The Amaryllis Glossary of Internet Terms

This Glossary of Internet Terms offers basic explanations for many common expressions found on the Internet. You can use the Find function of your browser (Menu: Edit: Find) to search quickly for keywords.

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address
A way of denoting the location of a site or user on the Internet, e.g. 192.108.124.508 or user.amaryllis.co.uk
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, broadband technology which permits ultra-high speed data transmission over ordinary copper telephone wires.
AFAIC
Shorthand for "As Far As I'm Concerned".
AFAICS
Shorthand for "As Far As I Can See".
AFAIK
Shorthand for "As far As I Know".
AIUI
Shorthand for "As I Understand It".
Alta Vista
A popular Internet search engine. See http://www.altavista.co.uk.
analogue (analog)
Of information which is of a continuously variable entity, e.g. an audio microphone signal. Often degraded by "noise" or outside interference.
anonymous FTP
The act of obtaining openly-available computer files from an FTP server, using the File Transfer Protocol when logged in as an "anonymous" user. The latest web browsers hide the anonymous logging-in FTP procedure from the user.
article
An individual message posted into a newsgroup thread.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. System for denoting up to 128 alphanumeric characters and other symbols using a 7 bit number. E.g. 101 0111 is the ASCII code for "W" and 111 0000 is "p".
attachment
Any file (graphic, program etc.) which is appended to an E-mail message. Attachments may contain a damaging virus and should be scanned before opening, unless received from a trusted source.
AUP
Acceptable Use Policy, the sometimes contractual terms relating to the use of a facility, in order to prevent abuse.
avatar
An iconic graphical symbol (e.g. a cartoon character) representing the persona of an actual user in, say, a chat forum.
.avi
Audio/ Video Interleaved format, a multimedia Windows® movie/ sound file format.
backbone
The term applied to the major Internet communications links which span the country or world.
backslash
The \ symbol, used in DOS-based computer systems and Windows® pathnames.
bandwidth
A general term indicating the available capacity within a communications link.
banner
An eyecatching advertisement graphic positioned prominently on a web page, in the hope that users will click on it.
baud
The rate per second at which, e.g. a modem, can transmit groups of binary digits. Example, a modem operating at 14,400 baud and sending 4 bits per baud transition would transmit 57,600 bits per second. Hence the baud rate determines the overall modem speed.
BBS
Bulletin Board System, a computer file resource accessible by ordinary modem-to-modem communications using a terminal program (e.g. Windows® Hyperterminal or Procomm for Windows®) over an ordinary modem/ phone call, rather than over the Internet
bcc:
Blind Carbon Copy/ Blind Courtesy Copy: an E-mail sent to a party and also bcc'd to a third user, will be received by the third user without the knowledge of the main recipient party. A way of secretly copying someone else with an E-mail.
beta
Term relating to prototype software, in not quite its final form, and which may therefore contain bugs.
binary
The term often used for a graphical image file, data file (e.g. a word-processing file) or a program - i.e. anything other than a simple ASCII text file.
binhex
(Binary-to-Hexadecimal) A technique for converting binary files into plaint text ASCII characters, which can then be transmitted by Internet as if an ordinary text E-mail.
bit
A binary digit, i.e. zero or one.
body
The main part of an E-mail message.
boot
To start a computer. (Re-boot: to re-start it.)
bounce
When a message, e.g. an E-mail, is returned as undeliverable.
broadband
High speed, always-on Internet connection available through ADSL, cable, satellite or wireless. Always strictly subject to availability in your region.
brownout
Term describing a power reduction (as opposed to a total failure), which causes a maloperation in computer hardware or other electronic equipment.
browser
Software which enables users to view pages via the World-Wide Web. Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most common, followed by Netscape Navigator and Opera.
bug
Fault or other undesirable feature in computer software.
byte
Usually, 8 binary digits.
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cable modem
A high-speed modem which operates in conjunction with a cable network provider rather than via a telephone line to provide broadband Internet access
cache
A fast and efficient buffer or intermediate storage stage, including temporary files retrieved from the Internet and stored in a cache on a computer hard disk.
caret
The ^ symbol (shift 6, on UK keyboards)
cc:
Carbon Copy/ Courtesy Copy: a way of copying an E-mail to another party (with the knowledge of all parties concerned).
CCITT
Comité Consultatif International Télégraphique et Téléphonique.
CD
Carrier Detect, modem indication confirming that a "carrier" signal (the base signal which will be modulated in order that it can transmit data) has been sensed and the modem is on-line.
CERN
Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire [European Particle Physics Laboratory]. The Geneva-based research body where HTML - the formatting and layout language of World Wide Web pages - was originally conceived by Englishman Tim Berners-Lee, to enable highly complex physics data to be shared amongst scientists using a computer network.
cgi-bin
Common Gateway Interface Binaries, a resource installed on a web server permitting scripts (programs) to be executed. May be used for producing responses in relation to user actions, price quote requests, etc. Often seen in URLs of active web pages.
channel
An Internet delivery route through which streams of information (e.g. from a magazine, news or TV station's web site) can be "pushed" to interested users who subscribe to that channel.
chat
Highly popular application for the Internet, involving two or more users communicating in real time by typing messages on a screen. Has a shorthand all of its own, and will appear bizarre to many "outside" users.
CHAP
Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol, a security technique used by ISPs to confirm user identities.
charter
The declared policy and rationale behind a newsgroup.
click-thru
Describes the act of clicking (with a mouse) on a banner advert, in order to go and visit the corresponding advertiser's web site.
client
A computer system on the user or "receiving" end of a client/ server connection, the client providing an interface with the user, whilst the remotely-located server contains the main processing resources.
comms
Abbreviation for communications.
community
A model used by ISPs or marketing companies to engender a mutual spirit or identity amongst community members, e.g. by providing a localised portal site which then offers a focal point for companies to target advertising towards its users.
connectoid
Nickname for setting up a DUN connection for an ISP using Microsoft Windows® rather than using a program's proprietary dial-up services.
cookie
A very small text-file which is downloaded onto a computer when the user visits certain web sites. Enables "personalisation" and identification next time they visit.
cps
Characters per second, an indication of data transmission speed. One character is roughly equal to ten binary digits (bits), i.e. one character byte (usually 8 bits) plus one start and one stop bit.
cracker
A user who breaks through the security systems of a computer system in order to access the main system or data stored on it.
cyberspace
The popular term for the intangible environment in which Internet users co-exist.
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DCE
Data Communications Equipment, e.g. a modem.
DTE
Data Terminal Equipment, e.g. a computer attached to a modem.
data
A piece or a collection of information in electronic form.
dictionary attack
A technique whereby an entire computerised dictionary of words is launched at a password-protected file or site, in an attempt to "crack" it.
demo
Abbreviation for "demonstration", often used for demo computer software, which may be time-limited or otherwise restricted to demonstration purposes only.
Denial of Service Attack
An attempt to disrupt an Internet Service by e.g. mailbombing network servers with excessive mail.
dialler
Software which makes an Internet connection by dialling into an ISP point of presence.
dial-up/ dial-in access
Denotes ordinary Internet access using a modem and telephone line to connect via an Internet Service Provider, usually at local call rates.
digital
Concerned with data in a numerical form - e.g. ISDN or compact discs are digital in nature. Offers great transmission accuracy and reliability compared with analogue systems.
digital certificate
A digital certificate is issued by a Certifying Authority (e.g. Verisign) to confirm the authenticity of an organisation or body. It facilitates secure on-line transactions via a Secure Server or other binding commercial trust-based communications.
DNS
Domain Name System, an Internet system which cross-refers users' IP numbers with human-readable addresses. Managed by Domain Name Server computer systems.
.doc
The file extension associated with Microsoft® Word document files.
domain name
A unique Internet address owned by an organisation, corporation or individual, e.g. amaryllis.co.uk - the co.uk identifies that it is a "company" or corporate name with a domain name registered in the UK.
DOS
Microsoft's Disk Operating System, a fast command-line OS for the IBM-compatible PC, and the precursor to the Windows® GUI.
Dotted Quad IP address
A resource's or user's numerical IP (Internet Protocol) address in the form of four numbers separated by full stops, e.g. 192.113.206.123. Recognisable by computers, and translated from/ into human-readable addresses using the (DNS) Domain Name Service.
download
To fetch computer files down from a remote server onto a local system. E.g. to download a demo file from the Internet onto a PC.
Dreamweaver
Professional web design software produced by Macromedia.
DTE
Data Terminal Equipment, a hardware system which either transmits or receives data via e.g. a modem over a communications link.
DTR
Data Terminal Ready, also TR, modem status indicator confirming the terminal is ready for dialling out or receiving incoming calls.
DUN
Microsoft Dial-Up Networking, a configuration containing settings to enable a Windows® 95+ computer to make an Internet connection with an ISP.
dynamic HTML
An advancement in ordinary "static" HTML which allows web pages to offer a more interactive experience to its users, by incorporating programming and scripting features.
dynamic IP address
A user's IP address which is fetched from a "pool" of available IP addresses, and which is allocated for that session only.
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emoticon
Emotion Icon, or "smiley", a way of adding nuances and expressions to text messages, so that the recipient is aware of the sender's feelings. e.g. :-)=happy/ smiling, :-(=sad, 8-)=smiling and wearing glasses, and so on.
Eudora
A popular E-mail client program for Windows® and Mac, now marketed by Qualcomm Inc. Amaryllis Q&A article available here
FAQ
Acronym for Frequently Asked Questions, used on web sites, support services and Usenet. (Usenet Netiquette says that the FAQ should be sought first, prior to asking what may be a very tiresome and often-repeated question for regular users of a newsgroup).
fax modem
A piece of hardware which translates data into/ from signals which can be transmitted over a telephone line, also capable of sending and receiving faxes for viewing/ printing by a computer. Amaryllis Q&A article available here
file extension
Alphanumeric characters added to a filename to denote the filetype. Example, the .doc extension denotes a file is a Microsoft® Word file.
file name/ filename
A name applied to a computer file to identify it. Example, myword.doc is a file named "myword" and a .doc extension, indicating it is a Microsoft® Word file called myword.
filter
A technique for sorting out, routeing or killfiling incoming messages and mails, to sort them into mailboxes on a user's system.
Finger
An Internet command to "point a finger" at other users or resources on the same or other sites, to extract basic information about them, e.g. log-in times or a list of E-mails (not their contents) awaiting delivery.
firewall
A protective software "screen" which prevents unauthorised access to or attacks on systems sheltered "behind" it.
flame
A term applied to a hostile or abusive E-mail or Usenet posting.
flame war
An openly hostile or aggressive debate between users, using e.g. E-mail or Usenet.
Flash
Macromedia's technology for producing high-impact vector graphics and animation, for incorporation into web pages.
follow-up
An article posted in a Usenet thread in reply to another. Also, the address to which any subsequent follow-ups will be directed (e.g. "follow-ups (have been) set to the poster").
font
A typeface used on a computer system. What a user actually sees on a web page in terms of typefaces, depends on what fonts are already installed on the user's computer system.
forward slash
The / symbol used in pathnames, on Unix-based systems, FTP sites etc.
Free service provider
The latest type of ISP with no subscription charges, financed by receiving a portion of the local phone call charge paid by the user, and also charging for support calls.
Front Page™
The web page authoring software produced by Microsoft®.
freeware
Computer software which is free of charge to the user.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol, a means of transferring computer files (images, text, web pages etc.) onto an FTP server (uploading) or from an FTP server (downloading) onto a local system.
FWIW
Shorthand for "For What It's Worth".
gateway
A way of using a single computer, connected to the Internet, to provide an Internet feed to several other computers on the same local area network (LAN). Only one Internet account call is made but several users benefit. Not permitted by some ISPs.
.gif/ GIF
Graphics Interchange Format image, a proprietary format created by CompuServe for sending images across the Internet. Maximum of 256 colours, almost all non-JPEG images on web pages are transmitted this way.
GUI
"Gooey" or Graphical User Interface, an on-screen method permitting a user to operate a computer program, usually with a mouse. The best-known examples are Microsoft Windows and the Apple Mac OS.
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hardware
Physical equipment which is "hard" - i.e. a computer, printer or other equipment
header
The often unseen (hidden by software) part of an E-mail message containing identity, configuration and routing data related to that message.
helper
A software application which "helps" other applications, e.g. a graphics viewer or audio player program to "help" a web browser.
hexadecimal
A numbering system based around Base 16, counting 0 - 9 followed on by A, B, C, D, E and F - 16 "numbers" in all.
hoax virus
An urgent-looking E-mail message warning against the presence of a fictitious virus, instructing the recipient to forward the same E-mail message to everyone he/ she knows. The damage is done by the act of transmitting the hoax warning to many users, unnecessarily.
Hotmail
The web-mail service now owned by Microsoft.
home page
The main starting page of a web site, usually the default index.htm or index.html.
HTML
Hypertext Mark-Up Language, the formatting commands applied to plain text, to convert it into material suitable for displaying in a web page.
hypertext
Computer-prepared text containing links to related topics, which can be followed with e.g. a mouse-click.
hyperlink
A link on e.g. a web site or on-screen Help file which, when clicked, jumps the user to another page.
IAP
Internet Access Provider, as ISP.
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol, a mechanism by which Internet control messages can be sent between systems.
ICQ
I-Seek-You, arguably the world's most popular (free) on-line chat and messaging program for Internet users, with endless customisable features.
IIRC
Shorthand for "If I Recall Correctly".
IM
Shorthand for "Instant Message" - or to send another user an IM.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol, an improved E-mail and message handling protocol allowing better control of multiple mailboxes over POP3. Not widely available.
IMO/ IMHO
Shorthand for "In My (Humble/ Honest) Opinion".
interface
A system or mechanism for connecting two entities together, e.g. a computer-user interface.
Internet
From International network of computer Networks, a network of differing computer networks connected together and communicating using a common language (TCP/IP).
Internet Café
A cosmopolitan cafeteria offering customers the opportunity to access the Internet via computers specially provided for this purpose.
Internet Content Provider
An ISP which also attempts to provide a wide range of on-line content for its users (news, sport, financial data, horoscopes etc.), often through a portal.
IP
Internet Protocol, the part of the TCP/ IP Internet communications protocol related to the creation and sending of packets of data using the Internet, as well as their reception and conversion back into information.
IRC
Internet Relay Chat, a popular application of the Internet enabling multiple users across the world to "chat" by typing messages to each other on-screen, all in real time.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network, a digital system for transmitting data at higher rates than can be achieved over an analogue network.
ISP
Internet Service Provider, an organisation providing an Internet connection for its users.
ISTR
Shorthand for "I seem to remember".
ITU
International Telecommunications Union. A Standards Committee controlling transmission protocols.
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JANET
The Joint Academic Network, a main Internet backbone affording high bandwidth full-time Internet connectivity to higher academic institutions.
Java™
A powerful, complete programming language created by Sun Microsystems, which amongst other uses enables dynamic web pages to be created through the use of Java "applets" or mini-programs, which are embedded in web pages and designed to be downloaded and run on virtually any type of user system.
Javascript™
A simple scripting language originally produced by Netscape Communications Corp. which allows further web page functionality to be run "on the fly" by a Javascript-capable browser.
.jpg/ JPEG
The file type (.jpg) indicating a JPEG image. JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. Usually compressed and "lossy" but often the best way for sending photographic images containing millions of colours by Internet or on CD ROM.
key escrow
A highly controversial arrangement in which private encrypted information can be ordered to be opened by e.g. a regulated body, forcing users to lodge their private keys with an official agency.
key pair
In Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), a key pair consists of a confidential private key (a passphrase known only to its owner) plus a corresponding public key which is freely distributed to anyone wishing to use it to send PGP-encrypted mail to the key pair owner.
Kb/ kilobit
Technically 1,024 bits (210) but sometimes (wrongly) assumed to be 1,000 bits.
KB/ kilobyte
Technically 1,024 bytes (210) but sometimes assumed to be 1,000 bytes. A byte usually contains 8 bits (binary digits).
killfile
The term related to a list of users (e.g. E-mail addresses) maintained by someone to try to block the receipt of incoming messages from those users.
KB (Knowledge Base)
An information resource commonly available on-line or on-disc, in practice often based on users' feedback, comments and frequently asked questions from customers. Example, the Microsoft® Knowledge Base.
LAN
Local Area Network, a small network of computers or terminals connected together and often sharing common resources.
latency
The time period inherent in a communications link which is the minimum amount of time needed for a signal to travel from one end of the link to the other.
link
A clickable connection displayed in e.g. a web page which when followed will take the user to another web page.
Linux
A free, open-source computer operating system akin to Unix. Popular amongst programmers as an alternative to more widespread operating systems.
LINX
The London Internet Exchange, where UK internet traffic is transferred out onto the Internet.
local loop
The term applied to the copper wires, owned by BT, which connect premises to a BT telephone exchange.
local system
A computer (system) operated directly by the user rather than connected at arm's length via a communications link. E.g.a personal computer as opposed to a "remote" computer.
LOL
Shorthand for Laughing Out Loud, with several meanings: simply laughing in response to e.g. a joke, or otherwise somewhat of a jeering laugh, as in Ha! I doubt it!
lurk
On Usenet (newsgroups), the act of looking and reading articles to learn the group's customs or to search for a FAQ, prior to deciding to post the first few times. Advisable when joining a group for the first time.
Lycos
A popular Internet search engine.
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macro
A small routine which performs a preset series of commands in a program, e.g. a word-processing or spreadsheet macro. Some macros (called macro viruses) are malevolent, and may cause damage or maloperation when run.
mailbomb
An attempt to disrupt or disable a user's E-mail feed, by "bombing" it with extremely large E-mail files, or a concerted attack by many users each doing the same.
mailbox
The term applied to a location on a mail server or a client system, in which E-mail is stored.
mailing list
An Internet "document" or group related to a particular subject (e.g. Minolta cameras or patchwork quilts) which is circulated by E-mail to all those who "subscribe" to it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
The free web browser marketed by Microsoft Inc.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, a standardisation enabling various filetypes to be sent directly over the Internet in an E-mail.
modem
Contraction of Modulator/ Demodulator, a device which translates computer data from (or into) signals which can be transmitted over a telephone line. Amaryllis Q&A article available here.
modem rack
An array of modems which handles the connections made by dial-in users at an ISP.
MOTD
Short for Message of the Day, a brief note displayed when a dial-in connection opens, in respect of network problems or service warnings.
.mov
The filetype or file extension associated with Apple QuickTime "movie" files.
Mozilla
The name of the dinosaur mascot created by Netscape Communications Corp. during the early development of their Navigator web browser. Also, the name given to the organisation co-ordinating Netscape Communicator V5.0, which has a freely available source code.
MP3
A highly-compressed file format enabling music tracks to be readily published and transmitted over the Internet.
.mpg/ MPEG
The filetype or file extension related to MPEG audio/ video files. (Moving Pictures Experts Group.)
MSIE
Microsoft Internet Explorer.
MSN
The Microsoft Network, proprietary Internet access provider.
MUD
Multi-user dungeon, an on-line gaming scenario involving Internet users competing against each other in real time.
Multilink PPP
Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol, a way of running several Internet connections in tandem, to increase the overall data throughput. Possible with some ISPs but not all, because of the extra resources used. (It also costs twice as much as a single connection.)
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Net
Shortened term meaning the Internet.
Netiquette
Net Etiquette, a largely unwritten but widely accepted set of rules encouraging good manners on the Internet, e.g. when using E-mail or Usenet. Amaryllis Q&A article available here.
Netscape® Navigator
The popular free web browser produced by Netscape® Communications Corporation.
newbie
The general term applicable to a newcomer to the Internet.
newsgroup
An individual topical group on Usenet, dedicated to a particular subject, usually controlled by the mutual co-operation of its users, guided by the Charter of the newsgroup (but occasionally anarchic in nature).
news reader
A software application which can accept article postings and sort them into relevant "threads" usually for off-line reading.
NNTP
Network News Transfer Protocol, the system related to the distribution of Usenet messages.
NOC
Acronym for Network Operations Centre, where an Internet network will be managed by the ISP concerned.
node
An identifiable individual location connected to a network or the Internet. E.g. an individual user with their own IP address.
Nominet
The independent UK body responsible for maintaining all.uk domain name registrations.
off-hook
When a modem is connected to a phone line (after traditional telephones, which connected when the handset was lifted up off the hook).
off-line
When disconnected from the Internet.
on-line
When connected to an Internet, e.g. in a dial-up session.
open source
Software having its source code readily available so that it can be adapted by programmers. E.g. Linux or Netscape Communicator 5.0
Opera
The slimline but effective web browser sold by Opera Software as an alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
OS
Operating System, computer programs which control the operation of the entire computer system. Example, Mac OS 8, MS DOS 6.2.
OT/ off topic
When an article or thread is wandering away from the intended subject of that thread or group discussion. Often irritating or discourteous to other users.
outage
A complete power or telecoms failure.
Outlook Express
The E-mail and newsreader client provided with Microsft Windows® 98. Amaryllis Q&A article available here.
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PAP
Password Authentication Protocol, a system for verifying the username and password of a user, when dialling up an Internet service.
passphrase
A password usually containing a mixture of upper and lower case characters, words and numbers, and is considered far stronger than a simple password that could be guessed or broken by a dictionary attack. Example, mYpa$$phra5eL00k5Ok2me.
pathname
Method of describing the location of a file in a computer file directory. Example, the file readme.txt may have a pathname of C:\ My Documents\ My letters\ readme.txt.
PGP
Acronym for Pretty Good Privacy.
ping
Packet Internet Groper, a means of checking the quality and speed of connectivity by timing how long it takes in milliseconds for a test "ping" to be returned by a remote service.
pixel
Short for picture element, the smallest "dot" of data which can be rendered in a computerised image.
point of presence
An ISP access point (phone number) into which users can connect to the Internet, usually paying local call rates.
POP
Acronym meaning Point of Presence.
POP3
Post Office Protocol 3, an E-mail delivery protocol allowing users to fetch and control E-mail waiting on their POP3 mail server. Amaryllis Q&A article available here.
port
A channel in a communications network dedicated to or available for a particular service, e.g. a web server.
portal
A comprehensive starting place (e.g. a default opening web page) provided by an ISP/ IAP or other content provider, usually containing adverts, news and other information, often in the hope that its users will be sufficiently interested to stay and peruse on-line advertisements on the same page.
POTS
Plain Old Telephone System/ Service. Basic phone line connection.
PPP
Point to Point Protocol, a data transmission technique required for dial-in Internet users to establish a link to the Internet via their ISP.
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)
A very strong encryption technique used to prevent unwanted interception and reading of E-mail and files. Used mostly for personal one-to-one communications, requires a key pair.
private key
In Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption, a private key is associated with a secret passphrase known only to its user which enables data, encrypted by another party using the user's corresponding public key, to be decrypted again.
proxy server
A localised server which acts as an intermediate buffer for caching e.g. web files downloaded from the Internet. In theory it should be quicker to fetch a file if it already exists on a proxy server, rather than having to reach out across the Internet to fetch it from the original source.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network - the phone system accessible by ordinary public users, over which modems communicate foe dial-up Internet access.
public key
In Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption, a party's public key is utilised by any user with PGP to encrypt messages, files etc. to be transmitted over the Internet to that party. The party then uses his corresponding private key to "unlock" or decrypt it again using PGP.
public keyring
In Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), a folder containing the public keys of one's correspondents.
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readme
Common name for a text file containing important last-minute instructions for the user to read first, before e.g. installing software. (Readme.txt or Readme.1st.)
RealAudio
Technique pioneered by RealNetworks™ which provides a near-constant stream of sound/ music over the Internet, by buffering the data so that there is always several seconds' worth of data in reserve awaiting playing, to avoid interruptions.
RealCall®
A web-to-phone service whereby web site users can enter their phone number, and the web site owner can phone them back immediately. (Amaryllis Design is a local distributor for RealCall - more details here.)
RealVideo
The streaming video format produced by RealNetworks™ to generate motion video/ sound over the Internet. Requires RealPlayer software.
RD
Receive data, modem indication of incoming data passing through the modem to the DTE.
remote
A computer connected via e.g. the Internet to a local system operated by the user.
Reply-To:
The E-mail address to where the reply made by the recipient of the original E-mail message will actually be sent. Example, if an E-mail is sent by Party A to Party B but has a Reply-To: address of fred@partyc.com, when Party B replies to the message, his message will actually go to fred@partyc.com, instead of back to Party A.
RFC
Request For Comments, originally the means by which the early evolution of the Internet was documented by its developers and techniques and protocols confirmed. Now an RFC represents a finalised and agreed standard.
ROFL/ ROTFL
Shorthand for Rolls On (The) Floor Laughing! A way of saying that you found e.g. a joke hilarious.
root
The basic "tree trunk" or starting place of a file directory, from which many folders or sub-directories can "branch out".
router
Hardware which interconnects multiple network users with an ISDN link to the Internet.
RTFM
Shorthand expletive meaning, "Read The F****** Manual", telling users to read the instructions before asking (silly or annoying) questions.
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SD
Send(ing) data, modem indication of data being transmitted from the DTE through the modem.
search engine
An Internet resource capable of suggesting lists of suitable web pages in response to a user's search query. Examples include Alta Vista and Yahoo.
Secure Server
Usually a web-based server operating under a digital certificate, which enables secure communications and E-commerce to take place. Often recognisable by the https:// protocol at the start of a URL, and a padlock or key symbol being visible in a browser toolbar.
server
In a client-server model, the system which performs the processing and computational aspects on behalf of the client. Also the name applied to a computer containing files (e.g. web pages) or E-mail for accessing by or distributing to the users.
Shockwave
A proprietary format created by Macromedia Inc. for producing multimedia presentations via e.g. a web page.
.sig (signature)
Shorthand for signature, a brief descriptive text applied at the end of an E-mail message or Usenet article with the sender's details, address, phone etc as desired. Usually, 4-5 lines long. Some newsgroup users become extremely annoyed when they see what they consider is an excessively long signature, but this is seldom an issue with one-to-one personal E-mail.
S/MIME
Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, a secure Internet communication technique based on the provision and use of digital certificates and S/MIME keys.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, a system used for the despatch of E-mail over the Internet.
snail mail
The term applied to traditional letter post.
software
Collective term for programs which run on a computer system.
spam
The term for unsolicited and unwanted E-mail (e.g. an advert) broadcast to multiple users, often hundreds of thousands at a time. The vast majority of spam originates from the USA. Spam, like "junk" faxes, is deeply unpopular because of the cost imposed on recipients in terms of their time and resources. Many ISPs prohibit their users from sending spam.
spider
A searching and indexing program sent out by a search engine which "crawls" over the Internet, searching for web page links and indexing them as it goes along.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer, using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) e.g. digital certificates to provide a secure (encrypted) channel for electronic commerce and on-line trading.
static IP address
An IP address which is permanently assigned to a user. Unusual amongst dial-in access users because of the reducing number of IP addresses available, but valuable for more serious Internet usage.
static web page
A web site which uses plain HTML, which does not offer any dynamic features (e.g. buttons which change when a mouse passes over them, etc.).
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TCP
Transmission Control Protocol, the part of the TCP/IP Internet communications protocol related to the reliable transmission of data packets over the Internet.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol, a technique by which individual computer systems or networks can all manage to communicate with each other on common terms.
TelNet (telnet)
A terminal-type application enabling a user to log in and access a remote system, as if the user were directly connected to it. Example, to telnet into a server to change the user's password.
terminal adaptor
A form of digital modem (a TA) used to connect a computer to an ISDN line.
thread
A progression of articles on an individual topic, contained in a newsgroup. Example, a thread on "Why dogs love marrowbone-flavoured milk" in the newsgroup uk.pets.dogs, may contain many articles and followups from dog owners debating the merits of marrowbone-flavoured milk in the UK.
tilde
The ~ symbol seen in some addresses.
time server
A server computer which can accurately correct the time/ day settings on a connecting computer, to synchronise it.
TR
Terminal Ready, modem status indicator confirming the terminal (e.g. including the attached computer) is ready for dialling out or receiving incoming calls.
Trojan Horse
An innocent-looking computer program or application which looks inviting (e.g. a game) but may actually cause hidden damage in the background when opened.
troll
A posting into e.g. a Usenet newsgroup which is deliberately calculated to "wind up" those who read it, often in the hope of enraging them.
.txt
The file extension relating to plain text files (ASCII files).
TLD
Top Level Domain, denoting those parts of a domain name which cannot be resolved any further, e.g. .net, .org, .co.uk., ac.uk
Traceroute
A utility for investigating the actual path between separate Internet addresses, e.g. for checking routing, accessibility or performance.
Turnpike
An E-mail, Usenet and dialler software package marketed by Demon Internet Ltd., adaptable for use with many other other ISPs. Amaryllis Q&A article available here.
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Unix
A powerful computer operating system used on web and FTP servers as well as in many commercial applications.
upload
To transfer files from a local system up onto a remote system.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply, which continues to power computers, servers, networks etc. should the main power fails.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator, denoting the address of a server and the type of protocol associated with it. Examples, http://www.amaryllis.co.uk or ftp://ftp.amaryllis.co.uk.
Usenet
Unix User Network, also called Newsgroups. Usenet consists of approx. 50,000 message groups each devoted to a particular subject (e.g. uk.telecom or uk.pets.cats.fluffy). Users who subscribe to a newsgroup can post messages and queries, or follow up the articles (contained in "threads") of other users.
username
The log-on identity of a network user, e.g. to be entered when connecting to their ISP.
uudecode
The technique for converting uuencoded files back from ASCII characters into the original binary file format.
uuencode
A technique for converting binary files (images, graphics, word processing documents etc.) into simple ASCII characters, which can then be sent as an E-mail, then uudecoded back again by the recipient. A file can convert into many thousands of lines of ASCII and the process may be hidden from the user by software.
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V.90
The ITU standardisation governing modem transmission speeds at up to 56Kbps, which is seldom achieved in practice due to line noise etc., but is now (more than) the maximum feasible with current modem technology.
virus
An undesirable computer file which "grows" on a host system, which may cause damage, perhaps being triggered on a particular date. Can also "infect" other systems by being transmitted over a network, or on a floppy disk, etc. A virus cannot be contained in an ordinary E-mail text, but can be "attached" to one, hidden in a computer file attachment.
VP
Virtual Places, the real-time chat service provided by Excite.
Web
The World Wide Web, or WWW, an inextricably connected "web" of web pages and web sites spanning the globe.
webboard
A simple discussion forum or message board in which Internet users can post messages to the webboard, to be viewed or followed up by other users some time later.
Webcrawler
A popular Internet search engine.
web mail
An E-mail service (usually free) hosted by a provider or marketing organisation. E-mail can then be accessed by users from anywhere in the world, e.g. at an Internet café, as it does not require special E-mail software but is controlled via a web page.
WebTV
The service or means for accessing web pages through a TV set, or through a TV card within a computer. Likely to become the main way in which ordinary consumers or non-computer users will access the Internet, also using E-mail through a web TV service at home.
whiteboard
A technique for sharing a "drawing board" between multiple users, each logged on to the Internet. Allows the exchange of ideas or comments amongst the group, in real time.
worm
A virus-like software which duplicates itself endlessly, often reaching out across networks or the Internet until affected systems can no longer cope with the scale of the attack and consequently crash. "Disinfected" systems can be re-infected by other machines on the same network which still have the worm resident.
X2
The 56Kbps standard set by US Robotics (3COM) prior to the eventual adoption of the V.90 56K protocol.
Yahoo
Popular search engine and web mail service, also hosting Virtual Places (VP) chat rooms.
YMMV
Shorthand for "Your Mileage May Vary" - meaning, you might get different results in practice.
zip
One popular method for compressing a file or multiple files into a smaller, or combined, "zip" file. Denoted by the .zip filetype, e.g. newprogram.zip
Zip disk/ drive
Proprietary 100MB or 250MB removable disk format by Iomega, for Mac and PC.

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© 2001 Amaryllis. This Glossary of Internet Terms is provided as a service to customers and web users. It is not intended to be comprehensive but offers basic explanations of most commonly-used terms. Comments welcomed to arw@amaryllis.co.uk. Copyright. May not be used or framed on any other site nor downloaded/ printed or redistributed for commercial use.