The Internet newbie (new user) must learn a new language. Here are some Internet terms often used but less-than often explained.
Browser-A software program for accessing text, graphics and other data store on the World Wide Web.
FTP-File-Transfer-Protocol. This defines the rules governing the way files are transferred across the Internet over phone lines from one computer to another. FTP also is often the name of a file-transfer program, through Web browsers can download files from websites.
Gopher-Before the World Wide Web, Gopher was a framework used for connecting to internet resources that didn't require users to be network gurus. It uses character- based menus to provide access to data files such as programs, text, and images. Because it requires no special graphics, Gopher still is encountered frequently when browsing the Web.
Home Page-A starting point for a service or an entity on the World Wide Web that usually features a combination of text, graphics, sound and video that contain hyperlinks to other Web pages.
HTML-Hypertext Markup Language. The set of rules for creating Web documents that determines how information is shown on-screen.
HTTP-Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This defines the rules for requesting and sending information over the Web. Your Web browser sends out requests for information, and Web servers you connect to must respond with the data you requested.
Hyperlinks. Objects (text or graphics) on a page that transport you to other areas, either within a homepage or to another location, when you click them.
PPP-Point to Point Protocol. Describes the rules for connecting computers to networks overt telephone links. When you setup an Internet account, your computer may have to run special software to create a PPP link with your Internet service provider's computer.
Server-A computer offering network services, such as storing contents of Web pages for browsing by anyone connected to the Internet.
SLIP-Serial Line Internet Protocol. An old method of connecting computers to the Internet over telephone lines. While many still use SLIP, PPP is preferable.
TCP/IP-Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The most basic underlying rules governing how data is transmitted on the internet are defined in TCP/IP. This protocal is required for communicating between systems connected to the internet.
World Wide Web-The name given to the interconnected system of computers that provide information using the HTTP and HTML protocol. Because Web servers link to other Web servers, the result can be visualized as a "web" of connections between all the servers around the world.
Usenet Newsgroups-Popular Internet applications. Similar to discussion groups on bulletin board systems (BBSes), there are newsgroups for very taste and topic. Anyone with access to newsgroups through their Internet service provider can join in at any time, but it's best to lurk, or read others' posts for a while before joining in, so you can avoid repeating frequently asked questions and annoying the regulars.
-PC Novice, Issue P35 961107
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