Above the Fold
The section of a Web page that is visible without scrolling.
Ad Blocking
The blocking of Web advertisements, typically the image in graphical Web advertisements.
Ad Clicks
See click through
Ad Space
The space on a Web page available for advertisements.
Ad Views
The number of times an ad is displayed. A visitor's browser might cache the ad, noting a single ad view, even though the visitor may see the ad multiple times during the visit.
Address
The username plus hostname which identifies you on the Internet. The format is username@hostname.com, etc. Your username can be a name or number you selected which is unique to the host; the hostname is the name of the Internet Service Provide or domain name.
Administrative Contact
The individual authorized to interact with their domain registrar on behalf of the domain name registrant.
Affiliate
The sales representative in an affiliate marketing relationship.
Affiliate Directory
A listing of affiliate programs by category.
Affiliate Merchant
The vendor in an affiliate marketing relationship.
Affiliate Program
An online merchant/advertiser who pays other sites/salespeople for sales, clicks, registration, or leads, as a result of their performance.
Affiliate Software
Software that provides tracking and reporting information of commission-triggering actions (sales, registrations, or clicks) from affiliate links.
Algorithm
The process used by search engines to determine the order in which Web pages are displayed in their search results. Each search engine uses a different algorithm making it impossible for a Web page to have the same ranking on all search engines for a specific keyword phrase.
ALT Tags
The words that appear under an image if the image is not viewable, or as you roll your mouse over an image. Search engines include ALT tags in their databases as relevant data when cataloging Web sites.
ALT Text
HTML attribute that provides alternative text when non-textual elements, typically images, cannot be displayed.
Animated GIF
A graphic in the GIF89a file format which creates the effect of animation by rotating through a series of static images.
Anonymous FTP
The process of accessing files by logging on to another computer using the FTP program when you don't have an account on the other computer. When you log on, you enter 'anonymous' as the username and your 'e-mail address' as the password, thus gaining access to publicly available files.
Applet
An applet is an embedded program on a Web site, usually written in the coding language called Java. They are usually used for creating virtual or 3-dimensional objects that may move or interact with the Web site.
Applets
Java's programming code that is composed of many small, reusable chunks. Applets is short for applications. Applets allows for quicker transfer over the Internet, enabling many programs to become interactive, incorporating virtual or 3-dimensional objects with animations, sounds, etc.
Archie
A system that helps you find files located anywhere on the Internet. After Archie locates the file, you can use FTP to get it. Archie is both a program and a system of server computers that contain indexes of files.
ASCII
An acronym for AMERICAN STANDARD CODE FOR INFORMATION INTERCHANGE, a standard character set.
ASP (Active Server Pages)
ASP enables Web developers to use databases to enhance their sites with dynamic content. Using code that is usually written in VB Script, and produced on the server of the Web site, which then translates it to raw HTML, the Web site visitors can easily view the Web site's dynamic content on their browsers.
Asynchronous Communication
Communication that occurs at different times between two or more computers, as with e-mails, bulletin boards, etc.
Audio Streaming
The process of providing audio content on a Web site. Since audio streaming uses a significant amount of bandwidth, some Web hosts do not allow audio or video streaming.
Authentication
The verification of the identity of a person or computer using a password, certificate, personal identification number (PIN), or other information over a computer network.
Authoring Software
A computer program that facilitates the creation of HTML documents by inserting the code for tags. Micosoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver are examples of authoring software.
Autoresponder
An automated e-mail program that responds to mails automatically with pre-set messages. An autoresponder can acknowledge receipt of an e-mail message and send back a previously prepared e-mail to the sender. Sequential autoresponders are a series of e-mail messages that can be sent automatically.
B2B
A business that sells products or provides services to other businesses.
B2C
A business that sells products or provides services to the end-user consumers.
Backbone
The high-speed line or series of connections that form a major pathway within a network.
Backgrounds
Images which are in the background of a Web page. It is behind all other information such as text, images, tables, etc.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that is transferred through a connection. The flow of data is usually measured in bits per second (bps). Some Web hosting plans offer unlimited bandwidth, but most have limits. If you exceed your limit, you will be charged extra. Usually charged by the gigabyte.
Banner Advertisement
An advertisement on the Web that consist of a message within graphic banner that provides an incentive to "Click" to obtain more information about the advertiser's products or services. May be animated or Rich-Media.
Banner Blindness
The tendency of Web visitors to ignore banner ads even when the ads may contain information visitors are actively looking for.
Banner Exchange
An advertising method where you show banners on your site in return for banner displays on other people's sites.
Banner Exchange
A network where participating sites display banner ads of other advertisers in exchange for credits which are converted into their ads being displayed on other sites.
Barter
The exchange of goods or services directly without the use of money.
Billing Contact
The billing contact is the person designated to receive the invoice for domain name registration and re-registration fees. Important that if the registration of domain name is made through a Web host that they specify YOU as administrative and billing contacts and not THEM. It should be branded with your name and you should own it.
Blind Link
A link to another site, but one which does not clearly indicate where the link goes (it may even be deceptive).
Blog
A chronological publication of ones personal thoughts and Web links.
Bookmark
A link or Web page address (URL) stored in a Web browser for future reference. You can easily access the bookmark by choosing the bookmark's name from the Bookmark menu or clicking a bookmark icon in the Personal Toolbar. See favicon
Bridge Page
A page that appears when an ad banner is clicked which give immediate information, gathers lead data, or offers an incentive. Used as a device to increase click through response, increasing response rate by as much as 300 percent. See also Doorway Page
Browser
A software application (such as Netscape or Internet Explorer) that allows users to browse the World Wide Web.
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
A computer system that provides its users files for downloading and forum areas for discussions.
Button Advertisement
An advertisement on the Web that consist of a message within graphic that provides an incentive to "Click" to obtain more information about the advertiser's products or services. Smaller than a banner ad. May be animated or Rich-Media.
Buzzword
A trendy word or phrase that is used more to impress than to explain.
CA
See certificate authority (CA)
CA certificate
A certificate that identifies a certificate authority.
Cache
Copies of Web page stored on your computer's hard disk or in its random-access memory (RAM). The browser accumulates these copies as you browse the Web. Then, if you click a link or type a URL of a particular Web page for which the cache already has a copy, the browser compares the cached copy to the original. If there have been no changes, the browser uses the cached copy rather than refetching the original, saving download time. If you know the page has been updated but is displaying the original, you may need to hit your refresh button to get the update.
Calendar
An application for tracking your schedule and related tasks.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
The data format used to separate style from structure on Web pages
Certificate
The digital equivalent of an ID card. A certificate that verifies the name of an individual, company, or other entity and certifies that a public key belongs to that entity. When you sign digitally a message or other data, the digital signature s created with the aid of the private key that corresponds to the public key in your certificate. A certificate is issued and digitally signed by a Certificate Authority (such as Equifax or VeriSign).
Certificate Authority (CA)
A service that issues a certificate after verifying the identity of the person or entity the certificate is intended to identify.
Certificate-based Authentication
Verification of identity based on certificates and public-key cryptography. See also password-based authentication
Certificate Verification
The confirmation that a digital signature was created by a CA whose own CA certificate is both on file with Certificate Manager and marked as trusted for issuing that kind of certificate. It also confirms that the certificate being verified has not itself been marked as untrusted.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
CGI is a standard for interfacing external applications with information servers, such as HTTP or Web servers. CGI scripts are used for guestbooks, hit counters, and e-mail forms, etc. Some hosts have pre-made CGI scripts that are ready to use and plug into a Web site.
Chatting
Communicating in real time with other computer network users.
CHMOD
Changes the mode or access permissions of specified files or directories. Modes determine who can read, change, or execute a file.
Cipher
See cryptographic algorithm
Click Through
The process of clicking through an online advertisement to the advertiser's Web site or bridge page.
Click-through Rate (CTR)
The percentage of click per page impressions of a banner or button. Often used an approximate measure of banner effectiveness.
Client
Software (for example, browser software) that sends requests to and obtains information from a server, usually running on a different computer. A computer on which client software runs is also described as a client.
Client Authentication
The process of identifying a client to a server, for example with a name and password, or with a client SSL certificate and some digitally signed data. See also Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), server authentication
Client SSL Certificate
A certificate that a client (such as browser software) presents to a server to authenticate the identity of the client (or the identity of the person using the client) using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. See also client authentication
Cloaking
Sort of a "shell" game. When a user visits the site, they see the normal Web page. But when the cloaking scripts detects that a robot is visiting (based on an IP address), an entirely different Web page is presented that is optimized to appeal to that particular engine. Most search engines are on record saying that sites that use cloaking technology will be banned without warning.
Commercial Site
A commercial site is usually operated by a business that offers products, services, and/or information about a specific industry. These sites may employ targeted advertising on content sites to increase traffic to the main commercial site.
Component Bar
The toolbar located at the bottom left of any Netscape window. The component bar allows you to switch between Netscape components by clicking icons for Navigator, Mail & Newsgroups, Instant Messenger, and so on.
Content Site
These sites provide the content that Web users are seeking. This type of site provides segmented content that enables effective targeting of advertising messages.
Control Panel
An online interface that enables users to manage their Web sites, read web mail, check stats, set autoresponders, etc.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as purchasing a product.
Cookie
A mechanism for Web site to store and retrieve information on the your computer that enables their server to identify you from the first time that you registered with them, so your preferences are remembered for future requests, and they can keep track of information about you, such as the contents of your shopping cart. You can set your cookie preferences to control how cookies are used and how much information you are willing to let Web sites store on them. See also Foreign Cookie
Cookie Manager
The part of the browser that you can use to control cookies.
Cost-per-Action (CPA)
An online advertising payment mode in which payment is based on a qualifying actions, such as sales, leads, or registrations. See also pay-per-lead and pay-per-sale
Cost-per-Click (CPC)
The cost or cost-equivalent compensation paid per click-through. See also pay-per-click
Cost-per-Thousand (CPM)
The cost an advertiser pays for each impression of a banner, usually paid for by buying thousands of impression.
CPM Rate
The average earnings a site makes per thousand pages viewed.
Cron Task
An utility that helps the system administrator automate repetitive tasks, such as executing commands or scripts automatically at a specified time/date.
Cross Platform
Computer programs that are able to share data on different computing systems.
Customer Acquisition Cost
The cost associated with acquiring a new customer.
CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
CSV is a is a way to format data using text files. It allows you to use the same set of data in different database applications supporting CSV (i.e. Excel, FileMaker, Star Office, etc.). All fields in CSV file must be separated by a comma ',' or semi colon ';'.
Cyberspace
A virtual universe of computers, programs, and data.
Cryptographic Algorithm
The set of rules used to perform cryptographic operations such as encryption and decryption. Sometimes called a cipher.
Cryptography
The practice of scrambling (encrypting) and unscrambling (decrypting) information. For example, cryptographic techniques are used to scramble an unscramble information flowing between commercial Web sites and your browser. See also public-key cryptography
Data Transfer
The bandwidth or amount of data that is transferred from a Web site as visitors view the pages of the Web site. Images, video, and audio can use significantly more transfer amount or bandwidth that text. Web hosts offer packages with a set maximum amount of bandwidth per month, as low as 200 MB up to unlimited.
Decryption
The process of unscrambling data that has been encrypted.
Deep Linking
Linking to a Web page other than the site's home page.
Demographics
Statistical characteristics of particular human populations, factoring such characteristics as age, race, ethnicity, marital status, family, occupation, education, religion, sex, and income. These factors are used to identify markets.
Description Tag
An HTML tag used by Web page creators to provide a description for search engine listings.
Digital Signature
A precise code created from both the data to be signed and the private key of the signer. This code is unique for each new piece of data.
Directory
A Web site that containing a database of information and categorized listings of other Web sites that users query to find specific subjects. Most Internet Directories such as Yahoo gather their information manually. When you submit your web site to directories, you begin by finding the appropriate category for your site and then suggest the site from that page. It is then reviewed by a real person (as opposed to being crawled by an electronic spider) and is added or not.
Disk Space
The storage capacity of your Web site for HTML pages, images, sound, etc. Your Web host will allow a certain limit of megabytes (MB) of storage space.
Distinguished Name (DN)
A specially formatted name that uniquely identifies the subject of a certificate.
Distribution List
See Mail list
DNS (The Domain Name System)
A system for translating computer names into numeric Internet addresses.
Domain
A domain is extension of .com, .net, .org, etc. There are now extensions like .biz, .info, .us, and .ws. Here is a description of the most common (original) domains. .com - A top-level domain originally created for "commercial" entities, but now anyone can register a .com domain. This is the most recognized top-level domain worldwide. Domains that are purchased that end in .com are generally worth more that .net or .org, and others because it is really the default domain. .net - A top-level domain originally created for Internet or computer related domains, but any person can register a domain with a .net extension. .org - A top-level domain originally created for non-profit organizations, but anyone may now register a domain ending in .org. .edu - A top-level domain created for four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities. Only colleges and universities can register .edu domains. .gov - A top-level domain created for agencies and branches of the United States Federal Government. The General Services Administration (GSA) handles the registration of .gov domain names. .mil - The top-level domain created for United States military entities.
Domain Name
The unique identifying URL title and address of your Web site, such as www.mydomainname.com. When a user types a domain name into a browser, DNS servers translate the name into the IP address (Internet Protocol) number and then relays the information that resides under that number. When choosing your domain name, you must make sure you are not infringing on a trademark because if there is a trademark related to the domain you just bought, you will eventually have to turn the name over should the company ask for it.
Domain Name Dispute
A disputes that arises over who has the right to register a specific domain name. This may occurs when a domain name is the same, or similar to, a valid registered trademark, but is registered by someone who is not the owner of the registered trademark. To avoid any legal conflicts, come up with a unique name for your domain and to make sure that it isn't a registered trademark.
Domain Name Registration
The process of registering your Web site address (i.e. www.mydomainname.com) with an official Internet registrar.
Domain Name System (DNS)
The database system which translates computer domain names into IP (Internet Protocol) numbers.
Domain Transfer
When a domain name of a Web site is moved from one Internet host to another, the new address must be recorded by the domain registrar to allow Internet Domain Name Servers to point to the new location. The new host must be set up to receive the domain name prior to the transfer.
Doorway Domain
The domain used specifically to rank well in search engines for particular keywords, serving as an entry point through which visitors pass to the main domain.
Doorway Page
A Web page within your site that has been created to be optimized for a specific search engine, and functions as a doorway through which visitors pass to get to the main content page. This is done so that the page will rank high for a specific keyword phrase for that search engine. Doorway pages are becoming less effective unless the page has a lot of useful content.
Downline
A downline is basically a club of people who join together and enter into income opportunities. A member's downline is the group of people that are placed under that member, either referred by the member itself or any member already in his downline and forms a matrix structure. This provides a benefit to everyone as it gives support of a huge group and potential of residual income.
Download
To transfer files from one computer to yours.
DNS
See Domain Name System
Ebook
An electronic book which you download on your computer. You can either read the book on your computer screen or print it on your laser printer. Common formats are .exe files and .pdf files.
E-commerce
Electronic commerce, or the purchasing of goods and services over the Internet.
.Edu
A domain extension at the end of an address which indicates that the host computer is run by an educational institution. The host computer is more than likely located in the United States.
E-mail (electronic mail)
Electronic mail, which is a communication system that enables you to transmit text messages, files, graphical images, and other over the Internet.
E-mail Marketing
Marketing using e-mail messages.
E-mail Spam
Unsolicited and unwanted e-mail. See spam
Encrypted Password
A password that has been scrambled to protect it from being read and used by someone other than the person to whom it belongs.
Encryption
The scrambling of data into a secret code to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that enables you to unscramble, or decrypt it. Unencrypted data is called plain text and encrypted data is referred to as cipher text. E-commerce software applications utilize encryption technology.
Encryption Key
A private key used for encryption only. An encryption key and its equivalent public key, plus a signing key and its equivalent public key, constitute a dual key pairs.
EPV (Earnings Per Visitor)
The average amount of money a Web site makes for each visitor.
Ethernet
A local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. A newer version of Ethernet, called 100Base-T (or Fast Ethernet), supports data transfer rates of 100 Mbps. The newest version, Gigabit Ethernet supports data rates of 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second.
Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (XSLT)
A computer language that is used to convert an XML document into another XML document, or into some other format.
Extensible Markup Language (XML)
An open standard for describing data. Unlike HTML, XML allows the developer of a Web page to define special tags.
Extranet
An extranet is a private network that uses Internet protocols and public telecommunications lines. An extranet can be part of a company's intranet that is extended to users outside the company and is often used to share information with others outside a company, such as salespersons, suppliers, and customers.
Ezine
An electronic newsletter or magazine which is sent regularly to an opt-in list of subscribers list or delivered on a Web site.
Ezine Directory
A directory of electronic magazines, usually by category.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A document which list questions that are most commonly asked by newcomers to a site along with the answers. It's the best place to get the answers to your questions before sending an e-mail support for help.
FAST Search
A Search syndication company, which also powers the search engine, AlltheWeb.
Favicon
An icon that is used by some browsers to identify a bookmarked Web site. See bookmark
FFA (Free-For-All)
A collection of links in a list where there are no qualifications for someone to add a link and links are thrown on a page with no relationship to each other. See link farm
File Formats
The standards used to save a program, such as .doc, GIF, and JPEG.
File Server
A computer and storage device dedicated to storing files, and allowing any user on the network can store files on the server.
File Transfer Protocol
See FTP
Finger
A program that displays information about someone on the net. On most UNIX systems, this command tells you who is logged on right now. On most Internet hosts, it tells you the name, possibly some other information based on the person's Internet address, and the last time they logged on.
Firewall
A gateway device or software program designed to protect non-public areas of a network from being penetrated by unauthorized visitors (hackers).
First-Mover Advantage
The sometimes insurmountable advantage gained by the first major company to move into a new market.
Flash
A multimedia technology that was developed by Macromedia to allow interactivity to fit in a relatively small file size.
Foreign Cookie
A cookie that comes from one site while visiting a different site, but gets stored on your computer. Also known as "third-party cookie."
Form Manager
The part of the browser that can help you save the personal data you enter into online forms, such as your name, address, phone, and so on. Then, when a Web site presents you with a form, Form Manager fills it in automatically.
Form
A HTML document that has fill-in text boxes, check lists, radio buttons, and other elements that allow the user to send information back to the Web server, such as registration forms, questionnaires, order form, etc.)
Forum
Any online community where visitors may post and read topics of common interest.
Forward (E-mail)
E-mail forwards redirect e-mail messages to another mailbox, either within its domain or to an outside destination.
Frames
A structure that is used to partition a Web page into two or more independent sections.
Free
Without monetary cost. (A hook marketers use before they reel you in!)
Frequency
The total number of times a person or is exposed to an advertising message or campaign.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
One method that allows users to transfer files from one computer to another over a network. A common protocol to transfer (download) your web site files from your browser to your Web site's server.
Gateway
A computer that connects two networks that use different protocols.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
A 256-color image file format developed by CompuServe. The GIF format is commonly used to distribute graphics on the Internet.
GIF89a
See animated GIF
Gigabit (Gb)
A gigabit is one billion bits (1,073,741,824 bits to be exact). A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, and has a single binary value, either 0 or 1.
Gigabyte (GB)
A gigabyte is one billion bytes (1,073,741,824 bytes to be exact). A byte is a group of eight binary digits processed as a unit by a computer and used especially to represent an alphanumeric character. The equivalent to approximately 1000 megabytes, it's referred to as a Gig.
Google
A search engine located at www.google.com. One of the major players, ranking third behind MSN and Yahoo!.
Gopher
A system that lets you find information by using menus, usually using Telnet to a Gopher server to browse the menus.
Goto
A pay-per-click search engine that changed names and is now Overture, located at www.overture.com
Gross Exposures
The total number of times an ad was seen.
Guerilla Marketing
The unconventional marketing intended to get maximum results from minimal effort and resources.
Helper Application
An application that adds extra functionality to Web documents, such as RealPlayer, which is an audio/video player application, would be booted up to play a song or movie clip that you downloaded from the Internet. See plug-ins
Head
The HTML tag used to enclose the beginning elements in the HTML document, including the title.
Hidden Text
Text on a Web page that is either the same or similar to the background color. Although a viewer cannot detect hidden text, a search engine spider can. All Search engines consider this an attempt to beat the system and will dock you for it.
Hit
A hit is actually the access to any file on the Web page, and a each file and embedded graphic image will count as a hit. As this bears no consistent relationship to unique visitors, page views, click-throughs, or any other measurement of use to advertisers, the term is no longer used by the advertising community.
Hits Counter
A tool that allows a Webmaster to determine how many times a particular page is accessed. Can be set to count the number of hits on a page or the number of unique visits.
Home Page
The page you select your browser to display each time you launch it or when you click the Home button. Also refers to the main page of a Web site, from which there are links to the rest of the site.
Host (Name Server)
The Internet company that provides the required servers and software to connect domain names to (IP) Internet Protocol numbers so that your site can be viewed by the public when they type your domain name or web address in their browser window. This is the home of your Web site.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
The document format used for Web pages. HTML allows you to define tags, or codes which are used to define the text layout, fonts, style, images, links, and other elements that make up a Web page.
HTML Banner
A banner ad which uses HTML elements, may include interactive forms instead of, or in addition to, graphical elements.
HTML E-mail
E-mail that is formatted using HTML instead of plain text e-mail.
HTTP (Hyper Text Transport Protocol)
The protocol for transferring files over the Internet. It's part of your web address or URL and is typed as: http://...
Hypertext Markup Language
See HTML
Hypermedia
Computer applications that have the ability to link information from one application to information created by another application. Hypermedia can contain text, pictures, sounds, and /or video.
Hypertext
A means of displaying text that enables the linking of information.
Image Map
A way of creating links between web pages by enabling different parts of an image to activate links.
Implicit Consent
Also known as implied or "opt-out" consent. Used to describe privacy settings that may allow Web sites to gather information about you (for example by means of cookies and online forms) unless you explicitly choose to withhold your consent by selecting an option on a page that the Web site provides for that purpose. Your consent may not be requested when the information is actually gathered.
Impression
A measure of how many times an ad or banner is displayed. Each time an ad is displayed is counted as an impression. This is the industry standard measure for ad exposures. Counted in thousands for efficiency purposes.
Inbound Link
A link coming from one Web page to another Web page.
Inktomi
A search syndication service located at www.inktomi.com.
Internet
The worldwide network of millions of computers that communicate with each other using standard protocols such as TCP/IP. Originally developed for the US military in 1969, the Internet grew to include educational and research institutions. Later, in the late 1990s, millions of businesses, organizations, and individuals joined in. Today the Internet is used for e-mail, browsing the World Wide Web, instant messaging, transferring files, etc.
Internet Access
Internet access is usually allowed through a commercial service provider (Internet Service Provider) or a university network.
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)
A standard mail server protocol that allows you to store all your messages and any changes to them on the server rather than on your computer's hard disk. Using IMAP rather than POP saves disk space and allows you to access your entire mailbox, including sent mail, drafts, and custom folders, from any location. Using an IMAP server over a modem is generally faster than using a POP mail server, since you initially download message headers only. Not all ISPs support IMAP.
Internet Protocol Address
See IP address
Interstitial
An advertisement that loads between two content pages.
Invisible Web
Parts of the Web that not indexed by search engines.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The company that provides you access to the Internet, such as AOL, Earthlink, etc. Enables users to dial up through a modem, DSL, or cable connection to surf the net, send e-mail, chat, etc.
InterNIC
InterNIC was the name given to a project that originally provided domain name registration services for com, net, org, and edu. Since the project has ended, other companies can now offer domain registration.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The transport layer protocol that is used as the basis of the Internet. IP enables information to be routed from one network to another in packets and then reassembled when they reach their destination.
IP Address
A four-part number separated by periods (for example, 160.000.000.2) that uniquely identifies a specific computer on the Internet. Each server or computer on the Internet is assigned a unique IP number. Each domain name also has a unique IP address.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
A system that enables Internet users to talk with each other over the Internet in real time.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
ISDN is a system that moves more data than a regular modem over existing regular phone lines, achieving speeds of 64,000 bits per second.
Ixquick
A metasearch engine located at www.ixquick.com.
Java
Programming code that works in conjunction with HTML to allow dynamic programs to run and interact with your computer. A Java program can run on many different kinds of computer operating systems, avoiding the need for programmers to create a separate version of each program for each system. Your browser can automatically download and run Java programs (also called applets). Java is a language created by Sun Microsystems.
JavaScript
A scripting language developed by Netscape and commonly used to construct Web pages. Programmers use JavaScript to make Web pages more interactive, to display forms and buttons, etc. JavaScript can be used with Java, but is technically a separate language. Java is not required for JavaScript to work correctly.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
A compression scheme (.jpg) that reduces the size of image files by up to 20 times but with a slightly reduced image quality. Level of quality can be selected from high to low with compression amount varying depending on quality. Images can display colors from a palette of 17.7 million colors.
Key
A large number used by a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data. The encrypted messages must be decrypted with the corresponding private key.
Keyword/Keyword Phrase
An index of searchable terms extracted from the content of a Web site. Search engines index Web site according to keywords and respond to queries when users type in a word or phrase requesting information.
Keyword Density
The measure of how many times a certain keyword is repeated compared to the overall indexable text words in the content of a Web page. Keyword density is one factor that search engines algorithms examine to determine where a Web page will rank.
Keyword Marketing
The system of getting your message in front of people who are searching using particular keywords and keyphrases.
Keyword Relevancy
To measure of how relevant a keyword is to a Web site, search engines check to see the position and use of keywords on your page. Keywords in the title of the home page have more relevancy. Keywords in mega tags and the body of the page show relevancy. Keywords that are not on the Web page will never show up in a search engine query for that word.
Keyword Research
Checking keywords that are related to your Web site, and the analyzing which ones yield the highest return on investment.
Keyword Stuffing
The superfluous repetition of a keyword or keyword phrase in order to rank higher on search engines.
Keywords Tag
A META tag that is used to help define the primary keywords on a Web page.
Kilobyte (KB)
Kilobyte represents 1,024 bytes when used to describe data storage, and 1,000 bytes when used to describe data transfer rates.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A group of computers that are connected (usually located in close proximity such as the same building or floor of the building) so they can share data.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
A standard protocol for accessing directory services, such as corporate address books, across multiple platforms.
Links
The connection of Web pages by inserting hypertextual links into the pages it is possible to connect two documents together. These documents can be on different computers on opposite sides of the globe.
Listserv
Programs that manage mailing lists, including distributing messages posted to the list, adding and deleting members automatically.
Link Checker
A tool that is used to check for broken hyperlinks.
Link Farm
A collection of links thrown on a page that have little or no relationship to each other. See FFA
Link Popularity
A count of the number and quality of links your Web site has from other Web sites. Many search engines use link popularity to evaluate where a Web site should be ranked, determining that the more sites link to yours, the more value to the user. Free-for-all links will not increase your popularity.
Link Text
The text contained within a hyperlink.
Linkrot
When Web pages previously located at a particular URL are no longer reachable at that URL because the pages have been moved or deleted.
Location Bar
The field near the top of a browser window where you can type a URL or search terms.
Locally
This term refers to information stored and viewed on your own machine (local). As opposed to the information stored and viewed on other machines on the Internet.
Login
The account or user name used to gain access to a computer system or protected Web site. Unlike a password, the login name is not secret.
Log Files
The files that detail the activity of each visitor to your site. Log files include information such as the referring URL, search terms used if sent to your site from a search engine, length of stay at your site, entrance and exit pages, etc. Good for analyzing and monitoring your site traffic.
Looksmart
Web directory located at www.looksmart.com
Mail List
A collection of e-mail addresses set up in your e-mail client (Outlook, Eudora, autoresponder, etc.) grouped by some common element such as clients/customers, prospects, friends, or family. You can add and delete members from the list. You are able to send the same message to all the members with just one action. Distribution lists can be a great (that is easy and free) way to inform client/customers about new services or products, giving value to the client, and generating traffic to your site.
Mailbox (E-mail)
Also called POP accounts, e-mailboxes enable you to manage messages sent to your domain.
Mail To
The prefix (mailto:) to add an address for e-mail contact to be written into an HTML document.
Main Mailbox
The default mailbox which receives all of the e-mail sent to a domain that is not otherwise directed.
Manual Submission
Submitting a URL to search engines individually by hand.
Marketing Plan
The part of a business plan outlining the marketing strategy for a product or service.
Master Key
A symmetric key used by Certificate Manager to encrypt information, such as e-mail passwords, Web site passwords, and other stored sensitive information.
Master Password
A password used by Certificate Manager to protect the master key and/or private keys stored on a security device.
Media Kit
A resource created by a publisher to help prospective ad buyers evaluate advertising opportunities.
Megabyte
A million bytes or 1000 kilobytes.
Meta Search Engines
Search engines that displays results from a multiple of other search engines, submitting queries and then returning the compiled results to the user. They do not maintain a database themselves but provide the user a way to query many different search engines all at the same time.
META Tags
META tags are included in the head section (just under the title tag) of the html code that makes up a Web page. META tags include: META keywords, META description and META robots. Meta keywords tag is used to list important words and phrases that relate to a Web page which some search engines use for ranking. Meta description tag is used to describe the Web page in a sentence or two, which is also used by some search engines for ranking. It is, in part, the information in these tags that tell the search engine spiders what the site is about, helping them to categorize your site properly within their databases.
META Tag Generator
A tool that will output META tags based on input page information.
Mirror
An FTP server that provides copies of the same files as another server. Some FTP servers are so popular that other servers have been set up to mirror them and spread the FTP load to more than one site.
Modem (MOdulator DEModulator)
A device that you connect to your computer and to a phone line that allow the computer to talk to other computers through the phone system. Modems convert the computer's digital signals into analog waves that can be transmitted over standard voice telephone lines. Modem speeds are measured in bits per second (bps).
Moderator
The person at a online forum that is entrusted by the administrator to help discussions stay productive and within the guidelines.
MySQL
A relational database management system that stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and flexibility. The tables are linked by defined relations making it possible to combine data from several tables on request. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, the most common standardized language used to access databases.
Name Server
A computer that has both the software and the data needed to resolve domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. Most name servers have names like NS1.domainname.com.
Navigation
That which enables the movement from one Web page to another.
Navigation Toolbar
The toolbar near the top of the browser window that includes the Back, Forward, and Restore buttons.
Net
An abbreviation for the term Internet which stands for Interconnected Networks. When these letters appear at the end of an address like www.domain.net they may indicate that the host computer is run by a network, but now it is more often used interchangeably with .com. It also means that the host computer is most likely located in the United States.
Netiquette
The code of conduct that is regarded as acceptable online behavior. Short for network etiquette.
Netscape
Netscape is a Internet browser application that allows you to surf for information on the World Wide Web and use other services such as Newsgroups and e-mail.
Network
Connect two or more computers together so they can share resources and you have a computer network. Connect two or more networks together and you have an internet (small "i").
NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol)
A protocol defined for distribution, inquiry, retrieval, and posting of news articles.
Newsgroup
A distributed bulletin board system about a particular topic. Usenet News (also know as Netnews) is a system that distributes thousands of newsgroups throughout the Internet.
Newsletter
See Ezine
NIC Handle
A unique identifier (which can be up to 10 alpha-numeric characters), assigned to each domain name record, contact record, and network record in Network Solutions' domain name database. NIC handles can save time and ensure accuracy in domain name records.
Northern Light Search
A search engine located at www.northernlight.com
Object Signing
A technology that allows software developers to sign Java code, JavaScript scripts, or any kind of file, and that allows users to identify the signers and control access by signed code to local system resources.
ODBC (Object Database Connectivity)
A system that allows compliant applications to connect to a database and extract data without requiring that the user have programming skills. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and mySQL, for example, are ODBC compliant applications, and using ODBC and mySQL a user can import data directly into an Excel spreadsheet.
Off-Line
Working on a computer that is not currently connected to the Internet.
On-Line
Working on a computer that is currently connected to the Internet.
Open Directory Project
The largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors. They share their data with other search engines which use it to supplement their own search results.
Opt-In
E-mail information that a recipient has explicitly requested. This means that a client or subscriber has first expressed interest in your business by sending you an e-mail, filling out a form, making a purchase, or otherwise contacting you first.
Opt-Out
The method by which recipients of e-mail can remove themselves from future mailings.
Outbound Link
A link to a site outside of current site you are browsing.
Overture
A search engine, which was formerly GoTo.com. They offers pay-per-click keyword advertising to site owners at low per click rates (determined through a bidding process). Yahoo!, MSN, InfoSpace, Ask Jeeves, AltaVista, and Netscape include Overture among their search results.
Packet
A chunk of information sent over a network. Each packet contains the destination address, the sender's address, error-control information, and data.
Page
Documents and other information available over the Internet are organized into pages. Each page may contain text, graphics, video, and/or sound files.
Page Views
Number of times a complete HTML page is displayed on the Internet.
Pagejacking
The theft of a page from the original Web site and the publishing of a copy at another site.
Paid Submission
An up-front fee paid to search engines or directories to assure that they will review your site within a certain timeframe, without any guarantee that it will be given a high rating or even qualify for inclusion.
Password Manager
A window in your Web browser enables you to store some or all of your user names and passwords on your computer's hard disk, automatically entering them for you when you visit a particular site.
Pay-per-Click (PPC)
An online advertising payment system in which you pay solely on the number of unique click-throughs on your ad, and thus you only pay for traffic that ends up at your site.
Pay per Click Search Engine (PPCSE)
A search engine where the results are ranked according to the bid amount and advertisers are charged only when a searcher clicks on the search listing.
Pay-per-Lead
An online advertising payment system in which payment is based solely based on qualifying leads, such as every time a different person requests free information, a free trial or a free service.
Pay-per-Sale (PPS)
An online advertising payment system in which payment in which you are paid a fixed or percentage commission on qualifying sales.
Payment Threshold
The minimum amount of accumulated commissions an affiliate has to earn before payment is made from an affiliate program.
PDF (Adobe Portable Document Format)
A file format which allows users to access information in a document without having the application which created to document. Many books are created in PDF, which can be viewed using Adobe Reader, which is available for free from www.adobe.com, and is compatible with all operating systems.
Personal Toolbar
A customizable toolbar that appears (by default in Navigator) just below the location bar. It contains standard buttons such as Home, Search, Bookmarks, but allows you to add or remove optional buttons.
Ping
A network management tool that checks to see if communicate can be established with another computer on the Internet by sending a short message to which the other computer automatically responds.
Plug-in
An add-on or helper application that adds new capabilities to your Web browser, such as the ability to play audio or video clips. Unlike other kinds of helper applications, a plug-in application installs itself into the Plugins directory within the main browser installation directory and typically can be opened within the browser itself.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
The protocol used to retrieve e-mail from a mail server or ISP. Most e-mail applications use the POP protocol, the standard version now being POP3 e-mail, which requires you to download new messages to your local computer—although you can choose to leave copies on the server. Usually referred to with its version number (POP2, POP3, and so on) to avoid confusing it with Point of Presence.
POP (Point of Presence)
A physical site in a geographic area where a network access provider has equipment. The local phone company's central office in a particular area is also sometimes referred to as their POP for that area.
Pop Account
Same as an e-mail mailbox. A Pop Account is a mailbox that is set up to accept e-mail sent to a particular address.
Pop-up Ad
An ad that displays in a new browser window and pops up at a specified time, such as on entry to or on exit from a site.
Pop-under Ad
An ad that displays in a new browser window behind the current browser window and usually isn't seen until the user closes their browser window.
Portal
A site featuring a suite of commonly used services, serving as a starting point and frequent gateway to the Web (Web portal), or a niche topic (vertical portal).
Positioning
The position that a Web page is displayed in the search engine results, or the process of getting a Web page listed highly (usually the first 10 to 20 listings) in the search engine.
Post Office Protocol
See POP
Posting
To send a message to a discussion group or mailing list.
PP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
A scheme for connecting two computers over a phone line (or a network link that acts like a phone line). Similar to SLIP.
Primary Server
The name server that will be used first before any of the other name servers.
Private Key
One of a pair of keys used in public-key cryptography. The private key is secret and is used to decrypt data that has been encrypted with a corresponding public key.
Propagation
The process of disseminating information throughout a system. When you register a new Internet domain name, information is propagated across the Internet when the local DNS servers update their databases from a central file. Password changes often must be made on several different servers and will not complete propagation until all affected servers update their databases, which doesn't necessarily happen simultaneously.
Protocol
A language computers use when talking to each other.
Proxy
An intermediary program that acts as both a server and a client for the purpose of making requests on behalf of other clients.
Public Key
One of a pair of keys used in public-key cryptography. The public key is distributed freely and published as part of a certificate. It is used to encrypt data sent to the public key's owner, who then decrypts the data with the corresponding private key.
Public-Key Cryptography
A standards that allows an entity (such as a person, an organization, etc.) to verify its identity electronically or to sign and encrypt electronic data. Requires a public key and a private key to encrypt and decrypt data.
Query
A request for information from a database or search engine using a word or phrase typed into a form.
Rack Space
The physical storage unit for computers or network devices.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers.
Ranking
The position a Web page is displayed in the search engine's query results.
Rate Card
Document detailing prices for various ad placement options.
Real-Time
Occurring immediately, such as in real-time credit card transaction processing. In Internet merchant accounts, this provides the ability to immediately accept and process credit cards online, including authorization and daily online settlements.
Reciprocal Links
An exchange of links between two sites, often based on an agreement by the site owners.
Referring URL
An important bit of information when analyzing the traffic to your Web site which is captured by your site's log files. It indicates the Web site address (URL) that sent the traffic to your site. This can be a search engine, and advertising link, reciprocal link, etc. By monitoring your referring URLs, you can make informed decisions on your advertising programs.
Re-registration
The process of renewing a domain name's registration for a specified period of time. This is accomplished by paying the re-registration fee which covers the amount of years you are renewing the domain for.
Registrant
The individual or organization who registers a specific domain name. They holds the right to use that domain name for a specified term, provided certain conditions are met and the registration fees are paid.
Registration
The process through which individuals and organizations obtain a domain name.
Registration Fee
The fee charged for registering a Web Address or domain name.
Registration Forms
Forms that are used to submit and process registration requests. These forms, which include the Domain Name Registration Agreement, Contact Form, and Host Form, are used to register new domain names, new contacts for domain names, and new hosts (name servers) as well as to update domain name, contact, and host records.
Remote Access
When you access a computer offsite. This is done via a modem or computer network.
Remote Administration
Administering a computer or network from a remote location.
Resolve
The process by which domain names are matched with corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. Software uses the data in the Domain Name System to determine which IP numbers correspond to a particular domain name.
Rich-Media
An advertising banner which has additional capabilities such as interactivity, sound, etc. to achieve a higher response rate. Not all browsers may be able to view Rich-Media ads.
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
The computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read.
Root Directory
The top of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy.
Root Server
A computer that has the software and data needed to locate the name servers containing authoritative data for the top-level domains.
Router
A device that connects two Local Area Networks. Routers are similar to bridges, but having the ability to filter messages and forward them. The Internet uses routers extensively to forward packets from one host to another.
Run of Network (RON)
Ad buying in which ad placements may appear on any pages on sites within an ad network.
Run of Site (ROS)
Ad buying option in which ad placements may appear on any pages of the target site.
Search Engine (SE)
A search engine is a Web-based program that contains a index database of Web sites on the Internet. Search engines use software programs (robots, crawlers, and spiders) to gather and catalog information. (A directory uses people to verify and organize information.) Search engines are interested in the tags (Title, Alt, Meta), link popularity, keyword frequently and relevance, and the textual content of the site. They cannot read graphic images. Users type a word or phrase, also called a query, into a search box, and the search engine displays links to relevant Web pages. Each search engine has its own algorithms for determining which sites will rank high for particular keyword phrases in response to your query. Google and Overture are examples of search engines.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The process of trying to maximize a Web site's appeal to various search engines and directories, also called Web positioning. This involves adjusting the site (page titles, choosing targeted keyword phrases, having keyword-rich content, META descriptions) to make it more attractive to the search engines.
SEO (Search Engine Optimizer)
A person who makes a living by getting their clients better rankings on the search engines for the keywords that are important to their particular business.
Search Engine Submission
Actively submitting a URL to a search engine as a request for a search engine to visit a Web site in the hope that they include it.
Second Level Domain
The second lower level in the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy beneath the top level domains. It's the portion of the domain name that appears immediately to the left of the .com, .net, .org) The mydomain.com would be the second level domain for this Web site, with the top-level domain being .com.
Secondary Server
The name server that is used as a backup for the primary name server in the event that the primary server becomes unavailable.
Secure Sockets Layer
See SSL
Security Certificate
See certificate
Security Device
Hardware or software that provides cryptographic services such as encryption and decryption and can store certificates and keys.
SEO
See Search engine optimization
Server
A computer (or a software) that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers. It is a computer with the right tools required to "serve" others, such as storing and delivering information over the Internet to users of the World Wide Web.
Server Authentication
The process of identifying a server to a client by using a server SSL certificate.
Server SSL certificate
A certificate that a server presents to a client to authenticate the server's identity using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.
Server Side Includes (SSI)
A command that can be included in Web pages that is processed by the Web server when a user requests a file. For example, you can use a SSI command to insert a universal menu into all of the pages of the Web site so that the menu only has to be changed once and inserted with SSI instead of changing the menu on every page.
Service Provider
A company that supplies Internet services, such as providing access to the Internet, web hosting, etc. See Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Screen Resolution
The number of dots per square inch (dpi) displayed on a screen. The higher the number of dots, the better the resolution. Standard screen resolutions are 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768.
ShockWave
A development tool created by Macromedia that brings enhanced multimedia to the Internet. Similar to Java.
Shopping Cart
Software that allows users to set up an on-line store and product catalog to sell merchandise on the Internet.
Signature File
A block of text at the end of an e-mail message identifying the sender and giving a bit of information about them.
Site
The place where information can be found on the World Wide Web. See Web site
Site Search
Search for information specific to one site.
SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol)
A software scheme for connecting a computer to the Internet.
Smart Card
A small device, typically about the size of a credit card, that contains a microprocessor and is capable of storing cryptographic information (such as keys and certificates) and performing cryptographic operations.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol)
The main protocol used to transfer e-mail between computers on the Internet.
Socket
When your computer is on the Internet via a SLIP connection, a socket is a method of communication your computer has with a remote computer. You may have one socket for an FTP session, another socket for a Telnet session, and another socket taking care of getting your mail.
Spam
E-mail advertisements where the recipients have not requested to receive the information, otherwise unsolicited "junk" e-mail. Also called UCE (Unsolicited Commercial E-mail)
Spamdexing
Unethical and excessive manipulation to try to get a higher ranking in the search engines. These can include, but not limited to hidden text, excessive use of keyword, and submitting a large number of Web pages that have no useful information and are designed purely for search engine appeal. Rather counterproduction, since most search engines know the tricks and you risk negative results if discovered.
Spider
A software program that collects information about Web sites on the Internet. A spider follows links, scans Web sites and adds them to the search engine's database.
Splash Page
A branding page before the home page of a Web site.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
A standardized language used to access databases. See MySQL
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A protocol used to enable authenticated and encrypted communications across the Internet. SSL provides privacy, authentication, and integrity. Each side of the connection must have a Security Certificate in an SSL connection, each sending to the other to ensure ultimate security. URLs beginning with "https" indicate that an SSL connection is used.
Status Bar
The toolbar that appears at the bottom of any Netscape window. It includes the Component Bar on the left and status icons on the right (such as the lock icon).
Stickiness
The amount of time spent at a site over a certain length of time.
Stop Words
Common words such as "the," "and," "I" and overused words such as "www," "Web," and "Web site" that are ignored by a search engine when a user performs a query.
Subject
The person, organization, or router identified by a certificate. In particular, the subject field of a certificate contains the certified entity's subject name and other characteristics.
Submission
Submitting your Web page or site to be included in a search engine or directory.
Super Affiliate
An affiliate who of generates a significant percentage of an affiliate program's activity.
Synchronous Communication
Communication that occurs at the same time, between two or more individuals, for example a telephone conversations or Internet Relay Chat.
T-1
A dedicated phone connection capable of supporting data rates of 1.544 Mbits per second. A T-1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each of which supports 64Kbits per second. Each 64Kbit/second channel can be configured to carry voice or data traffic. T-1 is the fastest speed commonly used to connect networks to the Internet.
T-3
A dedicated phone connection capable of supporting data rates of about 43 Mbps. A T-3 line actually consists of 672 individual channels, each of which supports 64 Kbps.
Tag
The basic unit of HTML coding, consisting of a letter or word enclosed inside less-than (<) and greater-than (>) brackets. For example, bold is expressed as<b> . To end the tag, you add a forward slash to the code, such as </b>.
TCP
See TCP/IP
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
A Unix protocol used to connect computers on the Internet running a variety of operating systems. TCP/IP is an essential Internet protocol and has become a global standard for transmitting data over networks. Most network operating systems that have their own protocols also support TCP/IP.
Telnet
The protocol used to login from one Web site to another. A telnet program connects your PC directly to your site's server. Unlike FTP access, the file transfer protocol you can use to download documents to your local hard drive for editing, a telnet connection allows you to modify your files and CGI scripts directly on the server.
Terminal
A device that allows you to send commands to a remote computer, often having only a keyboard and a display screen on site.
Technical Contact
The technical contact is the person or organization who is responsible for answering technical questions about the domain name's primary domain name server.
Text Ad
An advertisement using text-based hyperlinks.
Text Link Exchange
A network of participating sites which display text ads in exchange for credits which are converted (using a predetermined exchange rate) into ads to be displayed on other sites.
Third-party Cookie
See foreign cookie
Title
A Title of a Web page that is a short description or summary of a Web page, appearing also in the top bar of Internet browsers. Titles are contained within the <TITLE> tags of HTML documents and are used to by the search engine algorithms to index Web pages. The Title tag is a very important element of a Web page because all search engines reference keywords in the title tag and generally give them great importance in their ranking system.
Title Tag
The HTML tag used to define the text in the top line of a Web browser. The title is also used by many search engines as the title of search listings.
Top 10
The top ten search engine results returned for a particular search term.
Top-level Domain
The highest level of the hierarchy after the root. That portion of the domain name such as .com, .net, .org, etc.
Traffic
Internet traffic is just a measure of how much a particular Web site is visited. Traffic can be measured in Page Views, Hits, Impressions, Unique Visitors, Megabytes, etc.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
See TCP/IP
Trick Banner
A banner ad that attempts to trick people into clicking, by such things as imitating an operating system message.
Two Tier Affiliate Program
The struction of affiliate programs in which affiliates earn commissions on not only their their sales, but also those of others they refer to the program.
UCE (Unsolicited Commercial E-mail)
See Spam
Underdelivery
The delivery of less impressions, visitors, or conversions than contracted for during a specified period of time.
Unique Visitor
Each individual person who has visited a Web site (or network) at least once in a during a fixed period of time.
UNIX
A computer operating system designed to be used by many people at the same time. UNIX is designed to be used by many people at the same time and has TCP/IP built in. It is the most common operating system for servers on the Internet.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The standard way to give the address of any resource on the Internet that is part of the World Wide Web (www). A typical URL looks like: http://www.domainname.com/index.html. You can enter an URL into a Web browser program, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, or you can click on URL links on Web pages in order to access other Web page. Also known as an Internet address or Web address.
USENET
An informal group of systems that exchange "news." USENET predates the Internet, but today, the Internet is used to transfer much of USENET's traffic.
Upload
The transmission of a file from your computer system to another computer.
Video Streaming
The process of providing video data or content via a Web page.
Viral Marketing
A marketing method that facilitates and encourages people to pass along a marketing message.
Visitors
The total number of different users that have visited a particular Web site. This can be measured using tracking technology or user registration. See also unique visitors
VRML
Virtual Reality Markup Language. A standard by which the internet uses for delivering 3-dimensional virtual reality over the Web.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Any internet or network that covers an area larger than a single building or campus. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs) and are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.
Web
An abbreviated term for the World Wide Web.
Web Browser
A software application that allows users to browse the World Wide Web.
Web Consultant
A person or company that can help you create or improve an online business.
Web Design
The creation of the structure of a web page by determining the placement of components such as type, color, graphics, animations, tables, etc.
Web Directory
An organized and categorized listings of Web sites.
Web Host
A company which provides the computer storage space, connectivity, and various software and management tools needed to power a Web site.
Web Page
A single document on the World Wide Web that is specified by a unique address or URL and that may contain text, graphics, links, and other components.
Web Presence
A web site.
Web Ring
A collection of Web sites that have a similar theme and have been banded together to form a ring, navigated by going backward or forward.
Web Server
A computer that delivers (serves up) web pages. Every web server has an IP address and URL. If you enter an URL in your browser, this sends a request to the server, and the server then fetches the requested page and sends it to your browser.
Web Site
A group of related Web pages linked by hyperlinks that can be viewed using a Web browser. A Web site may include html files, graphics, audio and video files, and links to other Web sites.
Web Site Optimization
The process of changing a Web site in order to rank higher with search engines and directories for selected keyword phrases.
Web Site Traffic
The amount of visitors and visits a Web site receives.
Web Site Usability
The ease with which visitors are able to use a particular Web site.
Webmaster
The person who manages a Web site. The Webmaster designs the Web site and navigation, creates and updates the Web pages; creates CGI scripts for counters, guestbooks, subscription forms, etc.; monitors traffic; and monitors the server hardware and software.
Wildcard
A special symbol that stands for one or more characters. Many operating systems and applications support wildcards for identifying files and directories. This enables you to select multiple files with a single specification. For example, in DOS and Windows, the asterisk (*) is a wild card that stands for any combination of letters.
Windows Socket (WinSock)
Windows Sockets is a standard way for Windows-based programs to work with TCP/IP. You can use WinSock if you use SLIP to connect to the Internet.
WHOIS
A searchable database which returns information about domain names and the contacts associated with them for the top-level domains. Information includes the registrar, administrative contact, organization contact, billing contact, and the IP address. Whois has a strict protocol, or set of rules, that describes the application used to access the database.
World Wide Web
The World Wide Web provides full text and graphical access to documents (Web sites) created using HTML, stored on Web servers, and displayed by clients called Web browsers. It is the first Internet service that to incorporate e-mail, Web sites, FTP, and Newsgroups). A big part of the world wide success of the Internet. The abbreviated 'www' is part of the URL when accessing the World Wide Web.
XML (eXtensible Markup Language)
XML is a pared-down version of SGML which was designed specifically 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.
Yahoo
A portal located at www.yahoo.com.
Zone
A portion of the total domain name space that is represented by the data stored on a particular name server.
Zone File
A file that contains data describing a portion of the domain name space.
Zworks
A metasearch engine located at www.zworks.com