archive: Single file containing a group of files that have been compressed for efficient storage

attachment: File that is attached to an e-mail, rather than included in the letter.

attribute: Provides more information about the address, such as what page of the site is displayed.

background: The color or pattern under the text in the document.

baud: Number of symbols per second that a modem transports along a phone line; the higher the number, the faster the transfer.

BBS: Electronic system allowing posting and reading of messages or pictures. Also known as Newsgroups.

binary: File consisting of information that is not only text, such as pictures or sounds.

bit: Smallest unit of measure of computer data.

bookmark: Marks the Web site so it can be reached directly, and returned to easily.

browser: Program that allows you to read information on the World Wide Web.

byte: Group of eight bits. Computer memory is measured in bytes.

chat: Real-time talking with others on the Internet via typing, sending, and reading messages.

cyberspace: Term used to describe the Internet, as if it were its own electronic world.

domain name: Part of the name of an Internet address, to the right of @.

download: Transfer of document or picture from Internet to home computer.

e-mail: Electronic mail, used to exchange messages between computers via the Internet.

emoticon: Characters used to express feeling. :-) is a smiley.

external image: Images not in the Web document, but connected by a link.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions, area of web site where typical questions are addressed.

firewall: Security system limiting access by outsiders to the system of a Web site.

flame: To post angry or insulting messages.

form: Allows readers to add information to a site, i.e. a survey, etc.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol. Tool that determines how files are transferred between computer systems.

GIF: Graphics Interchange Format - Graphics files which allow the viewing of images.

gigabyte: 1,000,000,000 bytes of data

gopher: Older Internet system allowing you to search a series of lists to narrow your search.

hard drive: Component on the computer where the software (programs) are stored.

hardware: A computer and its peripherals (monitor, etc.)

header: Beginning of e-mail message containing to and from information, date, subject, etc.

home page: Currently means any page on the Web.

host: Any computer system connected to the Internet.

hotlist: List of bookmarks.

HTML: HyperText Markup Language - Language system used to create Web pages.

HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol Transfers documents across the Internet.

ISP: Internet Service Provider.

Internet: International system of computers, similar to the telephone system.

IRC: Internet Relay Chat. System used for talking to others using the Internet.

javascript: Special language for certain Web documents.

JPG: Compressed graphic image formats on the Web.

link: Connection that moves viewer directly between two Web documents. Also called hotlinks.

listserv mailing lists: Group of programs that manage mailing lists, including distributing messages, adding and deleting members, etc.

log on/log off: To connect or disconnect from the online service/Internet.

megabyte: Common measure of computer memory.

MIDI: Way to transmit music over the Internet.

MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions - Used to send text, pictures, files, etc.

modem: Allows your comuter to transfer information via phone lines or cable

moderated newsgroup: Newsgroup run by a user who can eliminate irrelevant or offensive messages.

multimedia format: Video, sound or image, which plays within the browser window.

netiquette: Network etiquette, the rules of etiquette on the Internet.

Netscape Navigator: Popular browser on the Web.

network: Computers that are connected together.

newsgroups: Discussion groups, where people request or post text or photos of interest. Also known as bulletin boards.

page: A Web document.

password: Code to keep information private.

PICS: Rating system designed to inform viewer what type of material is on the web site.

post: To "publish" an article, message, or picture on a bulletin board.

protocol: Language that defines how computers/software communicate with each other.

RAM: Random Access Memory, where computer stores data during processing.

Real Audio: Allows individuals to listen to audio programs over the Internet

search engine: Program that lets you search for information on the Web, using words or series of words. Some search engines include:

server: Computer that provides information to client computers. A single server can provide programs and Internet access for a number of computers.

service provider: A company which provides a connection to the Internet.

shareware: Computer programs which can be downloaded from the Internet, to be paid for after a trial period.

software: The programs that run on a computer.

spam: Massive, junk e-mailing

text files: Files containing characters only, without formatting. Also called ASCII or RTF.

text-based browser: Browser which shows text, but not images.

upload: Transfer of document from home computer to Internet.

URL: Uniform Resource Locator. The "address" of a page on the Web.

Usenet: System of thousands of newsgroups.

viewer: Program allowing you to play Web files, like video clips.

Virtual Reality: Computer simulation that responds to reactions so the user feels as though he is in another world.

virus: A computer program, or "bug" in a program, which can foul up a computer system.

WAV file: Format for sound files on the Internet ( .wav files)

web page: Document on the World Wide Web.

web server: Program that makes Web documents available to Web browsers.

web site: A collection of documents about a certain subject.

World Wide Web: Software system on the Internet, also known as "the Web," and "WWW."

zip file: Compressed file that must be "unzipped" for opening.

zone: Last part of the host hame on the Internet, either geographic, or organizational, i.e. .com, .gov, .org