Glossary

Most abandonware is still considered illegal unless the publisher has re-released the software as freeware. U.S. copyright laws state that copyrights owned by corporations are valid for 75 years from the date the software was first published. So the current availability of a product is irrelevant to its copyrighted status. Unlike trademarks, copyrights are not considered abandoned if they are no longer enforced. Copyrights do not enter the public domain just because they are no longer commercially exploited or widely available.

For example, modem is the acronym derived from modulator/demodulator. In everyday speech, the term is also used to refer to initialisms, which are combinations of letters representing a longer phrase. For example, CRT is an initialism for cathode ray tube. The difference is that an acronym is pronounced as if it were a word rather than just a series of individual letters. Newsgroups, chat rooms, and e-mail have spawned a rich set of acronyms and initialisms for common phrases.

Interactive examples include Internet polls or opt-in features, and dynamic examples include animated GIFs, stock tickers, weather maps, JavaScript applications, embedded objects, streaming video and audio or ActiveX applications. Streaming video and audio rely on browser plug-ins, such as RealPlayer, to display active content.

The items that are placed on the active desktop receive feeds from the Internet that update the information as needed. They can also be static Web pages with hyperlinks on the desktop instead of in a browser. For example, a user can add such items as a stock ticker, a news feed, search buttons or weather reports. Active Desktop can host any HTML item, Java applets and ActiveX components.

Abbreviated as ASP.  When a browser requests an ASP, the Web server generates a page with HTML code and sends it back to the browser. So ASPs are similar to CGI scripts, but they enable Visual Basic programmers to work with familiar tools. ASP is also short for application service provider.

A loosely defined set of technologies developed by Microsoft for sharing information among different applications.  As a moniker, ActiveX can be very confusing because it applies to a whole set of COM-based technologies. Most people, however, think only of ActiveX controls, which represent a specific way of implementing ActiveX technologies.

A control using ActiveX technologies. An ActiveX control can be automatically downloaded and executed by a Web browser. ActiveX is not a programming language, but rather a set of rules for how applications should share information. Programmers can develop ActiveX controls in a variety of languages, including C, C++, Visual Basic, and Java. But with this extra power comes a certain risk that the applet may damage software or data on your machine. To control this risk, Microsoft developed a registration system so that browsers can identify and authenticate an ActiveX control before downloading it. Another difference between Java applets and ActiveX controls is that Java applets can be written to run on all platforms, whereas ActiveX controls are currently limited to Windows environments. Related to ActiveX is a scripting language called VBScript that enables Web authors to embed interactive elements in HTML documents.

(n.) Software that is given to the user with advertisements already embedded in the application.

These technologies include the following: HTML or XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, the Document Object Model, XML, XSLT, and the XMLHttpRequest object. When these technologies are combined in the Ajax model, Web applications are able to make quick, incremental updates to the user interface without reloading the entire browser page. [Source: mozilla developer center] Ajax is also seen written in all capital letters (AJAX).

ALICE is programmed with AIML (Artificial Intelligence Markup Language), a XML specification for programming chat bots. Its simplicity and ease-of-use allows non-programmers, who have some HTML experience, to create their own chat bots. With AIML, developers can create customized chat bots with unique personalities and areas of expertise.

Frequently, for example, you may want to anchor a picture next to a piece of text so that they always appear together.

Applications that support the animated GIF standard, GIF89A, cycle through each image. GIF animation doesn't give the same level of control and flexibility as other animation formats but it has become extremely popular because it is supported by nearly all Web browsers. In addition, animated GIF files tend to be quite a bit smaller that other animation files, such as Java applets.

Some of these programs are undetectable to anti-virus software and many users now use an anti-adware utility in addition to anti-virus software to protect their system.

Most antivirus programs include an auto-update feature that enables the program to download profiles of new viruses so that it can check for the new viruses as soon as they are discovered.

Often referred to as simply Apache, the first version, based on the NCSA httpd Web server, was developed in 1995. Core development of the Apache Web server is performed by a group of about 20 volunteer programmers, called the Apache Group. However, because the source code is freely available, anyone can adapt the server for specific needs, and there is a large public library of Apache add-ons. In many respects, development of Apache is similar to development of the Linux operating system. The original version of Apache was written for UNIX, but there are now versions that run under OS/2, Windows and other platforms. The name is a tribute to the Native American Apache Indian tribe, a tribe well known for its endurance and skill in warfare. A common misunderstanding is that it was called Apache because it was developed from existing NCSA code plus various patches, hence the name a patchy server, or Apache server.

Unlike an application, applets cannot be executed directly from the operating system. With the growing popularity of OLE (object linking and embedding), applets are becoming more prevalent. A well-designed applet can be invoked from many different applications. Web browsers, which are often equipped with Java virtual machines, can interpret applets from Web servers. Because applets are small in files size, cross-platform compatible, and highly secure (can't be used to access users' hard drives), they are ideal for small Internet applications accessible from a browser.

1. When written as AToM, it is short for Any Transport over MPLS, a technology developed by Cisco for transporting Layer 2 packets over an IP/MPLS backbone. The technology is designed to let ISPs combine multiple disparate data networks -- such as Ethernet, ATM, Frame Relay, and Serial/PPP networks -- onto a single MPLS-based backbone to save operational costs.  AToM is sometimes called Layer 2 MPLS.
2. Atom is the name of an XML-based Web content and metadata syndication format, and an application-level protocol for publishing and editing Web resources belonging to periodically updated Web sites. All Atom feeds must be well-formed XML documents, and are identified with the application/atom+xml media type.

In security systems, authentication is distinct from authorization , which is the process of giving individuals access to system objects based on their identity. Authentication merely ensures that the individual is who he or she claims to be, but says nothing about the access rights of the individual.

Also called a trapdoor.  The backdoor is written by the programmer who creates the code for the program. It is often only known by the programmer. A backdoor is a potential security risk.

When Internet Explorer starts it reads the registry to locate any installed BHOs and then creates them. Created BHO's have access to all the events and properties of that browsing session. Every time a new browser window is opened, it creates a copy of the BHO and when that window is closed, it destroys its copy of the BHO.

Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. (v.) To author a Web log. Other forms: Blogger (a person who blogs).

See blog.

Nearly all Web browsers support a bookmarking feature that lets you save the address (URL) of a Web page so that you can easily re-visit the page at a later time. (n) A marker or address that identifies a document or a specific place in a document.

When an infected computer is on the Internet the bot can then start up an IRC client and connect to an IRC server. The Trojan will also have been coded to make the bot join a certain chat room once it has connected. Multiple bots can then join in one channels and the person who has made them can now spam IRC chat rooms, launch huge numbers of Denial of Service attacks against the IRC servers causing them to go down.

Breadcrumb navigation is displayed to the user, so they can easily see exactly where that Web page is located within the Web site. While many types of Web sites use a breadcrumb navigation, it is becoming increasingly common for electronic commerce Web sites to display categories of products in this way.

1. In database systems, browse means to view data. Many database systems support a special browse mode , in which you can flip through fields and records quickly. Usually, you cannot modify data while you are in browse mode.
2. In object-oriented programming languages, browse means to view data structures.
3. To view formatted documents. For example, you look at Web pages with a Web browser. Browse is often used to mean the same as surf.

The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Both of these are graphical browsers, which means that they can display graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video, though they require plug-ins for some formats.

It provides an application infrastructure for IP telephony, independent of protocol and terminal. BTXML is based on the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) standard but is tailored to the needs of telephone handsets.

Often used in conjunction with AOL programs.  Whenever they sign on, their screen names appear in your "Buddy List" and you can communicate with them instantly. The buddy list represents the users who you have added as a contact in your client.

Once a user subscribes to a CDF channel, any software that supports the CDF format will automatically receive new content posted on the channel's Web server.

It is a proprietary markup language developed by Allaire for use with ColdFusion.  In the language, ColdFusion tags are embedded in HTML files. The HTML tags determine the page's layout while the CFML tags import content based on user input or the results of a database query. Files created with CFML have the file extension .cfm.

Common Gateway Interface, a specification for transferring information between a World Wide Web server and a CGI program.  The program could be written in any programming language, including C, Perl, Java, or Visual Basic. CGI programs are the most common way for Web servers to interact dynamically with users. Many HTML pages that contain forms, for example, use a CGI program to process the form's data once it's submitted. Another increasingly common way to provide dynamic feedback for Web users is to include scripts or programs that run on the user's machine rather than the Web server. These programs can be Java applets, Java scripts, or ActiveX controls. These technologies are known collectively as client-side solutions, while the use of CGI is a server-side solution because the processing occurs on the Web server. One problem with CGI is that each time a CGI script is executed, a new process is started. For busy Web sites, this can slow down the server noticeably. A more efficient solution, but one that it is also more difficult to implement, is to use the server's API, such as ISAPI or NSAPI. Another increasingly popular solution is to use Java servlets.

An HTML page that contains a form may use a CGI program to process the form's data once it has been submitted. For example: a user visits a Web page looking for specific information on a topic and finds that the Web page offers an e-mail newsletter service. In order for the user to receive the newsletter, he must fill out a CGI form with all of his applicable information. The form is then sent to the server using CGI, and the server processes the information that was sent in the form in order to add the user to its database and initiate the user's newsletter service.

Once a chat has been initiated, either user can enter text by typing on the keyboard and the entered text will appear on the other user's monitor. Most networks and online services offer a chat feature.

Typically, a chat bot will communicate with a real person, but applications are being developed in which two chat bots can communicate with each other. Chat bots are used in applications such as e-commerce customer service, call centers and Internet gaming. Chat bots used for these purposes are typically limited to conversations regarding a specialized purpose and not for the entire range of human communication. One well known example of a chat bot is ALICE. A chat bot is also called a chatterbot.

Technically, a chat room is really a channel, but the term room is used to promote the chat metaphor.

(pronounced as separate letters) cHTML is essentially a pared down version of regular HTML over the Internet. Because small devices such as cellular phones have hardware restrictions such as small memory, low power CPUs, limited or no storage capabilities, small mono-color display screens, single-character font and restricted input methods (the absence of a keyboard or a mouse), there is a need for a simpler form of HTML. Because of the limitations of small information devices, cHTML does not support JPEG images, tables, image maps, multiple fonts and styles of fonts, background colors and images, frames, style sheets and more than two colors, typically black and white. cHTML is defined so that all the basic operations can be done by a combination of four buttons and not by two-dimensional cursor movement: cursor forward, cursor backward, select, and back/stop. The functions that require two-dimensional cursor pointing, like "image map" and "table," are excluded from cHTML. cHTML was created by Japan-based Access Company, Ltd. for use in i-mode devices, and was accepted by the W3CM in 1998. cHTML has been fading into obsolescence as XHTML gains acceptance and replaces cHTML.

It includes many different forms of synchronous, asynchronous or real-time interaction that humans have with each other using computers as tools to exchange text, images, audio and video. CMC includes e-mail, network communication, instant messaging, text messaging, hypertext, distance learning, Internet forums, USENET newsgroups, bulletin boards, online shopping, distribution lists and videoconferencing.

An ontology consists of relatively generic knowledge that can be reused by different kinds of applications or tasks.

The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. Also see session cookie and persistent cookie. The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing such information as your name and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which stores it for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages. So, for example, instead of seeing just a generic welcome page you might see a welcome page with your name on it. The name cookie derives from UNIX objects called magic cookies. These are tokens that are attached to a user or program and change depending on the areas entered by the user or program.

1. The term was coined in the mid-80s by hackers who wanted to differentiate themselves from individuals whose sole purpose is to sneak through security systems. Whereas crackers sole aim is to break into secure systems, hackers are more interested in gaining knowledge about computer systems and possibly using this knowledge for playful pranks. Although hackers still argue that there's a big difference between what they do and what crackers do, the mass media has failed to understand the distinction, so the two terms -- hack and crack -- are often used interchangeably.
2. To copy commercial software illegally by breaking (cracking) the various copy-protection and registration techniques being used.

1. With CSS, designers and users can create style sheets that define how different elements, such as headers and links, appear. These style sheets can then be applied to any Web page. The term cascading derives from the fact that multiple style sheets can be applied to the same Web page. CSS was developed by the W3C. 
2. An abbreviation for cross-site scripting.

A set of document type definitions for the XML specification.  It will be used to standardize the exchange of catalog content and to define request/response processes for secure electronic transactions over the Internet. The processes includes purchase orders, change orders, acknowledgments, status updates, ship notifications and payment transactions. cXML began as a collaborative effort among 40+ companies looking to reduce the costs of online business. This standardized methodology will allow participating companies--and others who implement the cXML framework--to constantly improve and streamline electronic commerce. The first version of cXML (version 0.91) launched in mid-May 1999.

Additionally, cyber crime also includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet. For example; hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, and credit card account thefts are considered to be cyber crimes when the illegal activities are committed through the use of a computer and the Internet.

Cyber forensics also includes the act of making digital data suitable for inclusion into a criminal investigation. Today cyber forensics is a term used in conjunction with law enforcement, and is offered as courses at many colleges and universities worldwide.

For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers. A dedicated server could also be a computer that manages printer resources. Note, however, that not all servers are dedicated. In some networks, it is possible for a computer to act as a server and perform other functions as well. In the Web hosting business, a dedicated server is typically a rented service. The user rents the server, software and an Internet connection from the Web host.

The most common use of a digital certificate is to verify that a user sending a message is who he or she claims to be, and to provide the receiver with the means to encode a reply. An individual wishing to send an encrypted message applies for a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA issues an encrypted digital certificate containing the applicant's public key and a variety of other identification information. The CA makes its own public key readily available through print publicity or perhaps on the Internet. The recipient of an encrypted message uses the CA's public key to decode the digital certificate attached to the message, verifies it as issued by the CA and then obtains the sender's public key and identification information held within the certificate. With this information, the recipient can send an encrypted reply. The most widely used standard for digital certificates is X.509.

Like a written signature, the purpose of a digital signature is to guarantee that the individual sending the message really is who he or she claims to be. Digital signatures are especially important for electronic commerce and are a key component of most authentication schemes. To be effective, digital signatures must be unforgeable. There are a number of different encryption techniques to guarantee this level of security.

The Web host registers the domain name with the InterNIC and "parks" the domain name on a server until it is ready to be made active. By doing this, the Web host ensures the availability of the domain name for the client's future use so that another individual or company cannot register that same domain name.

The DOM defines what attributes are associated with each object, and how the objects and attributes can be manipulated. Dynamic HTML (DHTML) relies on the DOM to dynamically change the appearance of Web pages after they have been downloaded to a user's browser. Unfortunately, the two leading browsers -- Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer -- use different DOMs. This is one reason why their respective implementations of DHTML are so different. Both companies have submitted their DOMs to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for standardization, which now has the daunting task of specifying a standard DOM without alienating either of the browser giants. The W3C's DOM specification will support both HTML and XML.

The DSML effort was announced by creator Bowstreet on July 12, 1999. Initiative supporters include AOL-Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Novell, Microsoft, and IBM.

For example, in a DTD one could say that LIST tags can contain ITEM tags, but ITEM tags cannot contain LIST tags. In some editors, when authors are inputting information, they can place tags only where the DTD allows. This ensures that all the documentation is formatted the same way. Applications will use a document's DTD to properly read and display a document's contents. Changes in the format of the document can be easily made by modifying the DTD.

1. For example, the same URL could result in a different page depending on any number of parameters, such as:
   • Geographic location of the reader
   • Time of day
   • Previous pages viewed by the reader
   • Profile of the reade
   There are many technologies for producing dynamic HTML, including CGI scripts, Server-Side Includes (SSI), cookies, Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX.
2. When capitalized, Dynamic HTML refers to new HTML extensions that will enable a Web page to react to user input without sending requests to the Web server. Microsoft and Netscape have submitted competing Dynamic HTML proposals to W3C, which is producing the final specification.

The main protocol that is used when sending e-mail -- SMTP -- does not include a way to authenticate. There is an SMTP service extension (RFC 2554) that allows an SMTP client to negotiate a security level with a mail server. But if this precaution is not taken anyone with the know-how can connect to the server and use it to send spoofed messages by altering the header information. In some jurisdictions, e-mail spoofing anyone other than yourself is illegal.

It was implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to do two things: 1) quickly process time-sensitive information of publicly-held companies and 2) provide investors with easier access to company information. EDGAR became available to filers on July 15, 1992, and as of May 6, 1996, all domestic publicly-held companies are required to submit financial information via EDGAR. On July 1, 1998, EDGAR began a three-year modernization process that currently allows filers to submit official copies of information using more attractive and readable formats such as non-table HTML files (3.2 standard) and unofficial copies using PDF files. EDGAR is also going through a restructuring process that will improve the ability to update information and access information on the EDGAR Web site. Currently, every publicly-held company is listed in the EDGAR database.

Through the use of an algorithm, information is made into meaningless cipher text and requires the use of a key to transform the data back into its original form. Blowfish, AES RC4, RC5, and RC6 are examples of encryption algorithms.

The FAMP stack provides developers with the four key elements of a Web server:  an the operating system, database, Web server and Web scripting software. The combined usage of these programs is called a server stack. In this stack FreeBSD is the operating system (OS), Apache is the Web server, MySQL handles the database components, while PHP, Python, or PERL represents the dynamic scripting languages.

It is based on the Mozilla code base and offers customization options and features such as its capability to block pop-up windows, tabbed browsing, privacy and security measures, smart searching, and RSS live bookmarks.

Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria. There are several types of firewall techniques:

• Packet filter: Looks at eachpacket entering or leaving the network and accepts or rejects it based on user-defined rules. Packet filtering is fairly effective and transparent to users, but it is difficult to configure. In addition, it is susceptible to IP spoofing.
• Application gateway: Applies security mechanisms to specific applications, such asFTP and Telnet servers. This is very effective, but can impose a performance degradation.
• Circuit-level gateway: Applies security mechanisms when a TCP or UDP connection is established. Once the connection has been made, packets can flow between the hosts without further checking.
• Proxy server: Intercepts all messages entering and leaving the network. The proxy server effectively hides the true network addresses.

(pronounced flower). The main engine of XQuery is the FLWOR expression.

With paper forms, it is usually necessary for someone to transfer the data from the paper to a computer database, where the results can then be statistically analyzed. Some OCR systems can do this automatically, but they're generally limited to forms containing just check boxes. They can't handle handwritten text. Electronic forms solve this problem by entirely skipping the paper stage. Instead, the form appears on the user's display screen and the user fills it in by selecting options with a pointing device or typing in text from the computer keyboard. The data is then sent directly to a forms processing application, which enters the information into a database. Electronic forms are especially common on the World Wide Web because the HTML language has built-in codes for displaying form elements such as text fields and check boxes. Typically, the data entered into a Web-based form is processed by a CGI program.

This feature is supported by most modern Web browsers. The contents of each frame are taken from a different Web page. Frames provide great flexibility in designing Web pages, but many designers avoid them because they are supported unevenly by current browsers.

Unlike a site that is no longer available and results in a 404 error message when the user tries to access it, ghost sites can be accessed even though they have not been updated. Web sites typically strive for relevant information that is timely and current. However, there are some sites in which the content will never or rarely change, so there is no need to update the site. For example, a Web site that contains only the full text of the Declaration of Independence does not need to be updated as that data is never going to change.

Developed by the OpenGIS Consortium, GML defines both the geometry and properties of objects that comprise geographic information. GML is a practical application for transferring cartographic information over the Web. Instead of transmitting a GIF or JPG map, GML allows the data to be controlled on the browser end by the user who receives geometries and geographic features and customizes how the data is to be displayed. Geographic data in GML can be sent to any device with an XML interface.

It uses the HideWindow program to enable it to run stealth, and can contain any number of Mirc bot scripts. This Trojan is usually downloaded by users on IRC networks when they are tricked into thinking it is a cleaner utility program.  Once installed the Trojan launches the stealth mIRC and joins a channel on an IRC network and awaits commands of the bot master. These bots are one of the key instruments in launching DDOS attacks to users on IRC.

1. To write program code.
2. To modify a program, often in an unauthorized manner, by changing the code itself. 
3. Code that is written to provide extra functionality to an existing program. 
4. An inelegant and usually temporary solution to a problem.

Currently, HotJava products include a set of libraries for building Java-aware applications, and a Java-enabled Web browser. Other Java-enabled Web browsers include the newest versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The term is often used to describe a list of Web pages that you keep in one place for easy access. In Netscape Navigator, the hotlist is called the bookmark list. In Internet Explorer, it's called the Favorites folder.

Some of the most common uses of an htaccess file include the capability to restrict access to certain files or directories on the Internet (or intranet) through password protection. Additionally htaccess is used to automatically redirect users, ban or allow certain IP addresses access to the server, and to call a custom designed 404 error Web rather than the standard error 404 file that usually appears in your browser. Apache Web servers, and other NCSA compliant Web servers can use htaccess.

HTML is similar to SGML, although it is not a strict subset. HTML defines the structure and layout of a Web document by using a variety of tags and attributes. The correct structure for an HTML document starts with (enter here what document is about) and ends with . All the information you'd like to include in your Web page fits in between the and tags. There are hundreds of other tags used to format and layout the information in a Web page. Tags are also used to specify hypertext links. These allow Web developers to direct users to other Web pages with only a click of the mouse on either an image or word(s).

HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions Web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands. For example, when you enter a URL in your browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested Web page. The other main standard that controls how the World Wide Web works is HTML, which covers how Web pages are formatted and displayed. HTTP is called a stateless protocol because each command is executed independently, without any knowledge of the commands that came before it. This is the main reason that it is difficult to implement Web sites that react intelligently to user input. This shortcoming of HTTP is being addressed in a number of new technologies, including ActiveX, Java, JavaScript and cookies.

It was invented by Ted Nelson in the 1960s. When you select an object, you can see all the other objects that are linked to it. You can move from one object to another even though they might have very different forms. For example, while reading a document about Mozart, you might click on the phrase Violin Concerto in A Major, which could display the written score or perhaps even invoke a recording of the concerto. Clicking on the name Mozart might cause various illustrations of Mozart to appear on the screen. The icons that you select to view associated objects are called Hypertext links or buttons. Hypertext systems are particularly useful for organizing and browsing through large databases that consist of disparate types of information. There are several Hypertext systems available for Apple Macintosh computers and PCs that enable you to develop your own databases. Such systems are often called authoring systems . HyperCard software from Apple Computer is the most famous.

developed by Mirabilis LTD. Prounounced as separate letters, so that it sounds like "I-Seek-You," ICQ is similar to America OnLine's popular Buddy List and Instant Messenger programs. It is used as a conferencing tool by individuals on the Net to chat, e-mail, perform file transfers, play computer games, and more. Once you have downloaded and installed ICQ onto your PC, you can create a list of friends, family, business associates, etc. (who also have ICQ on their PC's). ICQ uses this list to find your friends for you, and notifies you once they have signed onto the Net. You can then send messages, chat in real time, play games, etc.

iHTML eliminates the need for Javascript or CGI programs as it provides the same functionality.

A type of communications service that enables you to create a kind of private chat room with another individual in order to communicate in real time over the Internet, analagous to a telephone conversation but using text-based, not voice-based, communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.

The worm spreads by accessing the user's instant messaging address book, or buddy list, and sends itself to individual recipients from that list. Like a worm that spreads over the Internet, an IM worm can crash a system or allow a malicious hacker to gain access to a user's device. Unlike the traditional form of a worm, an IM worm does not have to scan the Internet looking for vulnerbale IP addresses as it spreads by taking names from user address books and identifying who is currently online and therefore vulnerable.

Analagous to a telephone conversation but using text-based, not voice-based, communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.

More than 50 companies are currently developing intelligent agent software or services, including Firefly and WiseWire. Agents are designed to make computing easier. Currently they are used as Web browsers, news retrieval mechanisms, and shopping assistants. By specifying certain parameters, agents will "search" the Internet and return the results directly back to your PC. Push technology relies on agents to deliver pre-selected information to your desktop. Some intelligent agents are also used as tools to track Web behavior: they can even "watch" as your surf the Net and record how often you visit certain sites. Later, they can be used to automatically download your favorite sites, let you know when your favorite site has been updated, and even tailor specific pages to suit your tastes.

(slang) The more one uses the Internet, the more information one is exposed to. Bookmarking pages is one tool that helps users remember favorite Internet sites or backtrack to important information, but often bookmarking too many pages will only contribute to internesia.

It allows users to access their files and desktop applications through the Internet. Internet desktop is a term often used to describe the trend of   moving applications and software from the computer desktop to Web sites that users access online with their browser. Also called online desktop.

Often abbreviated as IE.  Like Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer enables you to view Web pages. Both browsers support Java and JavaScript. Internet Explorer also supports ActiveX.

Achat system developed by Jarkko Oikarinen in Finland in the late 1980s. IRC has become very popular as more people get connected to the Internet because it enables people connected anywhere on the Internet to join in live discussions. Unlike older chat systems, IRC is not limited to just two participants. To join an IRC discussion, you need an IRC client and Internet access. The IRC client is a program that runs on your computer and sends and receives messages to and from an IRC server. The IRC server, in turn, is responsible for making sure that all messages are broadcast to everyone participating in a discussion. There can be many discussions going on at once; each one is assigned a unique channel.

The J2EE platform consists of a set of services, APIs, and protocols that provide the functionality for developing multitiered, Web-based applications. Some of the key features and services of J2EE:

• At the client tier, J2EE supports pure HTML, as well as Java applets or applications. It relies on Java Server Pages and servlet code to create HTML or other formatted data for the client.
• Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) provide another layer where the platform's logic is stored. An EJB server provides functions such as threading, concurrency, security and memory management. These services are transparent to the author.
• Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), which is the Java equivalent to ODBC, is the standard interface for Java databases.
• The Java servlet API enhances consistency for developers without requiring a graphical user interface.

J2ME allows developers to use Java and the J2ME wireless toolkit to create applications and programs for wireless and mobile devices. J2ME consists of two elements -- configurations and profiles. Configurations provide a set of libraries and a virtual machine for a category of wireless device. There are two configurations for J2ME, one for fixed wireless devices and one for mobile wireless devices. Profiles are APIs built on top of configurations to provide a runtime environment for a specific device, such as a PDA, cellphone, or set-top box. The profile manages the application, user interface, networking and I/O. In order to support Java apps, manufacturers need to implement a profile for their specific devices.

Developed by Sun Microsystems. Java was originally called OAK, and was designed for handheld devices and set-top boxes. Oak was unsuccessful so in 1995 Sun changed the name to Java and modified the language to take advantage of the burgeoning World Wide Web. Java is an object-oriented language similar to C++, but simplified to eliminate language features that cause common programming errors. Java source code files (files with a .java extension) are compiled into a format called bytecode (files with a .class extension), which can then be executed by a Java interpreter. Compiled Java code can run on most computers because Java interpreters and runtime environments, known as Java Virtual Machines (VMs), exist for most operating systems, including UNIX, the Macintosh OS, and Windows. Bytecode can also be converted directly into machine language instructions by a just-in-time compiler (JIT). Java is a general purpose programming language with a number of features that make the language well suited for use on the World Wide Web. Small Java applications are called Java applets and can be downloaded from a Web server and run on your computer by a Java-compatible Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The applet is also able to run in HTML. The applet is usually embedded in an HTML page on a Web site and can be executed from within a browser.

Although it shares many of the features and structures of the full Java language, it was developed independently. Javascript can interact with HTML source code, enabling Web authors to spice up their sites with dynamic content. JavaScript is endorsed by a number of software companies and is an open language that anyone can use without purchasing a license. It is supported by recent browsers from Netscape and Microsoft, though Internet Explorer supports only a subset, which Microsoft calls Jscript.

The JNI has been a point of contention between Sun and Microsoft, since Microsoft seeks to create its own native code interface and Sun claims this violates their licensing agreement.

JScript is implemented as a Windows Script engine. This means that it can be "plugged in" to any application that supports Windows Script, such as Internet Explorer, Active Server Pages, and Windows Script Host. It also means that any application supporting Windows Script can use multiple languages - JScript, VBScript, Perl, and others. JScript (and the other languages) can be used for both simple tasks (such as mouseovers on Web pages) and for more complex tasks (such as updating a database with ASP or running logon scripts for Windows NT ). Windows Script relies on external "object models" to carry out much of its work. For example, Internet Explorer's DOM provides objects such as 'document' and methods such as 'write()' to enable the scripting of Web pages.

A server-side technology, Java Server Pages are an extension to the Java servlet technology that was developed by Sun. JSPs have dynamic scripting capability that works in tandem with HTML code, separating the page logic from the static elements -- the actual design and display of the page -- to help make the HTML more functional(i.e. dynamic database queries). A JSP is translated into Java servlet before being run, and it processes HTTP requests and generates responses like any servlet. However, JSP technology provides a more convenient way to code a servlet. Translation occurs the first time the application is run. A JSP translator is triggered by the .jsp file name extension in a URL. JSPs are fully interoperable with servlets. You can include output from a servlet or forward the output to a servlet, and a servlet can include output from a JSP or forward output to a JSP. JSPs are not restricted to any specific platform or server. It was orignially created as an alternative to Microsoft's ASPs (Active Server Pages). Recently, however, Microsoft has countered JSP technology with its own ASP.NET, part of the .NET initiative. (Thanks go to William Duran at Oracle and the Oracle Technology Network for providing additional information for this definition.)

The kiosk browser easy allows an administrator to configure restricted access Web sites, limit or disallow file downloads, customize the toolbar with company logos, and additional features. Many kiosk browsers also allow you to deny access to the desktop of a public computer, and include an integrated e-mail client. For Internet cafes and other pay per usage terminals, a kiosk browser may also include a time logger that will automatically limit the amount of time a user can spend online, determined by the amount they have pre-paid to use the system.

It uses Linux as the operating system, Apache as the Web server, MySQL as the RDBMS and PHP as the object-oriented scripting language.Perl or Python is often substituted for PHP. LAMP has become a de facto development standard.

Lightweight browsers often do not include support for CSS, JavaScript, and other Web elements but will still render most pages correctly for viewing.

Also called a link verifier.

1. The idea behind link farming is to increase the number of sites that link to yours because search engines such as Google rank sites according to, among other things, the quality and quantity of sites that link to yours. In theory, the more sites that link to yours, the higher your ranking in the search engine results will be because the more links indicate a higher level of popularity among users of the Internet. However, search engines such as Google consider link farming as a form of spam and have been implementing procedures to banish sites that participate in link farming, so the term link farming has garnered negative connotations across the Internet. There are many service providers who promise to help you boost your link popularity by automatically entering you into link exchange programs they operate, often linking your page with Web sites that have nothing to do with your content. But users should be aware of the repercussions of this action as the major search engines penalize sites that participate in link farming, thereby reversing their intended effect. A link farm is a Web page that is nothing more than a page of links to other sites.
2. In Unix systems, a link farm is a directory tree containing links to files in a master directory tree of files.

Also known as outdated links. To prevent linkrot, Web sites can add redirects, which automatically take users to the correct URL, or, they can provide the new and correct url on the old page.

For example, Web servers maintain log files listing every request made to the server. With log file analysis tools, it's possible to get a good idea of where visitors are coming from, how often they return, and how they navigate through a site. Using cookies enables Webmasters to log even more detailed information about how individual users are accessing a site.

In most online areas, lurking is perfectly acceptable behavior and is, in fact, encouraged so that you get the feel of the area before posting your own comments. However, some online areas, particularly ones where participants are discussing personal issues, frown on lurking.

Many applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, support powerful macro languages. These applications allow you to embed a macro in a document, and have the macro execute each time the document is opened. According to some estimates, 75% of all viruses today are macro viruses. Once a macro virus gets onto your machine, it can embed itself in all future documents you create with the application. Antivirus programs can protect your system against most macro viruses, although new ones are always being created that slip by the antivirus filters.

1. On web pages, a scrolling area of text. Starting with Version 2, Microsoft Internet Explorer supports a special <MARQUEE> tag for creating these areas. Netscape Navigator, however, does not support this tag. You can also create marquees with Java applets and Dynamic HTML.
2. In graphics software, a sizable and movable frame that identifies a selected portion of a bit-mapped image. The marquee frame can be rectangular in shape or, in some cases, irregular. A lasso tool, for example, enables you to select all contiguous portions of an image that share the same color.

It is created by hackers and programmers (typically on a volunteer basis) and, for example, could overlay traffic data from one source on the Internet over maps from Yahoo, Microsoft, Google or any content provider. The term mash-up comes from the hip-hop music practice of mixing two or more songs.

Meta refresh tags are used by Web sites that have changed addresses but want visitors to be able to access the new URL by going through the old one. When a user is automatically brought to a new page, this is known as redirection. Meta refresh tags are commonly used on the Internet. When a URL is entered that has changed or is no longer valid, the user will often see a message that states something like "This site has moved to a new location. You will automatically be brought to the new site in five seconds."

Unlike normal HTML tags, meta tags do not affect how the page is displayed. Instead, they provide information such as who created the page, how often it is updated, what the page is about, and which keywords represent the page's content. Many search engines use this information when building their indices.

A microbrowser is also called a mobile browser or mini-browser.  It is commonly used on WAP-based phones, which require a gateway to translate Web pages, news feeds, and other Internet content.

For example, a museum's Web site may have a link to a microsite with information about a special exhibition the museum is running, or a computer manufacturer may create a microsite to give the user information about a new product design. Microsites often are temporary Web sites that are removed from Web servers once the promotion is over or the information is no longer relevant. (Also called a minisite.)

It was founded in 1975 by Paul Allen and Bill Gates.  In addition to developing the de facto standard operating systems -- DOS and Windows -- Microsoft has a strong presence in almost every area of computer software, from programming tools to end-user applications.

mIRC is a user-friendly IRC client that offers users many options and tools.  It was written by Khaled Mardam-Bey. mIRC is shareware, which means that you can download mIRC and try it out freely for 30 days to evaluate it. mIRC celebrated its tenth year of development in February 2005.

Mirror sites are useful when the original site generates too much traffic for a single server to support. Mirror sites also increase the speed with which files or Web sites can be accessed: users can download files more quickly from a server that is geographically closer to them. For example, if a busy New York-based Web site sets up a mirror site in England, users in Europe can access the mirror site faster than the original site in New York. Sites such as Netscape that offer copies or updates of popular software often set up mirror sites to handle the large demand that a single site may not be able to handle.

Carriers deploy special servers, dubbed MMS Centers (MMSCs) to implement the offerings on their systems. MMS also supports e-mail addressing, so the device can send e-mails directly to an e-mail address. The most common use of MMS is for communication between mobile phones. MMS, however, is not the same as e-mail. MMS is based on the concept of multimedia messaging. The presentation of the message is coded into the presentation file so that the images, sounds and text are displayed in a predetermined order as one singular message. MMS does not support attachments as e-mail does. To the end user, MMS is similar to SMS.

Originally produced by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Mosaic has always been distributed as freeware. In 1994, however, the NCSA turned over commercial development of the program to a company called Spyglass. There are now several varieties of Mosaic, some free and some for sale.

The change usually signifies that the item is a link to related or additional information. Mouseovers are widely used in Navigation Bars, pop-up windows, and/or form submissions. Mouseovers require JavaScript in two places of an HTML document. At the beginning of your document and before the BODY tag, JavaScript defines the event to take place. After the BODY tag, HTML code contains the actual mouseover element in the place on your Web page you want the action to take place. When your mouse passes over the HTML code containing the mouseover element, it signals the JavaScript event to take place.

Whenever the user tries to leave the site by closing the browser window or going to a new URL, the site that is mousetrapping will automatically open a new browser window with its URL or not allow the browser to go to the new URL. Some mousetraps only will open a limited number of new browser windows and eventually will let the persevering user leave the site; other mousetraps will open new browser windows ad infinitum, and the only way to get out of the trap is to press "Ctrl+Alt+Del" to end the task or reboot the computer if that fails. Additionally, there are software programs that prevent mousetrapping.

(slang)  The reference comes from the telephone area code of Atlanta, Georgia, which is 404. Web pages that produce 404 errors are said to have "moved to Atlanta."

Some people claim that the term is a contraction of Mosaic Godzilla (e.g., Mosaic killer), since Mosaic was the number one Web browser at the time Netscape began developing its product. The term Mozilla is still used by many Web developers and appears in server log files that identify the browsers being used. In 1998, Netscape decided to make the source code for Navigator freely available to the public, or open source. The Netscape group responsible for releasing the code is called mozilla.org, and its Web site is www.mozilla.org.

A registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

There are many versions of Navigator, and it runs on all the major platforms -- Windows, Macintoshes, and UNIX.

This will send a message to a particular user and a pop-up dialog box will appear on their screen.

Officially called Netscape Communications Corporation, Netscape was founded by James H. Clark and Marc Andreessen in 1994 and was acquired by AOL in 1999. It revolutionized the computer software market by giving away for free its popular Navigator Web browser until it had acquired an overwhelming market share for this category of software. This strategy is now used by many other software companies, including Microsoft, which also distributes its Web browser, Internet Explorer, for free. The term Netscape is often used as the name of the company's browser, not the company itself.

The term is in relation to “old” media forms, such as print newspapers and magazines, that are static representations of text and graphics. New media includes:

• Web sites
• streaming audio and video
• chat rooms
• e-mail
• online communities
• Web advertising
• DVD and CD-ROM media
• virtual reality environments
• integration of digital data with the telephone, such as Internet telephony
• digital cameras
• mobile computing

A branch of artificial intelligence that deals with analyzing, understanding and generating the languages that humans use naturally in order to interface with computers in both written and spoken contexts using natural human languages instead of computer languages. One of the challenges inherent in natural language processing is teaching computers to understand the way humans learn and use language. Take, for example, the sentence “Baby swallows fly.” This simple sentence has multiple meanings, depending on whether the word “swallows” or the word “fly” is used as the verb, which also determines whether “baby” is used as a noun or an adjective. In the course of human communication, the meaning of the sentence depends on both the context in which it was communicated and each person’s understanding of the ambiguity in human languages. This sentence poses problems for software that must first be programmed to understand context and linguistic structures. NLP is also referred to as computational linguistics.

An API for Netscape's Web servers.

The "one way"; means that it's nearly impossible to derive the original text from the string. A one-way hash function is used to create digital signatures, which in turn identify and authenticate the sender and message of a digitally distributed message.

OWL ontologies describe the hierarchical organization of ideas in a domain, in a way that can be parsed and understood by software. OWL has more facilities for expressing meaning and semantics than XML, RDF, and RDF-S, and thus OWL goes beyond these languages in its ability to represent machine interpretable content on the Web. OWL is part of the W3C recommendations related to the Semantic Web.

OWL-S is based on ontologies of objects and concepts defined using the Ontology Web Language (OWL). See also Ontology Web Language.

A Web browser developed in 1994 by Norwegian company Telenor. Opera is boasted as being the speediest and most standards-compliant of the current browsers in use, supporting such standards as 128-bit encryption, SSL2 and 3, CSS1, partial CSS2, XML, HTML and JavaScript. Opera is available for use with the BeOS, EPOC, Linux, Symbian, OS/2, Windows and Mac operating systems.

The purpose of this format is to provide a way to exchange information between outliners (programs that allow you to read, edit and reorganize outlines) and Internet services that can be browsed or controlled through an outliner.

See Ontology Web Language.

See related term Ontology Web Language.

Page views are often used in online advertising, where advertisers use the number of page views a site receives to determine where and how to advertise.

PEAR is a community-driven project with the PEAR Group as the governing body. The project was founded by Stig S. Bakken in 1999. The code in PEAR is partitioned in packages, where each package is a separate project with its own development team, version number, release cycle, documentation and a defined relation to other packages (including dependencies). Packages are distributed as gzipped tar files with a description file inside, and installed on your local system using the PEAR installer. There are two types of packages: source packages (containing source files only), and binary packages (containing platform-specific binary files, and possible source files). [Source: PEAR Manual]

Because of its strong text processing abilities, Perl has become one of the most popular languages for writing CGI scripts. Perl is an interpretive language, which makes it easy to build and test simple programs.  Developed by Larry Wall

Also called a permanent cookie, or a stored cookie, a cookie that is stored on a user’s hard drive until it expires (persistent cookies are set with expiration dates) or until the user deletes the cookie. Compare with session cookie.

In an HTML document, PHP script (similar syntax to that of Perl or C ) is enclosed within special PHP tags. Because PHP is embedded within tags, the author can jump between HTML and PHP (similar to ASP and Cold Fusion) instead of having to rely on heavy amounts of code to output HTML. And, because PHP is executed on the server, the client cannot view the PHP code. PHP can perform any task that any CGI program can do, but its strength lies in its compatibility with many types of databases. Also, PHP can talk across networks using IMAP, SNMP, NNTP, POP3, or HTTP. PHP was created sometime in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. During mid 1997, PHP development entered the hands of other contributors. Two of them, Zeev Suraski and Andi Gutmans, rewrote the parser from scratch to create PHP version 3 (PHP3).

When one or more mirror sites exists, ping triangulation uses a process called echo location. When a server receives a client request, it sends out an ICMP echo, or ping, packet across the Internet to the mirror sites and times the echo response. From this information, the most appropriate site to respond to the client request is determined. Basically, ping triangulation maps in multidimensional space the location of every mirror site and the end-user, sending that user not only to an open server but to the closest open server.

(n.) The idea is that the new component simply plugs in to the existing system. For example, there are number of plug-ins for the Netscape Navigator browser that enable it to display different types of audio or video messages. Navigator plug-ins are based on MIME file types.

(Pronounced ping.)  In fact, PNG was approved as a standard by the World Wide Web consortium to replace GIF because GIF uses a patented data compression algorithm called LZW. In contrast, PNG is completely patent- and license-free. The most recent versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer now support PNG.

Podcasting is similar in nature to RSS, which allows subscribers to subscribe to a set of feeds to view syndicated Web site content. The format used for podcasting is RSS 2.0 with enclosures. The podcasting enclosures refer to all binary (non-text) downloads. You can read the text description of the enclosure before downloading the item to view.

In contrast to a pop-up ad, which appears over (on top of) the browser window, a pop-under is less obtrusive as it hides behind other windows. Pop-unders are used extensively in advertising on the Web, though advertising is not the only application for pop-under windows. A pop-under is also referred to as a pop-under ad.

Some pop-up blockers may try to close all pop-up windows, some may remove all advertising from a publisher's Web site, and still others may help you choose which pop-up windows you want to be closed with block list feature.

See pop-up ad.

In contrast to a pop-under ad, which appears behind (in back of) the browser window, a pop-up is more obtrusive as it covers other windows, particularly the window that the user is trying to read. Pop-ups ads are used extensively in advertising on the Web, though advertising is not the only application for pop-up windows. A pop-up ad is also referred to as a pop-up. Also see pop-up window and pop-up utility.

1.  Presence services are commonly provided through applications like Finger and instant messaging clients, although a number of companies are developing products in other areas that leverage presence, such as VoIP.
2. The term Web presence refers to having an established existence, through a Web site or a collection of Web files, on the World Wide Web.

Product Activation requires that the user verify a product key that was used to install the product. This ensures that the software has not been used on more computers than is intended by the software's license. Users can activate their software via the Internet or telephone. Once the user has contacted Microsoft, an installation ID number is issued that will complete the activation. According to Microsoft, the user has 50 grace launches before a product must be activated. After the 50 launches, the product will go into a reduced-functionality mode if is has not been activated. With reduced functionality, documents cannot be edited and new ones cannot be created until the product has been activated by contacting Microsoft.

When capitalized as Personal Web Server, the name of Microsoft’s Web server program for individuals hosting Web page files from a personal computer. Personal Web Server is a smaller-scale version of Microsoft’s IIS technology and is therefore limited in its capabilities. It is designed to support Web sites that obtain limited traffic and/or to be used as a staging server for building pages that will be transferred to a server that can handle large amounts of traffic.

Antivirus softwares come with quarantine options so that the user also can keep track of virus activity.

1. Additionally the From (or) Sender field will show the e-mail address of the original sender, and in brackets it will show your information. For example if you received the e-mail from "me@me.com" and your e-mail address is "thisisme@me.com", when you redirect this e-mail to another recipient, the From (or) Sender information might read something like this: From: me@me.com ( by way of "Your Name" <thisisme@me.com></thisisme@me.com>)
2. Redirect also refers to a Web server function where an old URL can be redirected to a new one. There are a series of redirect HTTP response codes that a server can return, including the following:

• 301: (permanent) Returns a permanent redirect status indicating that the resource has moved permanently.
• 302: (temp) Returns a temporary redirect status. This is the default.
• 303: (seeother) Returns a "See Other" status indicating that the resource has been replaced.
• 410: (gone) Indicates that the resource has been replaced.

REST was first articulated by RoyFielding in his dissertationas:

"REST emphasizes scalability of component interactions, generality of interfaces, independent deployment of components, and intermediary components to reduce interaction latency, enforce security, and encapsulate legacy systems. I describe the software engineering principles guiding REST and the interaction constraints chosen to retain those principles, contrasting them to the constraints of other architectural styles. Finally, I describe the lessons learned from applying REST to the design of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol and Uniform Resource Identifier standards, and from their subsequent deployment in Web client and server software."

Web browsers (or clients) are required for access but unlike traditional applications, software installation is not required.  However depending on the application you usually will need to have ActiveX, Java, Flash, or similar technologies installed on the client machine.

There is one central, or "A", server that replicates changes to the other servers on a daily basis. Different organizations maintain the servers on the root server system. The U.S. government plays a role in maintaining about half of the servers.

A Web site that wants to allow other sites to publish some of its content creates an RSS document and registers the document with an RSS publisher. A user that can read RSS-distributed content can use the content on a different site. Syndicated content includes such data as news feeds, events listings, news stories, headlines, project updates, excerpts from discussion forums or even corporate information. RSS was originally developed by Netscape.

Abbreviated as RoR, Ruby on Rails (also referred to as just Rails) is written in Ruby (object-oriented programming language).  RoR closely follows the Model-View-Control (MVC) pattern, where models, views and controllers are fully integrated in a seamless fashion. Rails is a pure Ruby development environment that allows for real-world applications to be developed in less code and with a minimum of configuration. Ruby on Rails was created by David Heinemeier Hansson, a partner at 37signals, then extended and improved upon by a core team and hundreds of open-source contributors. Rails is released under the MIT license. Ruby is available under the Ruby License.

SaaS allows organizations to access business functionality at a cost typically less than paying for licensed applications since SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee. Also, because the software is hosted remotely, users don't need to invest in additional hardware. SaaS removes the need for organizations to handle the installation, set-up and often daily upkeep and maintenance. Software as a Service may also be referred to as simply hosted applications.

Making purchases from a secure Web server ensures that a user's payment or personal information can be translated into a secret code that's difficult to crack. Major security protocols include SSL, SHTTP, PCT, and IPSec.

This document regulates how an organization will manage, protect and distribute its sensitive information (both corporate and client information) and lays the framework for the computer-network-oriented security of the organization.

It is based on machine-readable information and builds on XML technology's capability to define customized tagging schemes and RDF's (Resource Description Framework) flexible approach to representing data. The Semantic Web provides  common formats for interchange of data (where on the Web there is only had interchange of documents). It also provides a common language for recording how the data relates to real world objects, allowing a person, or a machine, to start off in one database, and then move through an unending set of databases which are connected not by wires but by being about the same thing. [Adapted from WC3]

(n.) (Abbreviated SOA).  Each interaction is independent of each and every other interaction and the interconnect protocols of the communicating devices (i.e., the infrastructure components that determine the communication system do not affect the interfaces). Because interfaces are platform-independent, a client from any device using any operating system in any language can use the service. Though built on similar principles, SOA is not the same as Web services, which indicates a collection of technologies, such as SOAP and XML. SOA is more than a set of technologies and runs independent of any specific technologies.

The term usually refers to a Java applet that runs within a Web server environment. This is analogous to a Java applet that runs within a Web browser environment. Java servlets are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to CGI programs. The biggest difference between the two is that a Java applet is persistent. This means that once it is started, it stays in memory and can fulfill multiple requests. In contrast, a CGI program disappears once it has fulfilled a request. The persistence of Java applets makes them faster because there's no wasted time in setting up and tearing down the process.

(Also called a transient cookie).  The session cookie is stored in temporary memory and is not retained after the browser is closed. Session cookies do not collect information from the user’s computer.  Compare with persistent cookie.

SGML was developed and standardized by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) in 1986. SGML itself does not specify any particular formatting; rather, it specifies the rules for tagging elements. These tags can then be interpreted to format elements in different ways. SGML is used widely to manage large documents that are subject to frequent revisions and need to be printed in different formats. Because it is a large and complex system, it is not yet widely used on personal computers. However, the growth of Internet, and especially the World Wide Web, is creating renewed interest in SGML because the World Wide Web uses HTML, which is one way of defining and interpreting tags according to SGML rules.

(Also known as a footbath.)  Typically, a computer that sheepdips is used only for that process and nothing else and is isolated from the other computers, meaning it is not connected to the network. Most sheepdips use at least two different antivirus programs in order to increase effectiveness. The goal of sheepdipping is to block viruses from entering systems rather than waiting until they manifest on user workstations at which time they will have already done their damage. Sheepdipping is not used for files downloaded from the Internet unless the files are first transferred to a physical removable medium and run through the sheepdip before loaded onto the workstation's hard drive. The term comes from the practice in sheep farming of dipping the sheep in chemical solutions to clean their wool of fleas and lice or to promote the healing of skin irritations.

To create a shockwave object, you use Macromedia's multimedia authoring tool called Director, and then compress the object with a program called Afterburner. You then insert a reference to the "shocked" file in your Web page. To see a Shockwave object, you need the Shockwave plug-in, a program that integrates seamlessly with your Web browser. The plug-in is freely available from Macromedia's Web site as either a Netscape Navigator plug-in or an ActiveX control. Shockwave supports audio, animation, video and even processes user actions such as mouse clicks. It runs on all Windows platforms as well as the Macintosh.

An application of theSIP protocol for server-to-server and client-to-server interoperability in instant messaging.

1. Single In-line Package; a type of housing for electronic components in which the connecting pins protrude from one side. Compare with DIP and PGA. A SIP is also called a Single In-line Pin Package (SIPP).
2. Short for Session Initiated Protocol, or Session Initiation Protocol, an application-layer control protocol; a signaling protocol for Internet Telephony. SIP can establish sessions for features such as audio/videoconferencing, interactive gaming, and call forwarding to be deployed over IP networks, thus enabling service providers to integrate basic IP telephony services with Web, e-mail, and chat services. In addition to user authentication, redirect and registration services, SIP Server supports traditional telephony features such as personal mobility, time-of-day routing and call forwarding based on the geographical location of the person being called.

Skins can give an interface an entirely different look than what it originally came with. Skins are often used to change the look and feel of a Web browser, altering the appearance and/or location of buttons, providing background images or borders that did not originally come with the browser, changing the colors and/or other graphic elements, or even changing the shape of the browser window. There are many browser skins available for free online; however, users should be aware that skins sometimes come with additional predetermined buttons in the toolbar that did not come with the original browser software. Organizations use these elements to advertise and/or track the Internet activity of the user.

Smilies are used in text messages in the same way voice changes and facial expressions are used in face-to-face or telephone conversation. For example, if you were joking with someone and send a text message of "Idiot!" the person receiving your message may think you are making a rude comment to them. If you send the same message with a "happy smiley" : ) following, the person would then understand you were "smiling" - or joking when you said that, and not misinterpret your intent.  To create a smiley you use your standard keyboard characters and punctuation marks. When viewing text smilies they are all sideways. Smilies are often used in online chat rooms, game rooms, instant messaging, and in e-mail. A smiley can also be called an emoticon.

1. Systems Management Server; a set of tools fromMicrosoft that assists in managing PCs connected to a local-area network (LAN). SMS enables a network administrator to create an inventory of all the hardware and software on the network and to store it in an SMS database. Using this database, SMS can then perform software distribution and installation over the LAN. SMS also enables a network administrator to perform diagnostic tests on PCs attached to the LAN. SMS runs under Windows NT but can manage PCs running DOS, all varieties of Windows, and OS/2, as well as Macintosh clients.
2. Short for Short Message Service Similar to paging, SMS is a service for sending short text messages to mobile phones.

Sniffers can be used both for legitimate network management functions and for stealing information off a network. Unauthorized sniffers can be extremely dangerous to a network's security because they are virtually impossible to detect and can be inserted almost anywhere. This makes them a favorite weapon in the hacker's arsenal. On TCP/IP networks, where they sniff packets, they're often called packet sniffers.

SOAP messages are independent of any operating system or protocol and may be transported using a variety of Internet protocols, including SMTP, MIME, and HTTP.

Social network analysis is abbreviated as SNA.  The nodes in the network are the people and groups while the links show relationships or flows between the nodes. SNA provides both a visual and a mathematical analysis of human relationships.

E-mail, blogs, and even instant messaging are all examples of social software.

(n.) Also spelled as spIM.  Spim is perpetuated by bots that harvest IM screen names off of the Internet and simulate a human user by sending spam to the screen names via an instant message. The spim typically contains a link to a Web site that the spimmer is trying to market. Also referred to as instant spam or the less-intrusive sounding IM marketing. (v.) To send someone spam through an instant messaging application. A spimmer is the individual or organization responsible for sending the spim.

(n.) Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today. Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability. Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party. Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers.

(pronounced as separate letters) SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data − a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message. Both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer support SSL, and many Web sites use the protocol to obtain confidential user information, such as credit card numbers.By convention, URLs that require an SSL connection start with https: instead of http:. Another protocol for transmitting data securely over the World Wide Web is Secure HTTP (S-HTTP). Whereas SSL creates a secure connection between a client and a server, over which any amount of data can be sent securely, S-HTTP is designed to transmit individual messages securely. SSL and S-HTTP, therefore, can be seen as complementary rather than competing technologies. Both protocols have been approved by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as a standard.

(n.) The terms maintaining state and/or managing state refer to keeping track of the condition of the process. The Internet is intrinsically stateless because each request for a new Web page is processed without any knowledge of previous pages requested. This is one of the chief drawbacks to the HTTP protocol. Because maintaining state is extremely useful, programmers have developed a number of techniques to add state to the World Wide Web. These include server APIs, such as NSAPI and ISAPI, and the use of cookies.

(adj.) Most common applications are inherently stateful.

(adj.) The opposite of static is dynamic. A Web site that is static can only supply information that is written into the HTML and this information will not change unless the change is written into the source code. When a Web browser requests the specific static Web page, a server returns the page to the browser and the user only gets whatever information is contained in the HTML code. In contrast, a dynamic Web page contains content that a user can interact with, such as information that is tied to a database. The user can request that the information, such as ticket availability or airline flight data, be retrieved from a database.

(When used in terms of aWeb site) A site’s stickiness depends on the content of the site that encourages the visitors to remain there but is not necessarily what the visitors went to the site looking for. For example, in addition to original content that may be the main reason for visits, a site may add a glossary, stock quotes, games, community forums, news feeds and/or chat rooms to make the site more appealing to visitors. Also, sites can add special features to set themselves apart from competitors, such as the ability to communicate with the content’s authors, the ability to personalize the site, contests, and numerous hyperlinks to other pages of the site -- all elements that entice a visitor not just to stay on the site but to return frequently. A Web site’s stickiness is important to online advertisers because the longer visitors stay on the site the more exposure those visitors have to potential advertising.

A technique common in messaging services. The message center is typically a server that is used by the message service to store the transmitted message only until the receiving device can be located, and it then forwards the transmission to the intended recipient and deletes the message from the server. A common type of store-and-forward messaging is that used between mobile phones.

(n.)  A strong password consists of at least six characters (and the more characters, the stronger the password) that are a combination of letters, numbers and symbols (@, #, $, %, etc.) if allowed. Passwords are typically case-sensitive, so a strong password contains letters in both uppercase and lowercase. Strong passwords also do not contain words that can be found in a dictionary or parts of the user’s own name.

A term coined by Microsoft that is used in its Web page design software, Microsoft FrontPage. When you create a FrontPage Web, you may want to restrict access to certain portions of that Web. To do this, you create what is called a subweb within the Web, and then restrict access to that subweb. The term subweb is often mistaken for being a directory or structure of the World Wide Web. Because the World Wide Web refers to the Web as being one or all, there cannot be a subweb on the World Wide Web.

Tabbed browsing is a relatively new feature found in some Web browsers. It allows the user to view a selection of favorite sites in one window, view multiple search results at the same time, and would allow you to set several pages as your home page, rather than just one. Currently, you will find tabbed browsing available in the following Web browsers; Mozilla/Firefox, Opera, Apple's Safari, AOL's Netscape and the Linux-based Konqueror. Some third-party browsers based