A communication channel that allows for the transfer of information in both directions over the Internet, though not simultaneously. (See duplex, network.)
Handle
A made-up name chosen by a user who prefers not to use his/her real name in newsgroups or on IRC. (See newsgroups, IRC.)
Handshaking
A series of signals which two modems send to each other in order to confirm a satisfactory connection. Handshaking occurs when you try to connect two computers via modem.
Hard drive
A computerized storage unit used to store data. Unlike other storage units such as CD-ROM, a hard drive is available for both reading and writing.
Header
The upper section of an E-Mail message or Usenet posting. It contains information such as who sent the message, when it was sent, etc. (See E-Mail, newsgroups.)
Home
The first Web page you see on your computer screen when you open Netscape.
(See Netscape.)
Host
The Internet network computer that supplies Internet services (connection to Web sites, E-Mail service, etc.) (See ISP.)
Hotlink
(See link.)
Hotlist
A list of those Web sites that a user prefers. Netscape lets you use the "bookmarks" option to create a list of all your favorite sites.
(See bookmarks, Web site, WWW, Netscape.)
HTML
The markup language in which Web documents are formatted the presentation on the computer screen. One of the most important features of HTML is that it lets Web documents connect to each other, enabling you to go from one Web page to another by simply clicking on its address. (See Web page, browser.)
Http-Hypertext Transport Protocol
The protocol used on the Internet for transferring Web pages. The letters "http" are also the first component of the URL address of a Web page, indicating a Web page that uses the http protocol.
(See Web page, Hypertext, Protocol, URL.)
Hypertext document
A Web page that has links to other addresses on the Internet. (See Web page, link, HTML.)
