Glossary

Domain name

A domain name is an identification label that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the Internet, based on the Domain Name System (DNS).

DNS (Domain Name Service)

A computer program running on a web server, translating domain names into IP addresses.

DNS Server

A web server running DNS.

HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)

The standard set of rules for sending text files across the Internet. It requires an HTTP client program at one end, and an HTTP server program at the other end.

HTTP Client

A computer program that requests a service from a web server.

HTTP Server

A computer program providing services from a web server.

HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure)

Same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication using SSL. (see also SSL)

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.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

A unique number identifying every computer on the Internet (like 197.123.22.240)

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

A telecommunication standard that uses digital transmission to support data communications over regular telephone lines.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Someone that provides access to the Internet and web hosting.

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).

Proxy Server

An Internet server dedicated to improve Internet performance.

Spoofing

Addressing a web page or an e-mail with a false referrer. Like sending an e-mail from a false address

SSI (Server Side Include)

A type of HTML comment inserted into a web page to instruct the web server to generate dynamic content. The most common use is to include standard header or footer for the page.

SSL (Secure Socket Layer)

Software to secure and protect web site communication using encrypted transmission of data.

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.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)

A collection of Internet communication protocols between two computers. The TCP protocol is responsible for an error free connection between two computers, while the IP protocol is responsible for the data packets sent over the network.

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).

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 Server Error

A message from a web server indicating an error. The most common web server error is "404 File Not Found".