ActiveX

A Java-like Microsoft language that permits web-originated programs to be run from Microsoft Explorer browser.

Anonymous FTP

Allows for users to access your web site with standard File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client software in order to upload/download files without supplying a unique username and password (anonymous). With the advent of the current HTTP specifications and browsers, however, this is fairly moot, since the same can be done through your browser.

Applet

A high-level program that can be included in an HTML page, most often an image. The program's code is then executed by the browser. Many older browsers cannot interpret Java applets and disregard them.

ASCII

Acronym for American Standard Code For Information Interchange, a standard character set

ASP (Active Server Page)

A Web server technology from Microsoft that allows for the creation of dynamic, interactive sessions with the user. An ASP is a Web page that contains HTML and embedded programming code written in VBScript or Jscript.

Authentication

The process of identifying an individual, usually based on a username and password.

Backbone (Internet Backbone)

A backbone is a large transmission line that carries data gathered from smaller lines that interconnect with it. On the Internet or other wide area network, a backbone is a set of paths that local or regional networks connect to for long-distance interconnection.

Backup

The process of copying files so that they are preserved in the case of equipment failure or catastrophe. If files are damaged on the server, we resort to the backup copy to restore the files back to the machine.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. For digital devices, the bandwidth is usually expressed in bits per second (bps) or bytes per second. Web hosting accounts usually offer bandwidth amounts in gigabytes per month.

Cache

Pronounced cash, a special high-speed storage mechanism. It can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device.

CGI (Common Gateway Interface)

The scripting language used to write gateway scripts for CERN and NCSA web servers. CGI programs are the most common way for web servers to interact dynamically with users.

Click-through Rate

In web advertising, the click through rate is the number of clicks on an advertisement (such as a banner ad) is expressed as a percentage of the number of times that the page where the ad appears was downloaded. Thus, the click through rate would be 10% if one in ten people who viewed the advertisement clicked on it, and landed on the advertisers' site.

Co-located Server

Some companies own a server, but want to locate it in the secure environment of a web hosting provider. That way they can take advantage of the fastest possible connections to the Internet while handing over day-to-day management of the site.

Cookies

A message given to a web browser by a web server. The browser stores the message in a text file called cookie.txt. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

ColdFusion™

ColdFusion™ is a programming language based on standard HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) that is used to write dynamic web pages.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

A style sheet format for HTML documents endorsed by the World Wide Web Consortium. CSS1 and CSS2 (Version 1.0 and 2.0) provides hundreds of layout settings that can be applied to all the subsequent HTML pages that are downloaded.

Database

A database is a structured set of records, such as a mailing list. A web browser can access a public database by Perl Scripts. There are many ways for a user to find information in a database. When the data is structured as a table in a single file, a user need only browse the page and use the browser's "find" feature. However, to search a relational database spread over many files, a sophisticated CGI script is required to access the data.

Data Transfer

The outward bound traffic from a web site, with the exception of e-mail. Any HTML, graphic, audio or video file that is accessed by someone viewing your site is included. High rates of data transfer indicate a heavily trafficked site.

Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is a single computer in a network reserved for serving the needs of the network. For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers. A dedicated server could also be a computer that manages printer resources. In a web hosting context a dedicated server is a server allocated to one customer.

Description Meta tag

The description meta tag is part of the HEAD of an HTML document and provides information that describes the document. The tag resembles <META name="description" content="a description of your web page"> This tag is usually displayed along with the title of your page in an index. The value for content could be a word, sentence or even paragraph to describe your page. Keep the "content" message reasonably short, concise and to the point. However, ensure that it is an appropriate reflection of your web site content and that it describes the page.

Digital Certificate

An attachment to an electronic message used for security purposes. The most common use of a digital certificate is to verify that a user sending a message is who he or she claims to be, and to provide the receiver with the means to encode a reply.

Disk Storage

In a shared hosting environment, the amount of server disk storage allocated to your account. This space can be used to store HTML and graphics files, programs or scripts, mail messages, compressed files, or other files that make up your web site. This does not include the log files, as they are owned by the processes on the server.

DNS (Domain Name System)

An Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.example.com might translate to 198.105.232.4.

DS3 (Digital Signal 3)

Is a digital signal level 3 T-carrier, the data rate for this type of signal is 44.736 Mbit/s. This level of carrier can transport 28 DS1 level signals within its payload.

Domain

The name for a company, organization, or individual's Internet connection. Individual computers within this domain all end with the domain as a part of their host name.

Dynamic Web Pages

Web pages more animated and more responsive to user interaction than previous versions of HTML. Dynamic web pages are constructed using the DHTML language (standard HTML, style sheets and programming).

E-commerce

The purchasing of goods and services over the Internet.

E-mail Auto Responders

An auto responder will send a standard response e-mail message (based on a text file you specify) to anyone who sends an e-mail to a specific e-mail address (which you specify) at your domain.

E-mail POP

POP3 compliant e-mail boxes that can be used to send and receive e-mail from any connection to the Internet.

E-mail Redirect

An e-mail redirect will forward the message to an existing e-mail account from the same domain or another service provider.

Encryption

The translation of data into a secret code. Encryption is the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that enables you to decrypt it. Unencrypted data is called plain text; encrypted data is referred to as cipher text. Most e-commerce software applications utilize encryption technology.

Flash™

Flash™ is the standard for delivering high-impact, rich Web content. Designs, animation, and application user interfaces are deployed immediately across all browsers and platforms, attracting and engaging users with a rich web experience.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

File Transfer Protocol, the primary method for accessing files via the Internet.

Gb (Gigabytes)

One gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes. Gigabyte is often abbreviated as Gb.

Hits counter

A hits counter is a tool that allows a Webmaster to determine how many times a particular page is accessed.

Host name

The name of a computer on the Internet, used to identify it in the URL naming scheme.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

The coding scheme used to format text for use on the World Wide Web.

HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol)

The transmission standard used to send HTML documents across the World Wide Web.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)is sometimes referred to as "climate control" and is particularly important in the design of medium to large industrial and office buildings.

Interactive Site

Site or documents that can be automatically updated or provide a measure of interaction with the viewer.

IP Address

Every computer connected to the Internet has to have an address. This is expressed in two ways: as an IP address in dotted decimal form, e.g. 209.235.31.171; or by a more memorable machine name.  Each computer has a unique IP address, allowing computers to address the data that they send to the correct computer on the Internet.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company that provides access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software package, username, password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log on to the Internet and browse the World Wide Web and USENET, and send and receive e-mail. In addition to serving individuals, ISPs also serve large companies, providing a direct connection from the company's networks to the Internet. ISPs themselves are connected to one another through Network Access Points (NAPs).

Java

A programming language designed for program execution on the client side, i.e., in a browser. It is best for creating applets and applications for the Internet, intranets and any other complex distributed network.

JavaScript

A proprietary scripting language by Netscape that adds author-specified user events to static pages.

Kb (Kilobyte)

One kilobyte is equal to 1,024 bytes. Kilobyte is often abbreviated as Kb.

Linux

Developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki (Finland), is a UNIX-like operating system. Linux is a very versatile platform that serves a number of functions well.

Log File

A file that lists actions that occurred. For example, web servers maintain log files listing every request made to the server. With log file analysis tools like Web Trends, it's possible to get a good idea of where visitors are coming from, how often they return, and how they navigate through a site. Using cookies enables Webmasters to gather even more detailed information about how individual users are navigating through a site.

MAPS (Mail Abuse Prevention System)

The Mail Abuse Prevention System (MAPS) is an organization that provides anti-spam support maintaining black lists.

Mb (Megabyte)

One megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes. Megabyte is often abbreviated as Mb.

Merchant Account

An Internet merchant account allows a merchant to process credit cards online and to have the funds electronically transferred into his/her bank account.

Meta Tag

Meta tags can be used to specify to search engines how you want your document to be indexed. It contains valuable information for search robots to use in adding your pages to their search indexes.

MySQL (Structured Query Language)

A true multi-user, multi-threaded SQL (Structured Query Language) database server.

N+1

N+1 Redundancy describes a system configuration in which multiple components (N) have at least one independent backup component to ensure system functionality continues in the event of a system failure.

OC-12 (Optical Carrier 12)

An optical fiber that transmits data between two network devices. An OC-12 line runs at 12 times (12 x 51.84 Mbps) the base rate.

ODBC (Open Data Base Connectivity)

A database programming interface from Microsoft that provides a common language for Windows applications to access databases on a network. ODBC is made up of the function calls programmers write into their applications and the ODBC drivers themselves.

Payment Gateway

As it applies to e-commerce , a payment gateway is software that is hosted on a server that links an online store to a process that verifies that a customer, who is placing a credit card order, has the credit available and that the order should be accepted.

PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor)

A scripting language used to create dynamic Web pages. With syntax from C, Java and Perl, PHP code is embedded within HTML pages for server side execution.

Plesk

Plesk is comprehensive server management software designed to install and manage all systems and applications for web hosting on servers

RBL (Real-time Black hole List)

Short for Real-time Black hole List, a list of IP addresses whose owners refuse to stop the proliferation of spam. The RBL usually lists server IP addresses from ISPs whose customers are responsible for the spam and from ISPs whose servers are hijacked for spam relay.

Real-Time Credit Card Transaction Processing

Includes the establishment of Internet merchant accounts, and provides the ability to immediately accept and process credit cards online including authorization and daily online settlements.

Remote Administration

Administering a computer or network from a remote location.

Root Directory

The top directory in a file system. The root directory is provided by the operating system and has a special name; for example, in DOS systems the root directory is called \. The root directory is sometimes referred to simply as the root.

Server

A computer or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a file server is a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers, and a network server is a computer that manages network traffic. A database server is a computer system that processes database queries.

Shopping Cart

Shopping cart software acts as an online store's catalog and ordering process. Typically, it allows a consumer to browse the web site, select items for purchase as they browse, review what they have selected; make necessary modifications or additions, and purchase the merchandise.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

Short for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, a protocol for sending e-mail messages between servers. Most e-mail systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another; the messages can then be retrieved with an e-mail client using either POP or IMAP.

Spiders

It is a program that most of the major search engines on the web use. Spiders visit web sites and read their pages and other information in order to create entries for a search engine index. Spiders are typically programmed to visit sites that have been submitted by their owners as new or updated. Entire sites or specific pages can be selectively visited and indexed. Spiders usually visit many sites in parallel at the same time, their "legs" spanning a large area of the "web." Spiders can crawl through a site's pages in several ways. One way is to follow all the hypertext links in each page until all the pages have been read.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL, support allows the transfer of data in a secure environment.

TCP/IP

Acronym for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the suite of communications protocols used to connect hosts on the Internet. TCP/IP uses several protocols, the two main ones being TCP and IP. TCP/IP is built into the UNIX operating system and is used by the Internet, making it the de facto standard for transmitting data over networks. Even network operating systems that have their own protocols, such as Netware, also support TCP/IP.

UNIX

A host operating system developed by AT&T that allows multiple clients to access the resources of one host simultaneously. Many of the news, mail, World Wide Web and name servers on the Internet use this operating system.

Upload

The transmission of a file from one computer system to another, usually larger computer system. In terms of web hosting, it would happen when a file is transmitted to the host's web servers.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A device that provides battery backup when the electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a path to a location on the Internet.

Visitors/Users

People who come to a particular web site.

Web-to-Database support

A variety of methods is available in order to create dynamic sites that interact with databases. PHP-MySQL or PHP-MySQL and HTML Script to dBase-compatible are available on Unix, while Cold Fusion-ODBC compatible (Access, FoxPro, dBase) are available for NT.

Webmaster

An individual who manages a web site. Depending on the size of the site, the Webmaster might be responsible for any of the following: Making sure that the web server hardware and software is running properly, designing the web site, creating and updating web pages.

Web Server

A computer that delivers (serves up) web pages. Every web server has an IP address and possibly a domain name.

Whois

An Internet utility that returns information about a domain name or IP address.

XHTML (Extensible Markup Language)

A markup language for Web pages from the W3C. XHTML combines HTML and XML into a single format (HTML 4.0 and XML 1.0). Like XML, XHTML can be extended with proprietary tags. Also like XML, XHTML must be coded more rigorously than HTML.

XML (Extensible Markup Language)

Short for extensible Markup Language, a new specification being developed by the W3C. XML is a pared-down version of SGML, designed especially for web documents. It enables designers to create their own customized tags to provide functionality not available with HTML. For example, XML supports links that point to multiple documents, as opposed to HTML links, which can reference just one destination each.

Sources:

George McDaniel IBM Dictionary of computing. 10th edition. McGraw-Hill 1993.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary online.
Card Service International's web site.
Mercantec web site.
What Is web site.

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