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GIF Pronounced giff (hard G). A bit-mapped graphics file format used by the World Wide Web (WWW), CompuServe and many other BBS's. GIF supports colour and various resolutions. It also includes data compression, making it especially effective for scanned photos. GUI Elements of a GUI include such things as: windows, pull-down menus, buttons, scroll bars, iconic images, wizards, the mouse, and no doubt many things that haven't been invented yet. With the increasing use of multimedia as part of the GUI, sound, voice, motion video, and virtual reality interfaces seem likely to become part of the GUI for many applications. A system's graphical user interface along with its input devices is sometimes referred to as its "look-and-feel." |
Bandwidth Refers to the amount of data being sent or received in a period of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps). Graphics and photos consume more bandwidth than text and, as such, tend to slow the download process. Large sound files require even more. A slow modem can hinder downloads despite a quick operating system. Batchfile See also Script. A group of commands, hence batch, that would otherwise need to be entered by the user individually. Much like a shortcut, a batch file is used to run frequently accessed programs. BBS A computer or an application dedicated to the sharing or exchange of messages or other files on a network. Originally it was used to post simple messages between users, similar to the bulletin board that could be found in a home or office. Online chats, such as ICQ or Messenger, stemmed from the BBS. Binary Machine-readable symbols that represent 1's and 0's. Binary File See also Binary. In addition to plain text, a binary file may contain additional code information for photos, sounds, or formatted word-processing text for example. Binary files include sound files, graphic files and software. Also called binaries. Browser An application program that is used to view or 'browse' Web pages. In 1993, Mosaic was the first browser capable of displaying both text and graphics. Today, Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Firefox are the two most popular browsers. In addition to displaying text and graphics, they are capable of presenting sound and video through a plug-in. |
Data Mining Every site is filled with statistics on its hits & visitors. Data Mining is the term that is used when examining these statistics for trends & patterns. A Data Miner, for example, would be able to determine the demographics of a site’s visitors, the pages that they most often frequent, the times of the day that the site is most busy and the. By analyzing this information, designers become better able to custom design a site to fit the needs of its visitors. DHTML DHTML pages are modified to dynamically change with each unique visitor. For example, the same URL could result I a different page depending on any number of parameters, such as: geographic location of the reader, time of day, previous pages viewed by the reader or profile of the reader. When capitalized, DHTML refers to new HTML extensions that will enable a Web page to react to user input without sending requests to the Web server. |
End-User See also user. A term that is used to distinguish between individuals for whom the software is designed and those individuals who design it. |
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HTML The authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web. HTML defines the structure and layout of a Web document by using a variety of tags and attributes. The correct structure for an HTML document starts with <HTML><HEAD>(enter here what document is about)</HEAD><BODY> and ends with </BODY></HTML>. All the information you'd like to include in your Web page fits in between the <BODY> and </BODY> tags. There are hundreds of other tags used to format and layout the information in a Web page. Hyperlink An element in an electronic document that links to another place in the same document or to an entirely different document. Typically, you click on the hyperlink to follow the link. Hyperlinks are the most essential ingredient of all hypertext systems, including the World Wide Web. There are hyperlinks throughout all these definitions. |
ASCII ASCII is a 7-bit code that represents the most basic letters of the Roman alphabet, numbers, and other characters used in computing. ASCII characters allow us to communicate with computers, which use their own language called binary made up of 0s and 1s. When we type ASCII characters from the keyboard (which looks like words to us), the computer interprets them as binary so they can be read, manipulated, stored and retrieved. ASCII files are called text files Applet A program designed to be executed from within another application. Unlike an application, applets cannot be executed directly from the operating system. A well-designed applet can be accessed from many different applications. Web browsers, which are often equipped with Java virtual machines, can interpret applets from Web servers. Since applets are small in files size, compatible with many platforms, and highly secure they are ideal for small Internet applications accessible from a browser. Application Applications are also known as end-user programs. Basically, there are two types of software; Systems Software (i.e.: Operating System) and Application Software. Application Software is a program designed for the end-user and requires Systems Software to run. Examples of Application Software include Word & Excel. ASP An HTML page that includes imbedded programs known as scripts, such as VB Script or JavaScript, that are processed on a server before the page is sent to the user. For example, when a user requests information from a database the ASP gathers, assembles and presents the data to the user as a custom HTML page. This method is also known as creating pages on the fly. |
.NET A Microsoft Operating system platform. .NET provides an enriched Internet experience for the user. Users will have access to their information on the Internet from any device, anytime, anywhere. It also offers new ways to interact with application data (i.e.: speech recognition). Network |
P3P A specification that allows a users browser to automatically recognize Web sites' privacy practices. These practices are embedded in the code of a Web site. PDF Applications are also known as end-user programs. Basically, there are two types of software; Systems Software (i.e.: Operating System) and Application Software. Application Software is a program designed for the end-user and requires Systems Software to run. Examples of Application Software include Word & Excel. Perl A programming language especially designed for processing text. Designed by Larry Wall. Perl has become very popular for writing CGI scripts because of its exemplary text processing capabilities. PHP Server-side, HTML embedded scripting language. PHP is enclosed within its own special tags, and as such, makes it possible for an author to jump between HTML and PHP. Pixel A single point in a graphic image. Pixels are so close together that they appear connected when displayed on a monitor. On colour monitors, each pixel is made up of 3 dots-- a red, a blue and a green one. Platform The underlying hardware or software for a system. It defines a standard around which a system can be developed. A user must purchase appropriate hardware and applications for their platform. See also Operating system. Cross-platform is defined as applications, formats or devices that work on multiple platforms. Plug-in A software or hardware module that adds a specific feature to a larger system. Plug-ins often enhance the audio or video display. Protocol An agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. It can be implemented in both hardware or software. |
Script Secure Server Security Spider Splash Page SSI Staging Server Streaming System |
Resolution The sharpness or clarity of an image. Often used in describing monitors, printers and bit-mapped graphics. A device can be classified as high resolution, medium resolution or low resolution. |
Unique Visitor Refers to a person who visits a Web site more than once. Measured according to their unique IP addresses. Unix Pronounced yoo-niks. A multi-user operating system. Originally designed to be a small flexible system used by programmers. Today, because of its portability, flexibility, and power, UNIX has become the most popular Operating system for workstations. With a new version, called Linux, UNIX is moving into all platforms. URL The global address of documents and other resources on the WWW. |
Vector In computer programming, a one dimensional array. Conversely, in computer graphics, it is a line that is defined by its start and end point. VB A programming language and environment developed by Microsoft. Visual basic is based on the BASIC language. When using VB language, large amounts of code can be replaced by dragging and dropping controls, like dialogue boxes and buttons, and then defining their appearance and behaviour. The programmer need not worry about syntax details. The visual basic approach has become and integral part of programming today. |
Web site A location on the World Wide Web. Each site contains a home page, which is the first document users see when they enter the site. They site might also contain additional documents and files. Each site is owned and managed by an individual, company or organization. WWW The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a script called HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files. Web browsers make it easy to access the World Wide Web; Two of the most popular being Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer. |
Traffic The load on a communications device or system.
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OS The most integral program that runs on a computer. It is essential in order to run other programs. The Operating system recognizes input from your mouse or keyboard, it sends output to the display screen, it organizes all the contents of the hard disk and controls any other peripheral device. The OS provides a platform on top of which other programs can run. The user interacts with the OS through a set of commands. GUI allows the user to enter these by pointing and clicking at objects that appear on the display screen. |
Mouseover A JavaScript element that triggers a change on an item (usually a graphic) in a Web page when the mouse passes over it. The change usually signifies that the item is a link to related or additional information. Mouseovers are widely used in Navigation Bars, pop-up boxes, and/or form submissions. MPEG |
Layout In word processing and desktop publishing, layout refers to the arrangement of text and graphics. The layout of a document can determine which points are emphasized, and whether the document is aesthetically pleasing. While no computer program can substitute for a professional layout artist, a powerful desktop publishing system can make it easier to lay out professional-looking documents. In database management systems, layout refers to the way information is displayed. You can change the layout by selecting different fields. Link In hypertext systems, such as the World Wide Web, a link is a reference to another document. Such links are sometimes called hot links because they take you to other document when you click on them. Lossy Compression Refers to data compression techniques in which some amount of data is lost. Lossy compression technologies attempt to eliminate redundant or unnecessary information. Most video compression technologies, such as MPEG, use a lossy technique. |
JPEG Pronounced jay-peg. JPEG is a lossy compression technique for colour images. Although it can reduce file sizes to about 5% of their normal size, some detail is lost in the compression. J2EE The J2EE platform consists of a set of services, APIs, and protocols that provide the functionality for developing multi-tiered, Web-based applications. Java A high-level programming language. Java is an object-oriented language similar to C++, but simplified to eliminate language features that cause common programming errors. It is a general purpose programming language with a number of features that make the language well suited for use on the World Wide Web. Small Java applications are called Java applets and can be downloaded from a Web server and run on your computer by a Java-compatible Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Java Beans JavaScript A scripting language developed by Netscape to enable Web authors to design interactive sites. Although it shares many of the features and structures of the full Java language, it was developed independently. JavaScript can interact with HTML source code, enabling Web authors to spice up their sites with dynamic content. JavaScript is endorsed by a number of software companies and is an open language that anyone can use without purchasing a license. It is supported by recent browsers from Netscape and Microsoft, though Internet Explorer supports only a subset, which Microsoft calls Jscript. |
Intranet A network belonging to an organization, usually a corporation, accessible only by the organization's members, employees, or others with authorization. An intranet's Web sites look and act just like any other Web sites, but the firewall surrounding an intranet fends off unauthorized access. Like the Internet itself, intranets are used to share information. Secure intranets are now the fastest-growing segment of the Internet. Internet A global network connecting millions of computers. As of 1999, the Internet has more than 200 million users worldwide, and that number is growing rapidly. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design. Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community. There are a variety of ways to access the Internet. Most online services, such as America Online, offer access to some Internet services. It is also possible to gain access through a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). Interpreter A program that executes instructions written in a high-level language. An interpreter translates high-level instructions into an intermediate form, which it then executes immediately. For this reason, interpreters are sometimes used during the development of a program, when a programmer wants to add small sections at a time and test them quickly. In addition, interpreters are often used in education because they allow students to program interactively. IP Address A 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packets across the Internet. IP Spoofing A technique used to gain unauthorized access to computers. To engage in IP spoofing, a hacker must first use a variety of techniques to find an IP address of a trusted host and then modify the packet headers so that it appears that the packets are coming from that host. ISP 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). ISPs are also called IAPs (Internet Access Providers). |
File A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files, program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store different types of information. For example, program files store programs, whereas text files store text. File Format File format is how the information in a file is encoded. Each different type of file has a different file format. The file format specifies first whether the file is a binary or ASCII file, and second, how the information is organized. Firewall A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. They are considered the first line of defence in protecting private information. For greater security data can be encrypted. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria. There are several different firewall techniques. Flash Flash is a bandwidth friendly and browser independent vector-graphic animation technology. As long as different browsers are equipped with the necessary plug-ins, Flash animations will look the same. With Flash, users can draw their own animations or import other vector-based images. Frames A feature supported by most modern Web browsers than enables the Web author to divide the browser display area into two or more sections (frames). The contents of each frame are taken from a different Web page. Frames provide great flexibility in designing Web pages, but many designers avoid them because current browsers support them unevenly. FTP The protocol used on the Internet when sending files. |
C++ Programming language. It is popular among programmers because it is relatively small and requires less memory than many other languages. Java, another high-level programming language, was based on C++ but optimized to work better on the Internet. CGI Provides a consistent way for data to be passed from an End-user to an Application program and back to the End-user. CGI programs are the most common way for web servers to interact dynamically with users. In example, a CGI would be used when a user is filling out an on-line form. When the visits a web page they view it in HTML. However, when they fill in an on-line form, that form needs to be processed using an Application program. Once the Application program has completed its task, the results are sent back to the user as an HTML page, thus ensuring that the page can be viewed on various platforms and browsers. Click A quick press and release of the mouse button. See also Click-through Rate. Click-through Rate Defined as the number of clicks on a banner ad on an HTML page in relation to the number of times that as was downloaded with a page. CMS A method in which a content manager or author can manage a website without knowledge of HTML. In using the CMA, the author is able to manage the creation, modification and removal of content from a web site. Cookies A code that a Web site store on your web browser. The primary reason for this code is to help personalize the site for you. Typically, a cookie records your preferences when using a particular site. A cookie is a mechanism that allows the server to store its own information about a user on the user's own computer. You can view the cookies that have been store on your hard disk. Cookies are commonly used to rotate the banner ads so that a site sends so that it doesn't keep sending the same ads. Cookies can also be used to customize pages for you based on your browser type or the other information your have provided to the Web site. Web site users must agree to let cookies be saved for them, but, in general, it helps Web sites to serve users better. CSS CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets. Essentially, CSS enable, both the designer & User to define how various elements, such as headers, links, colours & fonts, appear on a Web page. Imagine a site that can a change a different colour for each holiday – red & green for Christmas or Black & Orange for Halloween. By using CSS, a designer can change the entire look of a site at a click of a button. |
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