Internet Glossary

AUP  - Acceptable Use Policy- A written agreement developed by the Lancaster Board of Education and signed by teachers, students, and parents outlining terms and conditions of  computer use in the schools.

Browser - Software that allows users to access and navigate the World Wide Web.  Most Web browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape are graphical. 

Bulletin Board Service (BBS) - A forum for users to browse and exchange information. 

Commercial online service - A company that, for a fee, allows computer users to dial in via modem to access its information and services, and example would be AOL or CompuServe.

Database - A computer holding large amounts of information that can be searched by the user.

Download - To transfer a file from one computer to another.

E-mail (Electronic mail) - Allows users to send and receive messages to each other electronically using a computer.

FAQ - Frequently asked question files answer questions  asked by hundreds of computer users.

Filter - Hardware or software designed to restrict access to certain areas on the Internet.

Flame - To send a harsh, critical email message to another user, usually someone who violates email netiquette.

Graphical Interface - Software designed to allow the user to execute commands by pointing and clicking on icons or text.

Hits - the number of times a request is found on a server.

Home Page - The first page a user sees when visiting a World Wide Web site.  Also, the main page for a business, organization or person.

HTML - hypertext Markup Language is the programming language for the world wide web.

HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a fast, efficient information retrieval protocol designed to distribute information quickly. 

Hypertext/Hyperlink - A highlighted word or graphic in a document that, when clicked upon, takes the user to a related piece of information on the internet.

Internet - the global "network of networks" that connects more than three million computers, called hosts.  The Internet is a virtual space in which users send and receive email, login to remote computers, and browse databases of information on the World Wide Web.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) - Interactive, real-time, discussions between internet users using text messages.  Users logon to a designated net computers and join discussions already in progress. 

ISP - Internet service provider, usually for a fee, provides access to the internet.

Listserve - A topic-oriented mailing list.

Local Area Network (LAN) - A group of computers that are connected in some fashion in one small area, usually the same building or floor of a building.

Logon - To sign on to a computer system.

Lurking - Not actively participating on a listserv or IRC but only listening to the discussion.

MetaSearch Engine-browses many search engines and directories.

Netiquette - informal rules of conduct for internet users.

Search Engine-gives computer created lists of sites on a topic. Works best looking for specific information.

Server - A computer that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers.

Subject Directories-Human-created categories of information on a subject or topic.  Organized general to specific.

URL - Universal Resource Locator is the address and method used to locate a specific resource on the internet.

World Wide Web - Internet browsing system that allows for point and click navigation of the internet.