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Glossary of Common Web and Technical Terms


# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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403: The server is refusing access to the requested information.

404: The server is responsive but not able to find the requested information; it has likely been moved, renamed, or deleted.

A
access: The ability to retrieve or view information. May be restricted by security controls.

accessibility: Defined by specific features that help persons with disabilities interact with machines and web pages, such as high-contrast colors and large fonts.

ACK: Request acknowledged (such as SYN-ACK).

ActiveX: Components that can be embedded within software (such as browsers, or even web pages) that can control other applications. Has been met with criticism and thus is often disabled due to security risks.

ad inventory: How much advertising space and time is available for a web site.

ad network: The distribution software, affiliates, or company engaged in distributing third-party advertisements such as banners, text links, or email. Just as television networks serve ads to cable and satellite services, so do ad networks serve ads to websites.

address bar: A text box that displays the current location, such as the URL.

adware: Software installed on a local machine that delivers or directs the user to advertisements.

affiliate marketing: An agreement between two entities whereby one advertises the other's product or service in return for compensation.

aggregator: An application (such as an RSS reader) that retrieves and organizes pieces of information such news or blog entries. Also refers to a website that does this.

AIIM: Association for Information and Image Management. A non-profit dedicated to helping organizations streamline records handling. See enterprise content management.

Ajax: Asynchronous Javascript and XML. A framework to develop web code that streams information from a server without the need navigate across multiple pages. Pages are often divided into frames.

Alexa: A service that collects and displays traffic data for websites.

anchor link: A link that points to a specific place within the same page. The letters at the top of this page are anchor links.

Apache: The most popular web server software. Its purpose is to handle requests to send and receive data, though it has been modified over time to provide many more functions.

API: Application Programming Interface. A set of rules and conveniences provided by a library to aid software development.

applet: An application that runs within another, such as a Flash player.

application service provider: A firm that provides application use over the internet. More specifically, the access to these applications hosted, controlled by, and computed on the firm's servers.

ASP: Active Server Pages. A server-side script for early dynamic web pages.

ASP.net: ASP's successor. A framework for developing more powerful and functional dynamic web pages.

Atom: A pair of related standards. One, written in XML, is for web feeds and the other, HTML, is for updating resources.

authentication: A process of confirming the identity or privileges of a user or program.

avatar: A user's graphical representation or portrait used in forums, games, or other interactive mediums. Usually refers only to two dimensional works.

B
B2B: Business-to-Business. Transactions or communication between businesses, such as manufacturer to retailer.

B2C: Business-to-Consumer. Transactions or communication between a business and customer, such as selling a product or addressing questions.

bandwidth: A measurement of the amount of data being transferred per unit of time, e.g. 512kb/s equals one half megabyte of data transferred per second. A bandwidth limit refers to a maximum amount allowed, say, per month according to one's webhost or ISP.

baud: A measurement of pulses or modulations per time.

BBS: Bulletin Board System. Originally direct-connection ASCII text forums. They have been superseded by web forums, and have few users left.

blog: An online journal used to post news items, updates, or random thoughts. Usually includes tools to organize posts.

bookmark: A stored URL that quickly allows a user to both mark and revisit a web site.

boolean search: A set of modifiers to produce more limited and thus accurate search results.

bot: An automated application used most commonly for spamming, disruption, or cheating in games.

botnet: A group of computers running automated scripts in collusion, particularly over IRC. Similar to zombie networks.

brick: To render completely useless and irreparable. Bricked hardware must be replaced with brand new components.

browser: A software application that interprets web pages into human-readable form.

business process management: An all-encompassing approach to efficiency and innovation to maximize effectiveness via technological integration.

C
C++: A widely-used mid-level programming language.

C2B: Consumer-to-Business. A murky definition that applies to individuals who offer products or services, such as images, articles, or code, to businesses who pay for them. Relationships vary but common facets are small projects or singular workpieces, limited compensation per event, and limited time.

C2C: Consumer-to-Consumer. Transactions between private individuals through a third-party, like auction websites or classifieds.

cache: An area of temporarily-stored data for quick retrieval.

captcha: A randomly-generated image of distorted text used as a passcode to thwart bots.

case-sensitive: Whether or not the software differentiates between upper and lower case letters, such as for passwords.

cash conversion cycle: The time it takes to convert resources into usable cash; does not include credit.

certificate: A document signed with a digital signature to verify the identity of the presenter.

CGI bin: A server directory that contains the servers' CGI applications.

CGI: Common Gateway Interface. A standard that allows applications to instruct servers to execute another program, as in performing computations rather than merely fetching data.

chatroom: A shared space where multiple users communicate via text.

checkout: The end use of a shopping cart, when a customer enters their information to purchase goods.

clickthrough rate: The number of clickthroughs versus impressions, expressed as a percentage and used to measure the ad's effectiveness.

clickthrough: A user clicking on an hosted advertisement and being taken to the advertisement owner's website.

client: A program used to access the services of another.

client-side: The end-user's machine. For example, the rendering of a video within a browser is handled by the viewer's computer and not the sending server; thus rendering is a client-side function.

cloud computing: Applications are powered by servers or machines other than the user's own; the results are then sent to the user with minimal processing required.

codec: Compressor-Decompressor (or encoder-decoder). Used to format or play multimedia files.

ColdFusion: Developed to allow dynamically generated websites in tandem with a database.

collaboration platform: Any number of different systems that allow multiple users to accomplish a task. Collaboration platforms may include file repositories, synchronized files, personnel hierarchy, or mass communication & interaction technologies such as wikis.

COM: Component Object Model. A standard created to allow programmers to create objects (functionalities) that could be reliably reused across multiple applications. Succeeded by .NET.

command line: Text-based user input, commonly associated with old DOS and UNIX systems, but still present in modern operating systems.

community: A gathering point for individuals to share, discuss, or play games. Over time, the society may homogenize and develop its own culture and customs.

content management system: Web software that organizes, interprets, and displays a large amount of multimedia information that has powerful tools to edit this content and add functionality.

cookies: Text files collected through the browser to save user settings, identification, and statistical data.

cost per action: Amount paid for the number of satisfied actions, the action being arbitrarily defined by the advertiser (such as product sales, filled-in forms, or software download, not simply clicks or impressions).

cost per click: Amount paid for the number of clickthroughs. Oftentimes advertisers will contract for a specific number of clicks rather than impressions or a time frame.

cost per million (Latin: thousand) impressions: Abbreviated CPM. Amount paid for 1,000 ad views.

cost per sale: Amount paid for each completed sale, usually a percentage.

Creative Commons: A copyright convention that promotes use by third parties but with differing levels of restrictions.

CSS: Cascading Style Sheets. Used to apply a theme across all web pages using a single set of instructions instead of recreating the theme in each new HTML file. Enforces consistency and saves time.

customer relationship management: Making the best, most efficient use of current or potential customer data to drive sales and boost image.

D
data mining: Software that searches a user's computer for private or statistical information.

database: Information organized in a way that it is easy to find, such as descriptive headings or tags.

decrypt: To transform encrypted information into readable form.

deep link: Linking to a page of another site that is not the homepage.

DHTML: Dynamic HTML. Allows interactive and animated web sites using such scripts as Javascript, as well as web design conveniences such as CSS.

Digg: A socially-driven website that allows users to submit and vote on news stories (and other topics of interest) as well as discuss them.

direct link: Also known as: hotlink, inline link, leeching. It pulls data (images, other files) from another's server without directing users to a content host's page. It is considered bandwidth theft.

DivX: A video codec derived from MPEG-4, owned by DivX, Inc.

DNS: Domain Name Service. Translates numerical domain addresses (IP) into meaningful names, such as 208.77.188.166 which resolves to example.com.

DOM: Document Object Model. A convention that names, relates, and describes elements of web pages.

DoS: Denial of Service attack. Any number of methods carried out to disrupt server operation, usually by overloading it with requests.

download: To receive information.

DSL: Digital Subscriber Line. Technologies that allow higher bandwidth transmission over standard telephone lines.

dynamic website: A website whose pages are generated by user/code requests by making use of databases, SSIs, or similar scripting. See its opposite, static webpage.

E
e-business: A general term describing businesses who conduct trade and operations electronically, including down to the level of internal memos.

e-commerce: Conducting business over the internet or related technologies, usually refers to the retail of goods.

e-tailer: Electronic Retailer. A business engaged in selling products at retail over the internet.

EDI: Electronic Data Interchange. The transference of operating documents (such as invoices & payments) between businesses.

EFT: Electronic Funds Transfer. The digital transfer of money across accounts.

empty vessel: A company naming convention that creates neutral or non-existent words to not offend or avoid trademark disputes. The lack of connotation and meaning can make it immemorable or non-sequitur.

encrypt: To transform information in way that is unreadable by using an algorithm. It can only be decrypted by knowing the key.

enterprise content management: Complete records and documents management, from creation to storage to dissemination; especially in regards to security and workflow. See AIIM.

enterprise resource management: Company-wide integration of all information into a computerized nexus for analysis, dissemination, workflow, cost, and process coordination.

ethernet: IEEE 802.3 technologies standard for wired LAN. The connectors look like wide phone jacks.

EULA: End User License Agreement. A common contract between the software developer/publisher and the user that outlines the terms of use.

extranet: Essentially a part of an intranet that is viewable to outside networks (such as selected partners or the even entire internet)

F
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. A listed of anticipated or often-asked questions (with answers, of course) to reduce work, time, and staff spent answering them.

farm: A cluster of many things, such as servers or interlinked web sites.

FAT: File Allocation Table. A file system that is widely compatible with various operating systems.

feed: A regularly updated stream of information such as news articles.

firewall: A software application that denies or allows packets in and out.

Flash: A multimedia plug-in developed by Macromedia (now owned by Adobe) used for videos, games, animations, and utilitarian functions.

forum: A community discussion board on the web. Usually requires registration and comments are moderated.

frame: A web design technique that divides a browser view into parts that each display different HTML. Some parts may remain static while others are scrollable.

Free Software Foundation: An organization that promotes free use, modification, and distribution of software.

freeware: Free-to-use software. Restrictions may be imposed upon its use, such as reverse engineering, distribution, or reselling.

FrontPage: A limited HTML editor by Microsoft.

FTC: In addition to applicable offline regulations, the Federal Trade Commission also has specific policies for internet user privacy, spam, and advertising.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol. A way to directly download or upload files from or to a server.

G
Gecko: A layout engine developed by Mozilla used in many of its products.

gross impressions: Total number of impressions, including those seen by a unique user multiple times.

GUI: Graphical User Interface. A visual means of application navigation, as opposed to a command line.

H
HDD: Hard Disk Drive. Spinning platters that store data optically.

helpdesk: An information and personal assistance resource for troubleshooting network and computer issues.

hit: A request for a file from a server. Not an accurate reading for assessing a site's visitor numbers.

hosting: The act of storing and serving data. Major web hosts also offer a wide range of services and applications.

HTML: HyperText Markup Language. The de facto language for formatting the desired display of web pages.

HTTPS: HTP over SSL. A URL that begins with this is cryptographically secured. Most browsers also display a security padlock.

human resource technology: Consolidates, analyzes, and presents information about personnel such as identifying information, payroll, benefits, and performance evaluations.

I
I/O: Input/Output. This term applies to a wide range of computer functions in instances where an entity (human or machine) sends a signal, the receiver performs the action, then transmits the result.

IANA: The department overseen by ICANN that is directly responsible for IP assignment, DNS, and URI.

ICANN: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. A non-profit that oversees top-level domain management, domain name assignment, and internet conventions.

ICQ: “I seek you.” An instant messaging protocol.

image board: A stripped-down forum constructed to emphasize the easy sharing of graphics and text, usually anonymously and without registration. Sometimes referred to as channels or *chans.

impression: At the simplest level, an impression is registered when an ad is loaded on a page. This means nothing more than that a user has the potential to see the ad.

information broker: A person or firm that procures information for fee, such as stock market numbers or contact data for mailing lists.

instant messaging: A mode of communication that is essentially a one-on-one, private chat.

intranet: A closed network, common in places of work, meant for group communication and shared devices such as printers and faxes.

inventory management: Software that tracks on-hand supplies, sales, and related statistics. May be automated to order more supplies according to statistics to minimize overhead risks and correct lead time.

IP address: An identifying number used to find a resource, such as 208.77.188.166 for example.com.

IRC: Internet Relay Chat. A set of conventions that support both chatrooms and private messaging, utlizable by a multitude of independently-developed programs.

ISP: Internet Service Provider. A company that connects end users to the internet.

IIP: Internet Information Services. Server software developed by Microsoft that provides similar functions to Apache.

IT: Information Technology. A broad discipline that encompasses hardware, software, management, and programming skills for network operation.

J
Javascript: Used to access functions within applications or perform standalone functions, such as resizing windows or user-side verification.

JSP: Java Server Pages. Dynamically-generated webpages dictated by Java coding and conventions. Uses XML-like naming convention.

K
keyword: An identifying word used for easily searching or marking large quantities of information.

L
LAMP: A popular software stack for servers. Includes Linux, Apache, MySQL, and scripting languages such as PHP.

LAN: Local Area Network. A network of connected computers and devices.

latency: Also known as lag. The time disparity, measured in milliseconds, between a request and action upon that request. Usually refers to lag between a user and server.

link: A clickable object (text, image, etc) that redirects the user to another page or area. Also called hotlink or hyperlink.

Linux: A Unix-derived operating system with a different kernel. A popular OS for servers.

live chat: Typically used in the sense of a private message for a company representative to help a consumer with questions.

M
mall: A shared space among several e-tailers. Presentation may vary from integrated storefronts to webrings.

malware: A broad category of unwanted applications, ranging from adware to rootkits.

marketing: The process of advertising one's company, self, goods, or services.

masking: Hiding the actual URL by displaying another.

merchant account: A contract with banks or credit card companies that allows a business to accept credit card or other electronic payments.

message board: A community discussion board on the web. Usually requires registration and comments are moderated.

meta data: Information that describes other information. Examples are keywords and tags.

mobile commerce: Commercial activities undertaken on mobile devices such as cellphones. These devices are also increasingly used for real world transactions, acting as a credit or debit card to purchase consumer goods on the spot.

mouseover: An action or function that occurs when the mouse cursor hovers over the particular object.

MSXML: A set of services and tools by Microsoft to allow XML-based code to be used within the Windows environment.

N
.NET: A Microsoft framework consisting of a library and runtime environment to assist software developers. The successor to COM.

netiquette: Etiquette over the internet; the social rules and norms of conversational engagement. Varies by community.

Netscape: A once-popular web browser once owned by AOL.

newsgroup: A subgroup within Usenet, or a generic term for a discussion board.

node: A relay point that has little function beyond receiving and sending data.

NTFS: Windows NT File System. The successor to FAT, it implements various performance and security features. Only compatible with NT systems.

O
Ogg: A multimedia codec unencumbered by legal restrictions, developed for high-quality encoding.

OLE: Object Linking and Embedding. Allows drag-n-drop, clipboard (copy/paste), and embedding normally non-renderable objects in applications (such as images within a spreadsheet).

online banking: Conducting typical bank transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals, over the internet.

open source: Describes software whose developers have released the source code to be freely viewable. Although this type of software is usually free to use, open source designation makes no implication about the software's copyright and use policy.

Opera: A suite of internet applications, including a browser, most popular in Eastern Europe and small devices such as cell phones.

Oracle: A database management system, propagated by the Oracle Corporation.

P
P2P: Peer to peer. Information-sharing that occurs directly among users as opposed to being hosted by & requested from a typical server.

packet: Separated units of data sent over a network.

pagerank: A Google algorithm that assigns higher importance (or relevance, for search results) to pages that have more reciprocal links.

pageview: A request for a page from a server. A good measurement of visitor traffic.

paid content: Digital information (such as articles or images) that require purchase or paid subscription to view.

payment system: Specifies how and in what form payment will be rendered or accepted.

Perl: A high level programming language.

PGP: Pretty Good Privacy. An encryption system that uses public keys, and ranks among the best encryption protocols to exist.

phishing: An attempt to procure a user's account details by posing as a legitimate or official site or representative.

PHP: Personal Home Page (this name is outmoded). A scripting language for dynamic web pages that is in wide use for creating forms, requesting data, and many other functions.

ping: A signal sent to another machine which is echoed and used to determine latency.

PNG: Portable Network Graphic. A lossless image format that supports advanced alpha blending.

POD: Print on Demand. A service offered by a number of companies that prints low-quantity orders of goods such as stickers or t-shirts. More expensive per unit than bulk orders.

podcast: Syndicated audio or video productions.

POP: Post Office Protocol. Used to retrieve e-mail.

port: One of thousands of “doors” allow information in and out of a computer.

portal: A generic term that describes an organized collection of links and information, from the internet or an intranet.

POS: Point of sale. The location where a purchase is completed. Can refer to a retail checkout, the equipment used in the transaction, or the software environment of a web page that handles sales.

private message: Communication that is essentially a one-on-one, private chat.

proxy: A “borrowed” IP address. Users connect to the internet through a network that relays information back to them as way to better ensure anonymity. The user's request appears to have come from another machine.

Python: A high-level programming language designed for readability and is oriented towards several programming approaches.

Q
query: A specific request for information within a database.

Quicktime: A multimedia codec developed by Apple.

R
RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks. A system of hard disk drives that copy and share information amongst themselves to prevent data loss in case of drive failure. Can be configured to allow faster data writing and retrieval than a single drive.

RAR: A compressed data format. Can be deflated with WinRAR.

Realplayer: A once-popular suite of multimedia applications and formats; notorious for its adware and questionable behavior.

redirect: Automatically serving a user a different page (redirecting them), either purposely or due to an error that makes the originally requested page unavailable.

remote computing: Also remote desktop and remote control software. Allows a user to access their computer or another's with full functionality, as if they were literally using it in person, but in reality could be anywhere.

root: The base location of a system or resource. In typical FAT- or NTFS-format PC hard drives, it can be found at C:/[root]. In URLs, .com/[root].

rootkit: An stealthy application that allows administrator-level control.

router: A devices the splits and directs streams of information to multiple sources.

royalty-free: Media that may be reproduced without per-use fees; does not imply that it is free.

RSS: Really Simple Syndication. Standards and applications that aggregate web feeds.

run-of-network: An ad that is displayed across most or all sites within a publisher's network.

run-of-site: An ad that is rotated among all designated spaces within a web site.

S
script: A snippet of code that provides different features or functions.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization. Various tweaks and methods to improve search engine rankings.

server: A hardware/software unit that performs services for other computers, most commonly serving information on request.

shareware: Trial versions of commercial software, usually with limited features. Allows users to test drive the software before purchasing.

shell: A widely-usable term that describes an interface and/or the software that powers it, but commonly refers to an operating system's UI.

Shockwave: A multimedia plug-in developed by Macromedia (now owned by Adobe) used for videos, games, animations, and utilitarian functions. Uses files made in Director, and has faster rendering than Flash.

shopping cart: Web software that allows users to save products for purchase while still browsing the site.

Skype: A VoIP and text message protocol that operates over a P2P network.

SMS: Short Message Service. A convention developed to send text messages across mobile phone and related networks.

SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Used to send e-mail.

sniffer: Also known as a packet analyzer, software that intercepts data packets for the purpose of analyzing (and hopefully using) their contents.

social networks: Online communities that allow users to create profiles, find others, and share information.

spam: Unsolicited advertisements, most commonly refers to e-mail advertisements.

spider: Also known as a robot (not be to confused with bot), spiders are dispatched by search engines companies to crawl the web and index pages for searching.

spoof: Similar to masking, it conceals the IP address of the source. Also applies to other information, such as masked caller ID numbers.

spyware: Software installed on a local machine that collects data about the user's habits, files, and information. This information is then sent back to the originating host.

SQL: Structured Query Language (pronounced 'sequel'). A language for database management.

SSI: Server Side Include. A server-side script that dynamically serves information within a web page upon execution.

SSL: Secure Socket Layer. Packet encryption protocol; superseded TLS.

static webpage: One that does not change in appearance, based on its coding, no matter how it is viewed or used. See its opposite, dynamic webpage.

status bar: An area that displays the application's current statuses, such as page encryption or loading progress.

storefront: A virtual facade with applications and scripts to display, categorize, and sell goods.

streaming media: Audio or video that is played while it downloads, rather than waiting for the download to first complete.

supply chain management: Networked technologies and softwares that track the movement and/or manufacture of goods across multiple companies from raw materials to retail store.

SVG: Scalable Vector Graphic. A vector graphic or animation format with XML markup; well-suited for mobile devices.

SYN: Synchronization request.

syndication: Allowing users to subscribe to or distribute a feed.

T
tag: Identifying words used for marking large quantities of information to make them easily searched and indexed.

TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. A series of layers and controls necessary for the most basic functioning of network activity.

telecommuting: Employees rendering their services to their employer from anywhere through the internet. Saves space and equipment for employer.

teleconferencing: Conducting meetings with multiple groups over the internet to save time and travel expenses. Typically includes the use of video, microphones, and presentations.

TLS: Transport Layer Security. Packet encryption protocol.

toolbar: A GUI functional area that displays tools, search bars, or other devices.

tooltip: A small box, balloon, or other method of display that gives a short description of a tool's functionality.

torrent: A P2P filesharing protocol; also a file extension.

Trojan: A program hidden within a program; meant to cause harm.

Twitter: A text-messaging service that allows messages to be sent to multiple users; also allows users to create public groups to which users may subscribe.

U
UI: User Interface. The means by which the user communicates with and manipulates a program; see GUI and command line.

unique visitor: A unique user tracked by IP address or cookies. Used to describe the number of first-time accesses per unit time rather than page views.

Unix: A long-running operating system known for its reliability. Unix, or its derivatives, are installed on the majority of servers.

upload: To send information.

URI: Uniform Resource Identifier. A syntactic string of characters that identify a resource for the purpose of assisting its location.

URL: Uniform Resource Locator. Specifies where a resource is and how to get it, expressed as http://www.example.com/. Colloquially known as a web address.

Usenet: A stripped-down, text-based discussion network that is basically functions like an publicly viewable e-mail server.

V
views: A measurement of the number of times a specific page, ad, etc is requested.

Visual Basic: A graphically-based programming language and environment.

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol. Also referred to as internet or broadband telephony, it allows voice communications to be sent through standard telephone lines. Calls may originate from specially-designed phones connected to landlines or through computer software that begins transmission over the internet.

VPN: Virtual Private Network. A network that exists within and transmits through a larger network and is not actually physically separated from it.

W
W3C: World Wide Web Consortium. The main organization for developing and implementing web standards such as CSS and HTML.

WAN: Wide Area Network, spanning large regions such as counties or states.

Web 2.0: A hard-to-define term that generally describes a movement towards social interaction, information sharing, and interoperability (such as open standards).

webring: A large number of linked websites that share a common theme and are usually linked together at a nexus. Webrings have fallen into disuse but impart small benefits to search engine ranking.

Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity. Connect to a network by radio signals.

widget: A graphical object of minor functionality, such as clocks, calendars, and system status monitors.

wiki: A knowledge database management & presentation system intended for mass contribution and peer review but also for use within companies. Automatically generates pages and links.

wizard: An automatic or step-by-step interface for installing or configuring applications.

worm: A self-replicating application that spreads itself across many machines over a network (including the web) very rapidly, making changes to the affected users' systems.

X
XHTML: Extensible HTML. Conforms to the idiosyncrasies of XML markup.

XML: Extensible Markup Language. Allows the coder to name their own mark-up conventions.

Z
ZIP: A compressed data format.

zombie: A computer controlled by another computer against the user's will or knowledge. Zombies are responsible for the majority of spam, but are also used in DDoS and other activities.


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