Web Glossary
Web Glossary
Web Glossary
ActiveMovie
A web technology for streaming movies from a web server to a web client. Developed by
Microsoft.
ActiveX
A programming interface (API) that allows web browsers to download and execute Windows
programs. (See also Plug-In)
Address
See Web Address.
Anchor
In web terms: The starting point or ending point of a hyperlink.
Anonymous FTP
See FTP Server.
ANSI C
An international standard for the C programming language.
Amaya
An open source web browser editor from W3C, used to push leading-edge ideas in browser
design.
Animation
A set of pictures simulating movement when played in series.
Anti-Virus Program
A computer program made to discover and destroy all types of computer viruses.
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Apache
An open source web server. Mostly for Unix, Linux and Solaris platforms.
Applet
See web applet.
Archie
A computer program to locate files on public FTP servers.
ARPAnet
The experimental network tested in the 1970's which started the development of the Internet.
Authentication
In web terms: the method used to verify the identity of a user, program or computer on the web.
Banner Ad
A (most often graphic) advertisement placed on a web page, which acts as a hyperlink to an
advertiser's web site.
Bandwidth
A measure for the speed (amount of data) you can send through an Internet connection. The
more bandwidth, the faster the connection.
Baud
The number of symbols per second sent over a channel.
Binary Data
Data in machine readable form.
BMP (Bitmap)
A format for storing images.
Bookmark
In web terms: A link to a particular web site, stored (bookmarked) by a web user for future use
and easy access.
Browse
Term to describe a user's movement across the web, moving from page to page via hyperlinks,
using a web browser. (See Web Browser).
Browser
See Web Browser.
C
An advanced programming language used for programming advanced computer applications.
C# (C Sharp)
A Microsoft version of C++ with added Java-like functions.
Case Sensitive
A term used to describe if it is of importance to use upper or lower case letters.
Cache
In web terms: A web browser or web server feature which stores copies of web pages on a
computer's hard disk.
Chat
An on-line text-based communication between Internet users.
CGI Bin
The folder (or directory) on a web server that stores CGI programs.
CGI Program
A small program that handles input and output from a web server. Often CGI programs are used
for handling forms input or database queries.
Cinepac
A codec for computer video.
Client
See Web Client.
Client/Server
In web terms: The communication and separation of workload between a web client and a web
server.
Click
In web terms: A mouse click on a hyperlink element (such as text or picture) on a web page
which creates an event such as taking a visitor to another web page or another part of the same
page.
Clickthrough Rate
The number of times visitors click on a hyperlink (or advertisement) on a page, as a percentage
of the number of times the page has been displayed.
Communication Protocol
A standard (language and a set of rules) to allow computers to interact in a standard way.
Examples are IP, FTP, and HTTP.
Compression
A method of reducing the size (compress) of web documents or graphics for faster delivery via
the web.
Computer Virus
A computer program that can harm a computer by displaying messages, deleting files, or even
destroying the computer's operating system.
Cookie
Information from a web server, stored on your computer by your web browser. The purpose of a
cookie is to provide information about your visit to the website for use by the server during a
later visit.
Database
Data stored in a computer in such a way that a computer program can easily retrieve and
manipulate the data.
Database System
A computer program (like MS Access, Oracle, and MySQL) for manipulating data in a database.
DB2
A database system from IBM. Mostly for Unix and Solaris platforms.
Dial-up Connection
In web terms: A connection to Internet via telephone and modem.
Discussion Group
See Newsgroup.
DNS Server
A web server running DNS.
Domain Name
The name that identifies a web site. (like: W3Schools.com)
Download
To transfer a file from a remote computer to a local computer. In web terms: to transfer a file
from a web server to a web client. (see also Upload).
Dynamic IP
An IP address that changes each time you connect to the Internet. (See DHCP and Static IP).
E-mail Address
The address used for sending e-mails to a person or an organization. Typical format is
username@hostname.
E-mail Server
A web server dedicated to the task of serving e-mail.
Encryption
To convert data from its original form to a form that can only be read by someone that can
reverse the encryption. The purpose of encryption is to prevent unauthorized reading of the data.
Error
See Web Server Error.
Ethernet
A type of local area network (see LAN).
Firewall
Software that acts as a security filter that can restrict types of network communication. Most
often used between an individual computer (or a LAN) and the Internet.
Flash
A vector-based multimedia format developed by Macromedia for use on the web.
Form
See HTML Form.
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Forum
In web terms: The same as Newsgroup.
Frame
In web terms: A part of the browser screen displaying a particular content. Frames are often used
to display content from different web pages.
FrontPage
Web development software for the Windows platform. Developed by Microsoft.
FTP Server
A web server you can logon to, and download files from (or upload files to). Anonymous FTP is
a method for downloading files from an FTP server without using a logon account.
Gateway
A computer program for transferring (and reformatting) data between incompatible applications
or networks.
GB
Same as Gigabyte. 10GB is ten gigabytes.
Gigabyte
1024 megabytes. Commonly rounded down to one billion bytes.
Graphics
In web terms graphics describe pictures (opposite to text).
Graphic Monitor
A display monitor that can display graphics.
Graphic Printer
A printer that can print graphics.
Graphical Banner
See Banner Ad.
Helper application
In web terms: A program helping the browser to display, view, or work with files that the
browser cannot handle itself. (See Plug-In).
Hits
The number of times a web object (page or picture) has been viewed or downloaded. (See also
Page Hits).
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Home Page
The top-level (main) page of a web site. The default page displayed when you visit a web site.
Host
See Web Host.
Hosting
See Web Hosting.
Hotlink
See Hyperlink.
Trojan Horse
Computer program hidden in another computer program with the purpose of destroying software
or collecting information about the use of the computer.
HTML Document
A document written in HTML.
HTML Editor
A software program for editing HTML pages. With an HTML editor you can add elements like
lists, tables, layout, font size, and colors to a HTML document like using a word processor. An
HTML editor will display the page being edited exactly the same way it will be displayed on the
web (See WYSIWYG).
HTML Form
A form that passes user input back to the server.
HTML Page
The same as an HTML Document.
HTML Tags
Code to identify the different parts of a document so that a web browser will know how to
display it.
HTTP Server
A computer program providing services from a web server.
Hyperlink
A pointer to another document. Most often a pointer to another web page. A hyperlink is a
synonym for a hotlink or a link, and sometimes called a hypertext connection to another
document or web page.
Hypermedia
An extension to hypertext to include graphics and audio.
Hypertext
Hypertext is text that is cross-linked to other documents in such a way that the reader can read
related documents by clicking on a highlighted word or symbol. (see also hyperlink)
IE (Internet Explorer)
See Internet Explorer.
Indeo
A codec for computer video developed by Intel.
Internet
A world wide network connecting millions of computers. (See also WWW)
Internet Browser
See Web Browser.
Internet Explorer
A browser by Microsoft. The most commonly used browser today.
Intranet
A private (closed) Internet, running inside a LAN (Local Area Network).
IP (Internet Protocol)
See TCP/IP.
IP Packet
See TCP/IP Packet.
IRC Client
A computer program that enables a user to connect to IRC.
IRC Server
An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving IRC connections.
Java
A programming language developed by SUN. Mostly for programming web servers and web
applets.
Java Applet
See Web Applet.
JavaScript
The most popular scripting language on the internet, developed by Netscape.
JScript
Microsoft's version of JavaScript.
K
Same as kilobyte 10K is ten kilobytes..
KB
Same as kilobyte 10KB is ten kilobytes..
Keyword
In web terms: A word used by a search engine to search for relevant web information.
In database terms: A word (or index) used to identify a database record.
Kilobyte
1024 bytes. Often called 1K, and rounded down to 1000 bytes.
Link
The same as a hyperlink.
Linux
Open source computer operating system based on Unix. Mostly used on servers and web servers.
Mail
In web terms: the same as e-mail.
Mail Server
See e-mail server.
MB
Same as Megabyte. 10MB is ten megabytes.
Megabyte
1024 kilobytes. Commonly rounded down to one million bytes.
Meta Search
The method of searching for meta data in documents.
Meta Tags
Tags inserted into documents to describe the document.
MIME Types
Document types defined by MIME.
Modem
Hardware equipment to connect a computer to a telephone network Typically used to connect to
the Internet via a telephone line.
Mosaic
The first commonly available web browser. Mosaic was released in 1993 and started the
popularity of the web.
MOV
A codec for computer video developed by Apple. Common file extension for QuickTime
multimedia files.
MP3 File
An file containing audio compressed with MP3. Most often a music track.
MPG
Common file extension for MPEG files.
MySQL
Free open source database software often used on the web.
Navigate
In web terms: The same as Browse.
Netscape
The browser from the company Netscape. The most popular browser for many years. Today IE
has the lead.
Newsgroup
An on-line discussion group (a section on a news server) dedicated to a particular subject of
interest.
News Reader
A computer program that enables you to read (and post messages) from an Internet newsgroup.
News Server
An Internet server dedicated to the task of serving Internet newsgroups.
Node
In web terms: A computer connected to the Internet, most often used to describe a web server.
Opera
The browser from the company Opera.
OS (Operating System)
The software that manages the basic operating of a computer.
Packet
See TCP/IP Packet.
Page Hits
The number of times a web page has been visited by a user.
Page Impressions
The same as Page Hits.
Ping
A method used to check the communication between two computers. A "ping" is sent to a remote
computer to see if it responds.
Platform
In web terms: The computer's operating system like Windows, Linux, or OS X.
Plug-In
An application built into another application. In web terms: A program built in (or added) to a
web browser to handle a special type of data like e-mail, sound, or movie files. (See also
ActiveX)
Port
A number that identifies a computer IO (input/output) channel. In web terms: A number that
identifies the I/O channel used by an Internet application (A web server normally uses port 80).
Protocol
See Communication Protocol.
Proxy Server
An Internet server dedicated to improve Internet performance.
QuickTime
A multimedia file format created by Apple.
Real Audio
A common multimedia audio format created by Real Networks.
Real Video
A common multimedia video format created by Real Networks.
Redirect
In web terms: The action when a web page automatically forwards (redirects) the user to another
web page.
Robot
See Web Robot.
Schema
See XML Schema.
Script
A collection of statements written in a Scripting Language.
Scripting Language
In web terms: A simple programming language that can be executed by a web browser or a web
server. See JavaScript and VBScript.
Scripting
Writing a script.
Shareware
Software that you can try free of charge, and pay a fee to continue to use legally.
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Shockwave
A format (technology) developed by Macromedia for embedding multimedia content in web
pages.
Search Engine
Computer program used to search and catalog (index) the millions of pages of available
information on the web. Common search engines are Google and AltaVista.
Semantic Web
A web of data with a meaning in the sense that computer programs can know enough about the
data to process it.
Server
See Web Server.
Server Errors
See Web Server Errors.
Solaris
Computer operating system from SUN.
SPAM
In web terms: The action of sending multiple unwelcome messages to a newsgroup or mailing
list.
Spider
See Web Spider.
Spoofing
Addressing a web page or an e-mail with a false referrer. Like sending an e-mail from a false
address.
Spyware
Computer software hidden in a computer with the purpose of collecting information about the
use of the computer.
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SQL (Structured Query Language)
An ANSI standard computer language for accessing and manipulating databases.
SQL Server
A database system from Microsoft. Mostly used on high traffic web sites running on the
Windows platform.
Static IP (address)
An IP address that is the same each time connect to the Internet. (See also Dynamic IP).
Streaming
A method of sending audio and video files over the Internet in such a way that the user can view
the file while it is being transferred.
Streaming Format
The format used for files being streamed over the Internet. (See Windows Media, Real Video
and QuickTime).
Tag
In web terms: Notifications or commands written into a web document. (See HTML Tags)
TCP/IP Address
See IP Address.
TCP/IP Packet
A "packet" of data sent over a TCP/IP network. (data sent over the Internet is broken down into
small "packets" from 40 to 32000 bytes long).
Unix
Computer operating system, developed by Bell Laboratories. Mostly used for servers and web
servers.
UNZIP
To uncompress a ZIPPED file. See ZIP.
Upload
To transfer a file from a local computer to a remote computer. In web terms: to transfer a file
from a web client to a web server. (see also Download).
USENET
A world wide news system accessible over the Internet. (See Newsgroups)
User Agent
The same as a Web Browser.
VB (Visual Basic)
See Visual Basic.
VBScript
A scripting language from Microsoft. VBScript is the default scripting language in ASP. Can
also be used to program Internet Explorer.
Virus
Same as Computer Virus.
Visit
In web terms: A visit to a web site. Commonly used to describe the activity for one visitor of a
web site.
Visitor
In web terms: A visitor of a web site. Commonly used to describe a person visiting (viewing) a
web site.
Visual Basic
A programming language from Microsoft.
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VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A private network between two remote sites, over a secure encrypted virtual Internet connection
(a tunnel).
Web Address
The same as an URL or URI. See URL.
Web Applet
A program that can be downloaded over the web and run on the user's computer. Most often
written in Java.
Web Client
A software program used to access web pages. Sometimes the same as a Web Browser, but often
used as a broader term.
Web Browser
A software program used to display web pages.
Web Document
A document formatted for distribution over the web. Most often a web document is formatted in
a markup language like HTML or XML.
Web Error
See Web Server Error.
Web Form
See HTML Form.
Web Host
A web server that "hosts" web services like providing web site space to companies or
individuals.
Web Hosting
The action of providing web host services.
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Web Page
A document (normally an HTML file) designed to be distributed over the Web.
Web Robot
See Web Spider.
Web Server
A server is a computer that delivers services or information to other computers. In web terms: A
server that delivers web content to web browsers.
Web Services
Software components and applications running on web servers. The server provides these
services to other computers, browsers or individuals, using standard communication protocols.
Web Site
A collection of related web pages belonging to a company or an individual.
Web Spider
A computer program that searches the Internet for web pages. Common web spiders are the one
used by search engines like Google and AltaVista to index the web. Web spiders are also called
web robots or wanderers.
Web Wanderer
See Web Spider.
Wildcard
A character used to substitute any character(s). Most often used as an asterix (*) in search tools.
Windows Media
Audio and video formats for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See ASF, ASX, WMA and
WMF).
WINZIP
A computer program for compressing and decompressing files. See ZIP.
WMA
Audio file format for the Internet, developed by Microsoft. (See also WMV).
WML Script
Scripting language (programming language) for WML.
Worm
A computer virus that can make copies of itself and spread to other computers over the Internet.
WWW Server
The same as a Web Server.
XForms
A future version of HTML Forms, based on XML and XHTML. Differs from HTML forms by
separating data definition and data display. Providing richer and more device independent user
input.
XPath
XPath is a set of syntax rules (language) for defining parts of an XML document. XPath is a
major part of the W3C XSL standard.
XQuery
XQuery is a set of syntax rules (language) for extracting information from XML documents.
XQuery builds on XPath. XQuery is developed by W3C.
XML Document
A document written in XML.
XML Schema
A document that describes, in a formal way, the syntax elements and parameters of a web
language. Designed by W3C to replace DTD.
ZIP
A compressing format for computer files. Commonly used for compressing files before
downloading over the Internet. ZIP files can be compressed (ZIPPED) and decompressed
(UNZIPPED) using a computer program like WINZIP.
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