Analog - The opposite of digital. An analog signal varies continously to reflect the changes in the state of the quantity being measured, e.g. sound waves vary continually. A thermometer is an analog measurement device, and as the temperature varies so does the height of the mercury.

AppleShare - A network operativn system that converts an APlle Macintosh computer into a file server for a network. The server can be accessed by the network as if it were an added hard disk.

Auto dial / Auto answer modem - A modem that is able to generate tones to dial the recieving computer and also to answer the telephone and establish a link when a call is received.

Backbone - The main "trunk route" of the pathways that carry traffic, i.e. information, on the net. The highest speeds of transmission operate on the backbone, and smaller networks are connected to it.

Bandwidth - A measure of the range of frequencies that can pass through an integrated circuit. The greater the bandwidth the more information that can pass through the circuit.

Baud - A measure of telecommunications transmission speed denoting the number of discreete signal elements that can be transmitted per second.

Baud Rate - Is the standard way of representing information in telex and telgraph communications. It commonly refers to the changes in signal frequency per second, and not bits per second.

Bits per Second (bps) - A measure of speed of data transmission, especially in connection with the performance of modems.

Bookmark - Web pages can be bookmarked, or added to the Favourites list in the browser, then at a later date the site can be reaccessed simply by going to Bookmark/Favourites and clicking on the appropriate name.

Bounced Mail - An email message that could not be delivered and which is returned to the sender. The cause is very often a simple typing error in the address.

Broad Band - An analog communications method using high bandwith. Broad band communications operate at high speeds and can be sent over long distances.

Browse - To display records in a format suitable for qick oon-screen review and editing

Browser - A software program that enables the web to be searched, or "surfed". Some examples are: Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator and Safari.

Censoring the web - The world wide web is vast and unregulated. It contains much information that is quite unsuitable for children or young people. Programs such as NetNanny, Cybersistter, and SurfWatch and browsers such as Internet Explorer have a special facility to restrict access to inappropriate sites.

Coaxial Cable- A cable of the type used for television antennae. It is constructed of an insulated central wire with surrounding mesh enclosed in a plastic cover. The cable type is used in network systems such as ethernet.

Communications Protocol - A list of standards that control the transfer of information or exchange of data between computers connected via the telephone network.

Communication Settings - When you access an online service you must set your computer to the same set of standards as the main computer. The main standards are baud rate, parity bid, data bits, stop bits duplex, and handshaking.

Cookie - A small file created by a web server which is transmitted to, and stored on, the hard disk of the computer making the connection. It acts as a sort of identification and when the same site is visited again, it matches the data and "recognizes" the individual browser.

Data Bits - The elements of a character sent during asynchronous communications that contain the actual data.

Decryption - The process of decoding or deciphering data from an encrypted form in order that the data can be read and used.

Dedicated Line - A communications cable line that is dedicated exclusively to a particular communication function. For example, a dedicated line may be used in a building to connect up a number of computers.

Dial-up - The process of locating and retrieving information over telephone lines.

Digital Signature - An electronic version of a signature which is encrypted and sent with a message. This guarantees that the recipient gets a documetn that has not been opened by an unauthorized person.

Domain Name - Most commonly used to mean the name referring to an Internet site, service or computer and in the amin representing a business or an organization.

Domain Name System (DNS) - The means whereby the name of a website is converted into an Internet protocol number to enable a connection to be amde to the appropriae site.

Domain Type - This is another part of an address which indicates what sort of organiztion is involvedd.

Download - To copy a file from an onlne information service or from another computer to your computer. It is the opposite of upload, and is particularly common with users of the Internet.

Dump Terminal - A computer terminal that lacks its own central processing unit and disk drives.

Dynamic Data Exchange - An interprocess channel through which correctly-prepared programs can exchange data and control other programs.

Dynamic Link - A method of linking data shared by two separate programs. When data is changed by one program it is changed immediately for use by the otehr. This type of link is required in multiuser networks.

E-Commerce - Making online business transactions, or buying prducts or services online.

E-Journal - An online publication which can be accessed on the web, commonly used in the academic world.

Email - The use of a network of computers to sendn and recieve messages.

Electronic Marketplace - Every day more businesses are offering their goods and services for sale over the internet. Payment for goods or services in this electronic marketplace is made by credit card and goods are shipped by courier as in normal mail order.

Electronic Publishing - The use of the Internet to publish and distribute work, online news services, online encyclopedia or computer-based training manuals, etc. The term may also include the publication of material, whether text, databases or other type of information, on Cd-Rom or floppy disk.

Encryption - The method of encoding data so that unauthorized users cannot read or otherwise use the data.

Ethernet - A local area network (LAN) hardware standard capable of linking up to 1,024 computers in a network, and it is the most common LAN method used. It can transfer up to 10 megabits per second and Fast Ethernet operates at 100 megabits per seconds.

EhterTalk - An implementation of the ethernet local area network developed by Apple and the 3com corporation, designed to work with Appleshare network system.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - Newsgroups and other sites have FAQ documents on various topics. FAQs documents contain a lot of useful information giving hints and answers to common questions.

Favorites - The Microsoft Internet Explorer equivalent to Bookmarks in Netscape Navigator. It enables the user to build up a list of frequently visited sites. While visiting a particular site, it can be added to the Favorites list simply by clicking on the menu and selecting "Add to Favorites". Thereafter the chosen site can be accessed simply by clicking on the name given to it on the Favorites list.

Fibre Optics - A method of carrying information along cables using light. This method of transmitting data is faster and more reliable than conventional wires.

File Server - A computer in a network that provides access to the storage media for workstations or other computers in the network. The operation of the network operating system ensures a seamless view of the server's files from each workstation. The server is usually a high-powered computer with a very large storage capacity that is set aside as the controller for the clients on the network.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)- A standard that controls asynchronous communications by telephone to ensure error-free transmission of files.

Forum - A designated group in which discussion takes place via the electronic network. Online information service providers set up resources to allow people to choose from a wide range of subjects or to choose a general area where any subject can be discussed.

Gateway - A device that converts communications from one protocol or bandwidth to another. This function allows two different types of network to communicate with each other. For example a local area network (LAN) can communicate with a wide area network (WAN), and a LAN can be connected with the Internet.

Groupware - Software that enhances the productivity of a group of workers who may be using a local area network. Groupware systems cater for sharing of documents, management of documents, scheduling facilities, and conferencing. It provides an effective system of communication which carries messages, queries, responses, etc.

Guest - An access privilege in a local area network that allows an infrequent user to examine certain files on the network without having a passwork.

Hacker - The term usually refers to someone who accesses other people's computers, with the aid of communications technology, and without permission.

Handshaking - A greeting between two devices, such a modem to modem or computer to printer, that signals that data transmission between the devices can proceed.

Hayes compatible modem - A modem that recognizes the Hayes Command Set, which is the de facto standard for asynchronous communications between modems.

HDLC (High-Level Data Link Control) - A protocol for synchronous communicatins.

Home Page - This now usually means the opening page of a website, which is like the title and contents page introducting the viewer to the company/service etc. and showing what is contained on the site. Home Page also refers to the home page of the browser being used.

Host - The computer in a computer network that provides files information, signals to other computers in the network. It can work across a variety of scales from a computer being host to a number of terminals or providing information over the Internet.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - The basic language in which pages on the web are written.

HTTP (Hyper Text Transport Protocol) - The abbreviation http precedes the address of a website, in the form http://www. and so on. HTTP is the structure used to connect the many servers on the web and it allows pages in HTML format to be sent to the computer being used for browsing.

Hub - A device at the center fo a computing system to which all the computers in a network are connected, allowing intercommunication.

Hyperlink - A link set-up between objects. The link can be text, as icon, or graphic. Pages on the web commonly have links which may connect with other pages on that site, another website or may enable an email to be sent.

Hypermedia - A term to describe how hypertext concepts can be applied to multimedia.

Information Superhighway - The global network of computers connected by satellites and telephone lines.

Internal Modem - A modem that resides inside the case of a personal computer and connects via an expansion slot.

Internet - A worldwide system of linked computer networks. The system cna link computers that have different operating systems and storage techniques.

Internet Access - There are many companies offering online services as internet service providers. Some have packages for both business and the home user.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) - A type of "meeting to chat" facility on the internet which runs in real time. there are many channels available through special servers. Messages from a user are broadcast to anyone else who may be logged on, leading to discussiions, potentially, between a large group of people across the world.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - A company that allows people to connect up to the internet through their own computer system.

Intranet - A system that works in a similar way to the internet, but which has limited access and is not generally available to public. This may work, for example, in an office and can be effective way of communicating and sending documents within a large company.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - A means of transmitting data, voice and video, digitally over a telephone communications line. The special line is quieter than conventional lines both in transmission and connection, and it has several channels which provide greater flexibility and capacity. Internet access can be made using an ISDN line but a terminal adapter is enccessary with the matching software.

Javascript - It was created by Netscape and it uses the HTML as the interface and it resides within the web page. It allows a variety of website features to be created (for example, a clock).

Link - see Hyperlink.

Local Area Network (LAN) - A grouping of personal computers that are linked by cables within a restricted area. This enables the users to share peripheral devices and information stored either on the individaul machines or on a file server. The flow of information around the network is controlled by programs using protocols or ruels. Ethernet and AppleTalk are examples of protocols.

Mailbox - A disk file or memory area in which messages for a particular destination (or person) are placed.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet mail extensions) - The commonest form in which attachments are sent with emails. MIME encodes the file for transmission and then decodes it at the recieving end.

Modem (MOdulator/DEModulator) - A device for ocnverting a computer's digital signals into analog signals that can be transmitted down a telelphone line.

Netscape - A company founded in 1994 which produces software for the web, and the popular browser Navigator.

Network - The interconnection of a number of terminals or computer system by data communication lines. It may consists of two or more computers that can communicate between each other.

Network Administrator - The individual who is in charge of a local are network assisting users and ensuring the correct software is used.

Network Interface Card (NIC) - An adapter card that allows networking cable to be connected directly to the computer. Macintosh computers have a basic networking system build into the comptuer.

Network Operating System - The operating systme that is used as a controller for all network components. The network ooperating system controls file server software, the individual workstation software and the network hardware.

Newsgroup - An interactive discussion group online. Newsgroups are part of the internet and involve posting a query to which other users respond. There may then be more replies, and so the interaction continues.

Node - A connection point that joins two devices, such as the joining of a workstation to a network. The workstation is commonly referred to as a node of the network.

Null Modem Cable - A cable used to connect two computers without using a modem. These cables are generally used to transfer files from a mobile computer, such as a notebook, to a desktop machine at an office to ensure that files are consistent between the computers.

Online - Used whn a computer is connected via a modem to an online service or internet service provider.

Online Information Service - A profit-making organization that makes information available to tits members or subscribers via telephone services.

Online Services - The term given to online services, such as technical support, chat rooms, games, and other facilities specific to the particular online service.

Packet Switching - A technology used in networking in which a message is broken up into small segments or "packets" prior to transmission to addresses in a wide area network. Each segment contains the address of its destination and all the packets comprising a message do not necessarily have to travel alon the same path, giving optimum use of available circuits in the network. The destination computer puts the component packes together to generate the message. Packet switching is suitable for dat transmission but not for video.

Parity bit - An extra bit added to transmitted data that allows checking for communications errors. The parity bit is attached to each byte of data and indicates whether the sum of the bits is odd or even. When the receiving modem receives the data, a check is performed to ensure that the sum of the bits (odd or even) is hte same as the parity bit. If not, an error message is reported.

Peer to Peer - A style of Local Area Network where all the computers are connected to one another and have access to all the information in the network rather than having a central computer that is used solely as a file server containing the files accessible by the network users.

Protocol - The conventions or rules that govern how an when messages are exchanged in a communications network or between two or more devices. Ther are many different protocols in order to exchange data.

Radio Button - A round button that allows the user to choose one of a range of options in a dialog box. Note that only one radio button can be chosen from the several options.

Search Engine - A fundamental facility or tool that is used to look for and retrieve information on the web. Search Engines use a program to look around the web and bring back information pertaining to the topic requested. Some of the better know search engines are: Alta Vista, Lycos, Yahoo and Google.

Serial Communication - A method of transferring data over a single wire, on ebit at a time. Data can be transferred over a relatively long distance using serial communications compared with parallel communications, which is restricted to a distance of around three meters because of the problems of interference.

Server - A computer used in a local area network that is the main source of programs or shared data. The server also controls the use of peripherals such as printers or modems by creating queues of requests that are answered in a sequential order. In internet terminology, a server is any computer that can make access online to an external source, making services available to a network.

Service Provider - A company that provides a connection to the internet in return for a monthly subscription and a charge. The service provider may facilitate a simple connection or may make available added services such as news and sports services, online shopping, etc.

Snail mail - The term used to describe the postal service as opposed to electronic mail.

Spam - The term given to junk mail in email transmissions. It can be a significant problem for email recipeints and newsgroups.

Special Interest Group - Agorup of like-minded users who regularly get together to discuss their chosen topic online on an internet connection.

Stand-alone - A term applied to a computer system that is self-contained and has only the hardware and software required by the user.

Start Network - A representation of a network where the network server is located in a central position and the user stations are connected around this central point. The terminals have no connection to one another, only to the server.

Synchronous - A term used to describe a method of communication that is synchronized with electronic signals produced by a computer. A data bit is sent with every tick of the computer.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - Also knows as Internet Protocol (IP). A cross-platform communications protocol which allows computers with different operating systems to communicate.

Telecommunications - The use of the telophone systems, either land lines or satellite, to transmit information (voice, video or computer data).

Telecommute- To work from a home rather than commute to the office. An employee can perform tasks at home and send results to the office computer by using an email program.

Teleworker - see Telecommute.

Terminal - An input/output device consisting of a monitor, keyboard and connection to a central server. A terminal can be a dumb terminal or a smart terminal which has a secondary storage and is able to process data.

Terminal Emulation - A procedure whereby a terminal of personal computer acts like another in order that communications can take place between computers.

Token Passing - A protocol in which tokens move around in network. When a node wants to send a message over the network it has to obtain a free token. The node that controls the token controls the network until the message has been passed and acknowledged.

Token Ring Network - A Local Area Network that uses token passing technology as the basis for communications.

Topology - A Local Area Network layout. Topologies can be centralized or decentralized. A centralized network is like a star and a decentralized network is like a ring.

URL (Uniform Response Locator) - Identifies the location of files on servers.

Usenet - A collection of all the Newsgroups.

User Group - A gathering of people with similar objectives who communicate through computers.

Virus - A program that is designed to cause damage to systems that the virus infects. A virus program cna copy itself from file to file and disk to disk and can therefore spread quickly through a computer system. It can also move between computers through the use of infected disks and also through telecommunications systems.

Voice Mail - A system that stores voice communications on disk and can replay the messge on command. voice mail systems can be combined with telephone systems to provide computerized answer machines.

WAIs (Wide Area Information Server) - An application that is used to search the thousands of databases connected to the Internet for a selection of keywords.

Wide Area Network (WAN) - A computer network that connects computers over long distances using telephone lines or satellite communications. A wide area network can span the world.

World Wide Web - A hypertext-based document retrieval system linked to the Internet. Each page is indexed and can be linked to a related document. The worldwide web is allowing easier access to information available on the Internet.

Xmodem - An asynchronous file transfer protocol that facilitates error-free transmission of computer files through the telephone system.

Ymodem - An asynchronous file transfer protocol that is similar to xmodem but sends fies in batches of 1024k as opposed to 128K

Zmodem - A fast and popular modem file transfer protocol.