Definitions from Discovering Computers 2012
Internet
A worldwide collection of networks linking millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals.
ARPANET
The original version of the Internet, created in 1969, to allow scientists to share information
and function even if part of the network was destroyed.
Access Provider
A business that provides individuals and organizations access to the Internet for free or for
a fee.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides Internet access.
Regional ISP
Provides Internet access to a specific geographical area.
National ISP
Provides Internet access nationwide.
Online Service Provider (OSP)
An ISP with additional member-only features like AOL and MSN.
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)
Provides Internet access via wireless networks, requiring a wireless modem.
IP Address
A unique number identifying each device connected to the Internet.
Domain Name
The text version of an IP address.
Top-Level Domain (TLD)
The last part of a domain name (e.g., .com, .org).
DNS Server
Translates domain names into their corresponding IP addresses.
World Wide Web (WWW)
A worldwide collection of electronic documents called Web pages.
Web Page
A digital document on the Web.
Web Site
A collection of related Web pages.
Web Server
A computer that delivers requested Web pages.
Web 2.0
Websites that allow user interaction.
Web Browser
Software that allows users to access Web pages (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
Home Page
The first page a website displays.
Surfing the Web
Navigating from one Web page to another.
Downloading
Receiving data from the Internet to a local device.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The unique address of a Web page.
Tabbed Browsing
Opening multiple Web pages in a single browser window.
Search Engine
A tool that finds information on the Internet.
Subject Directory
Organizes Web pages into categories.
Instant Search Box
A browser feature allowing quick searches.
Search Operators
Special commands to refine search results.
Portal
A website that offers a variety of Internet services.
Blog
A website where individuals post journal-style entries.
Wiki
A collaborative website where users can edit content.
Online Social Network
A website for social interactions (e.g., Facebook).
Educational Site
Provides learning resources.
Entertainment Site
Offers music, videos, games, and more.
Advocacy Site
Promotes causes or viewpoints.
Web Application
A program accessed via a Web browser.
Content Aggregator
Gathers and distributes digital content.
Personal Website
A site maintained by an individual.
Multimedia
Combining text with images, audio, video, and animation.
Graphic
A digital representation of non-text information.
Graphic Formats
BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF.
Thumbnail
A small version of a larger graphic.
Animation
The illusion of movement through sequential images.
Audio
Digital sound, including music and speech.
Streaming
Continuous real-time data transfer.
Video
Moving images displayed on a screen.
Virtual Reality (VR)
A simulated 3D environment.
Plug-In
A program extending a browser’s capabilities.
Web Publishing
Creating and maintaining Web pages.
E-Commerce
Business transactions conducted online.
M-Commerce
E-commerce conducted via mobile devices.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer)
Online transactions between businesses and consumers.
C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer)
Online transactions between individuals.
B2B (Business-to-Business)
Online transactions between businesses.
E-Mail
Sending messages and files over a computer network.
Mailing List
A group of email addresses for bulk messaging.
Instant Messaging (IM)
Real-time text communication.
Chat
A real-time online conversation.
Chat Room
A virtual space where multiple users chat.
VoIP (Voice over IP)
Making voice calls over the Internet.
Newsgroup
An online discussion forum on a specific topic.
Message Board
A Web-based discussion forum.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A protocol for uploading and downloading files.
FTP Server
A computer that allows file transfers via FTP.
Netiquette
The code of acceptable Internet behavior.