Archives - historical collection—copies
of past issues of magazines and newspapers, often available only for
a fee, but also previous messages of a discussion group. Archives are
often organized by topic, but sometimes all articles or messages are
presented in reverse chronological order. Visiting the archives of a
discussion group is essential before joining in any conversation. See
also FAQs.
Asynchronous - not at the same time.
Mailing lists and most discussion groups have e-mail "conversations"
that take place between members of the group who write and read messages
according to their own individual schedules. See page 00 for further
explanation.
Bandwidth - the energy level and
percentage of broadcast time used for transmission of data through the
airwaves. Telephone, radio, cable, satellites—all use bandwidth. Each
has its particular spectrum or transmission area. Any time you are connected
to the Internet or talking on your cell phone, you are using some bandwidth.
Some systems are more efficient than others (for example, cable modems
are very fast and allow users to be permanently connected to the Internet).
Plain text doesn’t require much bandwidth for transmission, but multimedia
files do. It’s only fair to avoid overburdening the system: Logoff when
you have finished surfing. Do your reading and composing of e-mail off-line.
Send big files only if you’re sure the recipient wants them.
Bit - The smallest amount of information
understood by a computer. See byte.
Blind copy - a copy of a message
sent without that addressee’s name showing to other recipients. In many
programs, just click on "blind copy" in the address book; in other programs,
you usually can enclose the blind copy address in parentheses. You will
still need to send the message to one visible recipient, but that can
be to your own address or to a pseudonym at a free e-mail box. This
is a useful way to control spamming since many hackers get addresses
from jokes and other messages people keep forwarding without removing
the previous list of addressees.
Bookmark - a mechanism that tells
your browser to save a particular Internet address for revisiting (called
"favorites" in AOL and "history" in Explorer). See
page 00 for information on how to bookmark.
Browser - a computer program that
views webpages on the Internet.
Byte - (8 bits) a unit of
information, about the size of one character on the typed page. Kilobyte,
a thousand bytes; megabyte, a thousand kilobytes, gigabyte, a thousand
megabytes.
Cache - the place where your browser
stores portions of a Web site so it reloads images quickly on your next
visit. Since the cache is using memory on your hard drive, it’s a good
idea to empty the cache periodically. However, you should adjust the
cache setting to retain information for the duration of your research
project.
CD disk for computers - a disk that
looks just like an audio CD, but contains computer programs or data—often
the equivalent of whole shelvesfull of books or periodicals.
CD-R - purchased as a blank disk,
a CD-R can be recorded on only once. CD-R disks can be played
in any CD drives—audio on CD players, audio or data on computer CD drives.
Use CD-R or CD-RW drives for recording onto CD-R disks.
CD-ROM - ROM means "Read
Only Memory" since the data on a CD-ROM is fixed (can’t be changed).
CD-ROM versions of encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and
other reference works are available in libraries and also for
consumer purchase. Sometimes you are connecting to a CD-ROM on the Internet.
CD-RW - a CD that can be recorded
on and recorded over thousands of times without a compromise in quality.
RW means "Rewritable"; CD-RW disks can only be played
in CD-RW drives, but CD-RW drives can play all kinds of CD disks.
Chat – See IRC
Cookie - a minuscule amount of data
left on your hard drive after you visit most Web sites. The "cookie"
tells the site next time that you are a return visitor, allowing you
to bypass introductory pages or registration procedures. Note that some
websites read your cookie file to see what other websites you have visited,
so some people reject cookies as a matter of privacy.
Cyberspace - the term describing
the entire area traversed by electronic communications.
Database - electronically stored
information. Databases can be as small as a simple mailing list or as
huge as the collections of libraries or government agencies. Sometimes
you can’t get the information you want because you’re searching the
wrong database.
Discussion group, discussion list, newsgroup,
or mailing list – A group of people who communicate regularly
on a particular topic, via e-mail. See page 00 for further explanation.
DNS (Domain Name System) - the
address system for reaching sites on the Internet. Both for e-mail and
Web site locations, addresses end with a three-letter designation indicating
the type of institution (edu, for educational institutions; com
for commercial institutions, and so forth). See page 000 for further
explanation.
Download - the method of copying
a file from the Internet to your disk or to the hard drive of your computer.
E-mail (electronic mail) - the
method of sending messages via computer—either to one person or to a
group of people. E-mail makes it possible to send copies simultaneously
to a great many people, which is what discussion groups do.
Encryption - the scrambling of data
so it cannot be read by outsiders. On the Internet, messages can be
intercepted as they travel through cyberspace. Web sites where you enter
your credit card numbers or other personal data should post a message
to assure you that your data will be transmitted safely. Your browser
will provide a lock or key icon to indicate that you are at a secure
site, and the prefix will often read "https" rather than "http."
Most Internet service providers give a
warning that you are about to submit an "insecure" document.
If that is the case, others would be able to read your message.
By law, a telephone number must be given so that you can phone in
your order when you are visiting an insecure site.
Explorer - See Internet Explorer.
Export - Copy the current file to
another application. When you are working on the Internet, you can save
the data to your word processing program or spreadsheet if all of your
programs are the latest by Microsoft, or if you are using Netscape.
Otherwise, highlight the material and use the "save as" function.
FAQs - frequently asked questions.
A number of informational sites as well as discussion groups list previously
answered questions. Always consult the FAQs before submitting your own
query. In addition, FAQs are available on specific subjects. Try entering
"FAQs" plus your search terms into a search engine to see
what comes up.
Favorites - a mechanism in AOL that
tells your browser to save a particular Internet address for revisiting
(called "bookmark" or "history" in other programs).
Freeware – Software that you can
download from the Internet for free.
FTP – (file transfer protocol).
FTP sites offer files—including programs—that you can download, sometimes
for free and often for a fee.
GUI (pronounced "gooey")
- "graphic user interface," the ability of computer
systems to use icons (little pictures) that you click on with your mouse
to quickly connect to the innerworkings of the computer. This interface,
originated by Xerox, used in all Macintosh computers, and now incorporated
into Windows systems, makes it possible to surf the World Wide Web as
you click on one link and then another. This method contrasts with the
DOS and UNIX systems of typing in words and symbols to tell a computer
what to do.
History - a mechanism in Netscape
that tells your browser to save a particular Internet address for revisiting
(called "favorites" in AOL or "bookmarks" in other
programs).
Homepage - a base page on the World
Wide Web. Individuals or companies each have their own homepage or main
page, which is where most visitors first enter a particular site. Your
own home page can be one you have created for yourself, or it is the
opening screen (at either your library, your Internet service provider,
or your company web site) where you enter the Internet.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) -
the formatting that programmers use to create documents on the World
Wide Web.
http (hypertext transfer protocol)
- the method computers use to communicate on the World Wide Web;
the opening of every World Wide Web address, followed by a colon (:
) and two slashes (//).
Hyperlinks - the images or underlined,
differently colored lines of text that you click on to take you to another
section of the document you are reading or to another Web address.
Hypertext - any text connected by
hyperlinks—either within documents or online.
Import - Copy a file from another
application. When you are working in your word processing program
or spreadsheet, you can import data from the Internet if all of your
programs are the latest by Microsoft or if you use the Netscape browser.
Otherwise, highlight the material and use the "save as" function.
Internet - the name given to the
network of all the computers in the world that can communicate with
each other, via modem, cable, or satellite.
Internet Explorer - Microsoft’s
web browser (MSIE), integrated into many computer systems as well as
Internet providers such as America Online and Microsoft Network (MSN).
Internet service provider - (ISP)
the means by which you connect to the Internet. See page 000 for further
explanation.
Intranet - The name given to all
the computers that communicate within a closed system—for example at
a business—allowing for sharing of files and other collaborative work.
The system users may also have outside access to the Internet, but outsiders
do not have access to the shared files of the intranet.
IRC – (Internet Relay Chat) the
system that allows for synchronous (same time) "conversations"
via typed messages at a particular Web site. Areas of the conversation
are called channels or chat rooms, and participants use pseudonyms.
Discussions may be moderated or not; any rules for appropriate behavior
will be listed at the opening page.
Java - a universal computer programming
language—one that can be used by PCs, Macs, DOS, or UNIX systems. Thus
it is a key programming language for interactivity on the Web.
Links - See hyperlinks.
Listserv - See discussion groups.
Loading - the movement of
data from one computer to another. Thus a Web page is loading onto
your computer as it gradually comes into view. Note that you can do
only a few maneuvers within a file before it is fully loaded, and when
you do, you run the risk of crashing your browser.
Logon, logoff - see online.
Mailing List - See discussion
groups.
Message boards - an open system
where anyone can post a question or respond to a comment on topics related
to the particular named subject. Message boards are often organized
by Internet service providers.
Metasearcher – A powerful search
engine that searches several search engines at once. See page 00 for
further explanation.
Modem - an electronic device attached
to or inside a computer that uses the telephone lines to transmit the
data between computers.
Moderated list - A discussion group
where all messages are reviewed before distribution. Messages may be
modified, grouped into a "thread" with others, or rejected—depending
on the rules of the group.
MOO - (MUD object oriented) An informal,
interactive, real-time conversation via typed messages on a Web site—on
a particular topic, where each individual uses a pseudonym and selects
a room or channel.
MUD - (multiuser dungeon) An interactive
adventure game, that takes place in actual time via typed messages on
a Web site. Each individual uses a pseudonym and plays a role in the
game.
Netscape Navigator – Netscape’s
Web browser, which can be used even if you have Internet Explorer integrated
with your Internet provider’s system. See page 000 for further explanation.
Newsgroups - officially known as
Usenet newsgroups, these are discussion groups you subscribe to, organized
around a particular topic, such as rec.food.cooking, which would be
devoted to topics related to cooking of food as recreation (leisure).
You use a "newsreader" to read articles posted to the group,
which will initially be listed by subject line only.
Online - the term for being connected
to another computer, where the data you are reading can be modified.
The term online means that the computer you are using is communicating
with another active computer, for example, to connect to the Internet,
or to access a library’s regularly updated catalog and other resources.
To get online, you must logon (type a password, or go
through certain prescribed steps, depending on the system). To go offline,
you logoff (by typing certain words or symbols), or select "sign
off" or "quit" from the menu—or close your server to
disconnect.
Plug-ins - small computer programs
that enable the browser to use features at given Web sites—such as sound
or video files. Plug-ins, usually available via download and often free
for the no-frills versions, reside on your computer and automatically
connect when you access a site needing their aid. For example, many
sites have sound available—but only if you have installed a version
of RealAudio first.
Protocol - a system of electronic
rules and format.
Query - the words or phrases that
you use to ask a computer program to search its database. Some search
tools allow you to ask a question or enter a long string of words. Check
the helpline if you are unsure.
Search engine - a program that finds
documents or Web sites for you. A search engine is built into a database
on a CD-ROM so that you can call up information stored there, such as
an article in an encyclopedia, or a listing in a telephone directory.
Search engines on the Web find Web sites, but even the most powerful
can find only a small percentage of what is out there.
Security - On the Internet, messages
can be intercepted as they travel through cyberspace. Web sites where
you enter your credit card numbers or other personal data should post
a message to assure you that your data will be transmitted safely. When
you are at a secure site, the prefix will read "https" rather
than "http." That means that your data will be encrypted (scrambled)
so it cannot be read by outsiders.
Most Internet service providers give a
warning that you are about to submit an "insecure" document.
If that is the case, others would be able to read your message.
By law, a telephone number must be given so that you can phone in
your order when you are visiting an insecure site.
Server - the high-powered computer
where a Web site or Internet provider is located.
Spamming - The sending of an unsolicited
message to a large number of addressees—often for advertising or destructive
hacking purposes. You can prevent unsolicited mail by giving your Internet
Service Provider (ISP) a list of acceptable senders, but this will cut
you off from future correspondents you could enjoy hearing from. You
can also block specific offenders by asking your ISP to reject any messages
from them.
You can help prevent the perpetuation of
spamming:
- Avoid sending mass mailings yourself.
- Never open unsolicited mailings, nor
reply—even to ask to be removed from the mailing list.
- Don’t use your e-mail "forward
button." Instead, copy and paste any material you want to pass
on into a new message (without all the addresses from the previous
sender).
- Send blind copies, rather than listing
everyone in the "To" box.
- Forward any junkmail to the webmaster
of your particular service. Most mailing lists and Internet Service
Providers have a monitor for this purpose; for example, in AOL, it’s
TOSSPAM@AOL.COM.
Surf - the term for rapid movement
from one Web site to another. Be sure to bookmark sites while you are
surfing so that you can find your way back.
Synchronous - at the same time.
In chat rooms, instant messages, MUDs and MOOs, e-mail "conversations"
take place in current time between members of the group who write and
send messages rapidly back and forth. See page 00 for further explanation.
Upload - the method of sending a
file to the Internet from a computer.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - the
unique address for each Internet site.
Gopher sites start with Gopher://
E-mail addresses start with a code for the user’s name@
FTP sites start with ftp://
Web sites start with http://
Virus - a malicious program designed
to destroy data or sabotage files. Some viruses will continue to spread
(like an infection), damaging every file or e-mail message you send
thereafter. Viruses arrive via shared files or downloads, so keep a
virus protection program on your computer and update it regularly. Never
open files from an unknown source.
Webmaster - the manager of a particular
Web site.
Webpage - a single item on a larger
website. Often a Webpage is actually several pages long if printed out.
But it is just one segment of a much larger site. (See below.)
Websites - locations on the World
Wide Web. The quality and size of Web sites vary—from simple one-page
announcements, to powerful search engines, to multimedia sites, to huge
multipage references with links to hundreds of other sites.
World Wide Web (WWW) - the interlinked
and fastest-growing part of the Internet where you can with one keystroke
jump from one topic—and location—to another. As you scroll through the
text, you encounter pictures or underlined and differently colored words;
when you click your mouse (or press the Enter/Return key) on that phrase,
you jump to a different page relevant to that topic. The multimedia
sites also include audio (giving, for example, the pronunciation of
a word) or video (a film clip).
Worm - like a virus, a worm is a
malicious program that destroys data and compromises your computer system.
Unlike the virus which operates like a spreading infection, the worm
operates like a tapeworm, expanding and filling all parts of your computer
system until the hard drive crashes—often irrevocably. As with viruses,
worms arrive through shared files or downloads. Do not open any files
you are unsure of.
WWW - See World Wide Web.