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GLOSSARY
Look here for definitions of common
terms and acronyms used
in web commerce, digital imaging, color management, and more. :: Applet
:: ASP
:: Cache :: CGI
:: Client :: Client-side program ::
:: Cookie :: Download
:: E-commerce :: Encryption
:: FAQs :: FTP ::
:: Firewall :: HTML
::
HTTP ::
ISP :: Java :: JavaScript
::
JPEG ::
:: Online Service ::
Pixel :: PICT ::
Resolution ::
RGB :: Search engine
:: SSL :: Server ::
TIFF ::
URL :: Upload
:: Webserver ::
Applet
A client-side program written in Java or JavaScript that downloads and executes on the end user's computer rather
than executing on the server.
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ASP
Active Server Pages. Active Server Pages is an open, compile-free application environment in which you can combine
HTML, scripts, and reusable ActiveX server components to create dynamic and powerful web-based business solutions.
Active Server Pages enables server-side scripting for IIS with native support for both VBScript and
JScript. Return
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Cache
To store on a computer user's hard disk a local copy of a web
page accessed via the internet. The web browser compares the cached copy of the page to the original, and if there have been
no changes, the browser and server programs will use the cached copy rather than reloading the page onto the client,
saving processing and download time. Also refers to a website's database generating static copies of frequently requested
dynamic pages, reducing processing time.
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CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A server-side communication standard supported by all web servers for accessing external
programs. Examples of CGI programs are gateways to databases and scripts that process and return HTML commands
to the server. Since HTML allows only one-way communication from the server, which is read by the web browser or client, CGI
permits communication and interaction from the client to the server for two-way, dynamic web pages.
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Client
Computer hardware or software used by an end user on a computer network or the internet to query a remote server. A
web browser is an example of client software. Also called a local computer.
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Client-side program
A computer program that is downloaded from a server and executed or run using the end user's computer hardware.
Java and JavaScript are examples of client-side programs.
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Cookie
A unique string of letters and numbers that the web server stores in a file on your hard drive. This method is used by web
designers to track visitors to a website so the visitors do not have to enter the same information every time they go to a
new page or revisit a site. For example, web designers use cookies to keep track of purchases a visitor wants to make
while shopping through a web catalog. Cookies may work through a single visit to a website, such as when tracking a
shopping trip, or may be set to work through multiple sessions when a visitor returns to the site.
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Download
Transfer a file from a remote computer to your computer
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Ecommerce
Electric commerce: the conducting of business communication
and transactions over networks and through computers. Specifically, ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods and
services, and the transfer of funds, through digital communications.
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Encryption
A method of encoding messages to provide privacy for email,
discussion group postings, and other communications as they move over intranets or the internet.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
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FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A standard that allows users to transfer
files from one computer to another using a modem and telephone lines.
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Firewall
Computer hardware and/or software that limits access to a computer over a
network or from an outside source. Used to prevent computer hackers from
getting into a company's computer systems.
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HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A language used to create web pages and other documents that can contain text, graphics, and
connections called hyperlinks.
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The set of standards that allows
computer users to access the internet or the World Wide Web. HTTP:// is the command that tells the browser that the
document found at this address is HTTP-compatible, and to display it in HTTP format. Return
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ISP
Internet Service Provider. A company or organization that lets users connect
to the internet by dialing into its computers using a modem. ISPs typically
charge a fee and provide in return the dial-up telephone number, an email
address, and some technical assistance (usually via email), but no online
content. Return
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Java
A computer language developed by Sun Microsystems that can be read by many different computer platforms without the need
for programmers to laboriously port the program to each platform. Java programs are automatically downloaded and
executed on the client side by the web browser.
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JavaScript
A computer language developed by Netscape that is a subset of
the Java programming language but is easier for nonprogrammers to write. JavaScript programs are run in the
web browser on the client side rather than on the server.
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JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group. This group established a standard method for compressing and decompressing digitized
photos or images.
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Online Service
A company that allows computer users to connect to the Internet by dialing into its computers using a modem. Similar
to ISPs, these services also offer features and online content available only to members.
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A single dot on a computer display or in a digital image. Return
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PICT
A standard file format for exchanging graphics or image information.
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Resolution
The number of ppi in an image, or the number of dpi used by
an output device.
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RGB
Red, green and blue, the additive primaries. RGB is the basic
additive color model used for color video display, as on a computer monitor.
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Search Engine
A web-based program that allows users to search and retrieve
specific information online. The search engine may search the full text of web documents or a list of keywords, or use
librarians who review web documents and index them manually for retrieval.
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SSL
Secure Sockets Layer. Used by most commerce servers on the World Wide Web, this high-level security protocol protects the
confidentiality and security of data while it is being transmitted through the internet. Based on RSA Data Security's public-key
cryptography, SSL is an open protocol that has been submitted to several industry groups as the industry security standard.
Denoted by the letters HTTPS in the URL.
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Server
Computer hardware and software that is attached to a network
and which automatically stores, processes and transmits data or information that is generally accessed by many people using
client programs. A standard language is used to define this client-server interaction.
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TIFF
Tagged Image File Format. TIFF is a file format for exchanging
bitmapped and grayscale images among applications.
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URL
Universal Resource Locator. Pronounced as either "U-R-L" or
"Earl." The standardized addressing or naming system used for locating websites over the internet. Also known as an internet
address or web address.
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Upload
To send a copy of a file from one computer to another using a
modem.
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Web server
Computer hardware where web pages are stored and accessed by others using web client software, or the computer software
that allows the user to access the web pages. See also server.
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