The address of an item on the Internet, such as a Web page address, an ISP address, a specific user's E-Mail address, etc. (See URL).
Anonymous server
An Internet computer that allows for the sending of anonymous messages to newsgroups. The sender transfers his/her message to the server. The server then erases the sender's name and transfers the message to the recipient. (See Usenet, anonymous post, E-Mail.)
Application
A program that performs a specific task. For example, Eudora is a program designed to send and receive E-Mail. Word is a program used for word processing, etc.
Channel
When talking in IRC, every topic is called a channel.
(See IRC.)
Client
When one computer is connected to another computer in order to receive information or utilize computer resources, it is called a client.
Cyberspace
All computers that can communicate with each other via the various communication networks. These networks include Internet, Compuserve, America On Line, Prodigy, and others.
(See also network, Compuserve, America On Line).
Data compression
The compression of data (text, sound, or graphics) in order to reduce the size of a file. The larger the file, the more time it takes to open or transfer it.
(See compression.)
Dial up
Calling another computer via modem. (See modem.)
Dialer program
Special software that dials to the Internet Service Provider and makes the connection for the user.
(See ISP, PPP.)
Downloading
Connecting to another computer and placing one of its files on your computer. (See FTP.)
Duplex
A communication channel that simultaneously transfers data in two directions. Thus, when you speak on Iphone you use a duplex channel, allowing both speakers to talk at once. If a regular channel was used, each speaker would have to wait until the other finished talking prior to responding.
(See half duplex.)
E-Mail
Electronic mail is one of the Internet's most popular features. Internet users can send and receive E-Mail messages quickly and easily.
(See Eudora.)
Half duplex
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.)
Host
The Internet network computer that supplies Internet services (connection to Web sites, E-Mail service, etc.) (See ISP.)
Icon
A graphic symbol that represents a file or computer function.
Internet
All networks and servers in the world that deal with Internet-related issues (WWW, Gopher, Newsgroups, E-Mail, FTP, IRC, etc.) and communicate with each other viaTCP/IP.
(See TCP, IP.)
IRC- Internet Relay Chat
A world-wide network of people talking to each other in real time over the Internet.
(See channel, mIRC, network.)
IRC server
A computer that runs the IRC software and enables users to hook up, choose a specific channel, and converse in real time with other users.
ISP -Internet Service Provider
A host computer that provides Internet services to any user connected to it. (See host.)
Log in
The process of identifying yourself to a computer you want to work on, by providing your userid/username and password. (See userid, password.)
Lurkers
People who read discussions on the IRC without joining in and contributing to them. (See IRC.)
mIRC
One of the most widely-available IRC programs. It was developed by Khaled Mardan of England.
(See IRC.)
Modem
The word "modem" stands for "modulator-demodulator". A modem allows your computer to "talk" to other computers via a telephone line.
(See network.)
Netscape
One of the most popular Web browsers. Netscape provides multimedia display of Web pages, FTP sites, Gopher, etc. In addition, it includes internal software for dealing with electronic mail and newsgroups. (See Gopher, FTP Usenet, E-Mail, browser.)
Network
A system of two or more computers, which transmits information between various different computers. (See WAN, LAN.)
Nickname
A name chosen by a user for use on the Internet. It's customary to use nicknames on IRC and as shortened E-Mail addresses. (See E-Mail, IRC.)
On-line
When one computer is connected to another and performs various activities.
Protocol
A language for communication between computers. Protocol consists of a series of rules and commands meant to allow for satisfactory communication between computers. The protocol that allows for communication on the Internet is TCP/IP.
(See TCP/IP.)
Server
A computer (usually a large, central one) that provides Internet services to those who contact it. Some of the services such a server provides include storing Web pages, transferring electronic mail, storing and managing newsgroup discussions, etc.
(See Usenet, E-Mail, Web page.)
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
The Internet's communication protocol.
(See Internet, protocol.)
Uploading
Sending files to another computer.
(See downloading.)
Userid
The name a user uses to identify himself/herself when logging in to his/her computer. (See login.)
WAN- Wide Area Network
A large computer network made up of hundreds of computers spread out across a large geographical area, usually connected by telephone lines or satellite.
