchanging messages, which may include enclosed files and graphics.
Emoticons (Smileys):
Symbols made from text that are used to add expressions of emotion to email and other electronic communications. Such examples may include :) smile, :x kiss, 8) smile with glasses, etc.
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F
FAQ's, FAQ Sheet (Frequently Asked Questions):
A list of frequently asked questions and answers is often posted to the beginning of a newsgroup and on Websites to eliminate the need for answering the same questions time and again.
Fiber Optics:
A silicon or glass cable that can transmit digital information at speeds over one thousand times faster than conventional twisted-pair phone lines.
File Size:
Amount of memory a file takes up.
Fill-In Form:
A document on a Website in which you can enter information and send it to the requesting company.
Finger:
An Internet system that allows the user to find out the identity of an e-mail user and other account information such as when the individual last checked his or her e-mail.
Firewall:
A hardware and/or software security system employed to protect a network from unauthorized use. Often used to thwart hackers and others trying to view private information.
Flame:
An e-mail or public posting that contains negative, harsh and abusive language. Individuals receiving unwanted or unsolicited e-mails containing advertising and other such materials will often flame the sender of the message. Such messages can result in flame wars and on occasion can overload the system of the individuals being flamed, causing inconvenient and often costly shutdown of equipment.
Flat Fee Advertising:
Advertising charges regardless of the number of impressions or click-throughs.
Freeware:
Software on the Internet that may be downloaded and used for free.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
A system used to transfer files and information from one computer to another via the Internet.
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G
Gateway:
1. A computer system that joins and translates between two otherwise incompatible networks or applications.
2. Homepage that mirrors the main homepage and allows users to enter just as if it was the main page.
General Rotation (Run of Site):
Random display of a banner ad on one or more sites not necessarily targeted.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format):
A graphic file type, developed by CompuServe, that is widely used on the Internet, especially used for simple images.
Gopher:
A menu-driven system used to access information on the Internet.
Graphics:
Pictures and images in various formats with GIF and JPG being the most widely used on the Internet.
GUI (Graphical User Interface):
Programs (Netscape, Internet Explorer, MS Word) and operating systems (Windows and Macintosh) that use graphics instead of commands and text to operate the system. "Point and click" programs using a mouse to choose options that are displayed in the form of graphics, icons and menus.
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H
Hit:
The basic unit of traffic used to measure someone accessing a server. Each access of a file or piece of information on a server. Not necessarily directly equivalent to the number of users accessing a particular server or Website.
Hacker:
A computer user or programmer who experiments with various codes often to gain illegal entry into a secured computer system.
Helper Application:
Another name for add-ons for Macintosh computers.
Home Page:
The starting page for access to a Website alternatively. Also referring to a personal page of information.
Host:
A computer on the network which provides resources to other computers; also the computer which provides direct access to the Internet to remote computers through dial up connections.
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language):
This is the computer layout script used to design the look of each Web page. Commands and rules are used to encode text files for use on the World Wide Web and link to other Web pages.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
Standard rules used to transfer and process HTML files and documents.
Hyperlink:
An object or text on a page that, when clicked, will take the viewer to another location.
Hypertext:
The basic concept of using encoded text on Websites to transfer users from one location to another on the same site or elsewhere on the Internet.
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I
Icon:
Usually small graphic representation of a computer program or file that is displayed on the computer monitor for easy "point and click" interface.
Image Map:
A picture in which clicking on different areas provides links to different URL' 5.
Impression (View):
One banner ad downloaded and displayed to a viewer. Often used to determine ad costs with respect to a dollar amount for total impressions.
Insertion Order:
The order for a given ad to be placed on a site or network.
Internet:
The network of computer networks that allows worldwide communication via FTP, e-mail, World Wide Web, etc.
Interstitials:
Five to ten second animated messages (commercials) that appear while a Web page is loading. Very limited current use but a prominent prospect in the future of Web advertising.
IP Number (Address):
The unique number for a specific part of a machine on the Internet.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat):
A system that allows real-time text communication similar to Usenet newsgroups with instant messaging.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network):
A digital phone line and modem that transmits data at speeds of up to 128 K.
ISP (Internet Services Provider):
A service with a direct Internet connection which allows businesses and individuals to dial up through modems and connect to the Internet.
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J
JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group):
An algorithm for image compression used with more complex images such as photos.
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K
K (Kbps):
Kilobits per second. (Used to express data transfer rates.)
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L
LAN (Local Area Network):
A computer network linking PC's allowing them to operate and share data within a common environment.
List Server:
A program that sends mailing lists to subscribers by e-mail.
Listserve:
A program that automates the process of subscribing to and un-subscribing from mailing list or discussion. They may also distribute welcome information and updates such as FAQ sheets.
Login:
The process of connecting one computer system to another or accessing a program on or off line.
Logoff:
The process of disconnecting from another computer system or program.
Lurk:
Passive participation of reading discussion group messages without contributing.
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M
Mailing Lists:
A list or group similar to a Usenet discussion group whereby individuals communicate on a chosen topic by sending e-mail to an automatic remailer which, in turn, sends the message to everyone on the list.
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension):
A program that allows standard e-mail transmission of binary files over the Internet as opposed to only sending ASCII files.
Mosaic:
Innovator of the point and click graphic browser now surpassed by competitors Internet Explorer and Netscape.
Modem (modulate/demodulate):
Electronic devices that translate computer signals into sound that can in turn be sent and received using phone lines. Modem technology working at 28.8K or 56.6K are adequate.
MPEG (Moving Picture Expert):
A standard for digital encoding of video.
Moderator:
A person who screens all incoming messages for content before they are posted to a discussion group. Screening varies from unmoderated (no screening) to checking for messages that relate to a very specific topic.
Multimedia System:
A system which incorporates a computer with other types of technology such as such as CD players, CD-ROM's and VCR's. This allows users to combine text, animation, audio, video, and graphics to create enhanced presentations.
Multimedia:
Documents or programs that integrate text, graphics, audio and video information.
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N
Netiquette (Internet Etiquette):
The socially acceptable rules of behavior when communicating on the Internet.
Netscape:
The second most popular World Wide Web browser incorporating e-mail and newsreader programs.
Network Control Operator:
Monitors data communications network to ensure that network is available to all system users and resolves data communications hardware and software.
Network:
A group of connected computers that allows them to communicate and exchange data.
Newbie:
New user of the Internet or its services.
Newsgroup:
(Usenet) discussion groups similar to a bulletin board where people can post ads and information and respond to other posts.
Newsreader:
A program used to access Usenet discussion groups.
NSFnet (National Science Foundation - net):
The system of connections that makes up the backbone of the Internet.
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O
Offline:
Time while computer is disconnected from another computer or network.
Online:
Time while computer is connected to another computer or network such as the Internet.
OSI (Open Systems Interconnections):
A technical specification of communication protocols.
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P
Packet:
The basic unit of data transmitted over the Internet, packets are transmitted independently and then reassembled at their destination.
Page Views:
The number of times a Web page is displayed often used in connection with the number of times a banner ad appears.
Page:
A computer file written in HTML that can be any length (while some readers will not read past several screens of information) and incorporate multimedia.
PC (Personal Computer):
A self-contained computer with its own monitor, data entry unit, and processing unit.
Pixel:
One unit of a computer image.
POP (Post Office Protocol):
A program that allows mail to be stored and retrieved by remote computer.
Post: To send a message to a discussion group.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol):
A set of rules and procedures that allows a computer to connect to the Internet and transmit packets by TCP/IP using a standard telephone line and a modem.
Packet Switching:
Breaking down a file into small uniform pieces, transmitting them, and reassembling them at their final destination.
Protocol:
A means by which different types of computers communicate with each other.
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R
RAM:
The random access memory in a computer.
ROM:
Read-only memory that can be edited and re-saved.
Router:
Hardware connecting two networks that use the same protocols, allowing transfer to data between them.
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S
Search Engine:
A database containing information about homepages categorized by keywords. Some popular engines include Lycos, Excite, Infoseek, Alta Vista, etc.
Server:
A computer that stores files that can be accessed through a network or over the Internet.
Shareware:
Software available on the Internet that is initially given out for free to allow the user to test the program. The designers generally expect payment at a later time. Oftentimes, the shareware is limited in some way, so that the user must purchase an upgrade to maintain or fully utilize the software.
Signature File:
A short message located at the end of an e-mail or discussion group posting that gives information about the sender that may include name, business name, phone numbers, etc.
Snail Mail:
Traditional postal mail so named for being slower than electronic mail.
Site:
A collective term covering all the Internet facilities offered by one organization.
SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol):
Similar to PPP and now being superseded by it.
Software Engineer:
Researches, designs, and develops computer software systems in conjunction with hardware product development, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Spam:
Unsolicited, and often inappropriate, messages sent to a large number of individuals or discussion groups. Also, cross-posting, or posting a message to many newsgroups that may have no direct relevance to the groups' discussions.
Spamdexing:
Abusive practice of submitting Websites to search engines in attempt to achieve higher listings using misleading keywords.
Spreadsheet:
A work sheet formatted with columns and rows to organize numerical data; also a computer program that produces such a work sheet (used in Lotus, Quattro Pro, MS Excel, etc.).
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T
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol):
The communications program common to most connected Internet computers.
Telnet:
System used to allow a remote computer to login to a host and access files and programs.
Thread:
A discussion within a newsgroup or other discussion group.
Traffic:
The volume of visitors or hits to a Website.
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U
Unique Users (Visits):
The number of different individuals that request files for a given site within a specific time period.
Unix:
Text-based operating system that is often used on Internet servers.
Upload:
Transfer files from a local computer to a remote computer (Opposite of download).
URL (Uniform Resource Locator):
The addressing system (similar to common phone line identification) that is used to locate files on the Internet. Just as you would dial 1(800)225-5288 (l(800)CALL ATT) to reach AT&T, the Internet location is http://www.att.com. Http, ftp, and gopher indicate the protocol used to reach the file.
URL (Universal Resource Locator):
This is an Internet address that tells a user where to locate a specific Web HTML file. For example, Target Mall Pages reside at http://www.tar~etmall.com/home
Usenet Newsgroups:
The largest collection of discussion groups supporting over 50,000 different topical groups.
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V
Veronica:
Keyword based search system used to search gopher menus.
Viewer:
A program that allows graphics or video files to be viewed by a WWW browser.
Views:
See Impressions (Also called Exposures).
Virtual Reality:
A system designed to allow human-like interaction using 3-D graphics on special monitors (including goggles and headsets) and interfaces that capture hand and body movement.
Visit:
A series of file requests by one user at one site. If the visitor makes no new requests for files during a given time period, the next request is considered a new visit.
Visitor to Sales Ratio:
The number of visits to a site divided by the number of purchases on that site.
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W
WAN (Wide Area Network):
Same city location; connects Local Area Networks.
Website:
The Website is a location on the Internet, specifically it refers to the POP location in which it resides. All Websites are referenced using a special addressing scheme called a URL. A Website can mean a single HTML file put up by an individual (called a personal page) or hundreds of files placed on the net by a commercial venture.
WWW (World Wide Web):
A system designed to utilize hypertext and hypermedia documents (including text, graphics, video, and sound) through the Internet.
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Z
Zine (E-zine):
An electronic magazine published on the Internet.
