Glossary of Internet Terms A to Z
- A -
address mask (Subnet Mask)
This is used to recognize the sections of an IP address that concur with the different parts. Also known as the "subnet mask".
alias
A nickname that refers to a network resource.
anonymous FTP
This is a method of bypassing security checks when you logon to an FTP site. This is done by typing "anonymous" as your user ID and your e-mail address as the password.
application
A program that performs for a certain purpose.
Archie
A method of automatically collecting, indexing, and retrieving files from the Internet.
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
A transfer mode that designates bandwidth using a fixed-size packet or cell. Also called a "fast packet".
authentication
A method of identifying the user to make sure the user is who he says he is.
- B -
bandwidth
A measurement in Hz that reads the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies of a transmission.
BBS (Bulletin Board System)
A computer which provides file archives, email, and announcements of interest. Users usually dial in with a terminal program to access these.
bounce
This term refers to when you send an e-mail to a non-existent recipient and the e-mail is "bounced" back to you.
BTW
By the way.
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
A computer which provides file archives, email, and announcements of interest. Users usually dial in with a terminal program to access these.
- C -
CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol)
A method of authentication when connecting to an Internet service provider.
Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP)
A method of authentication when connecting to an Internet service provider.
CHAT
Conversational Hypertext Access Technology.
CIX
Commercial Internet Exchange.
client
An application that performs for a certain purpose.
cracker
Persons who attempt to gain illegal access to computers. Not to be confused with hackers.
Cyberspace
According to M.N.A "the world of computers and the society that gathers around them."
- D -
Data Encryption Key (DEK)
Used for encryption and decryption of message text.
Data Encryption Standard (DES)
Standardized encryption method used most on the Internet.
datagram
A block of data that can travel from one Internet site to another without relying on an earlier exchange between the source and destination computers.
DDN (Defense Data Network)
The United States Department of Defense global communications network.
DECnet
A proprietary network protocol designed by Digital Equipment Corporation.
dedicated line
A communications line used solely for computer connections, such as T1 and T3 lines. An additional phone line solely for your modem is a dedicated line as well.
Defense Data Network (DDN)
The United States Department of Defense global communications network.
dial-up
Most widely used way of accessing the Internet. This involves one computer connecting to another by way of a modem.
DNS (Domain Name Service)
A name service used with TCP/IP hosts. A DNS exists on numerous servers over the Internet. It is a database for finding host names and IP addresses on the Internet and trying to figure them out.
domain
An area on host or an IP address.
Domain Name Service (DNS)
A name service used with TCP/IP hosts. A DNS exists on numerous servers over the Internet. It is a database for finding host names and IP addresses on the Internet and trying to figure them out.
dot address
IP addresses in the form of 1.1.1.1 in a 4-byte IP address where each number is equal to 1 byte.
- E -
electronic mail (e-mail)
Electronic mail, or e-mail, is a way users with a computer can send messages between each other easily and more quickly than regular mail.
e-mail (Electronic Mail)
Electronic mail, or e-mail, is a way users with a computer can send messages between each other easily and more quickly than regular mail.
e-mail address
A person’s email address is usually like this:
Userid@domain.com
Userid represents the identification of the person, the @ is what separates the userid from the domain name, and the domain name refers to the host that the person is using.
encryption
This is what Internet security is built upon. Encryption will scramble information so it is readable only by the intended recipient.
Ethernet
An Ethernet connection is a LAN (Local Area Network) that consists of computers connected by twisted-pair or coaxial cable. Transfers can be made on an Ethernet connection at up to 10 Mb/s.