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Glossary of Terms - Page 1 Bandwidth Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel a communications path, ('pipe'), in a given time, usually measured in seconds. In easy terms, the greater the bandwidth (the wider the pipe), the faster the data response time. Broadband A form of Internet connection now commonly offered by ISP's, using far greater bandwidth than a modem, and thereby allowing much faster access and shorter response times. This type of data transmission can carry several types of data simultaneously, e.g. running internet access and standard telephone over a single line. Browser A browser, ('web browser'), is software that allows one to view and work with websites; examples are Internet Explorer and Netscape. Chat 'Chat' describes people communicating online in real time, although the 'chat' is in fact a series of typed messages, to and fro, each message appearing on the screen of all those participating at the time. Chat Room A website, or part of a website, where people can go to communicate online in real time. Chat Rooms very often have a specific topic of interest to the users. Client A client is a program that uses the services of another program. The client program is used to contact and obtain data or request a service from the server. Computer Virus A computer virus is a program designed to infiltrate computers and networks. The intention is often malicious and the effects can be far-reaching – even destroying files, wiping and/or corrupting the hard disk. Users are strongly advised to ensure that their computer systems have adequate anti-virus protection. Cookie During the course of your visit to a website your computer may be issued with a cookie. A cookie is a text file, which identifies your computer to the server. Cookies do not in themselves identify the individual user, just the computer used. Cookies are not necessarily bad news, indeed they can be helpful and speed up your visit to a website: cookies can remember your preferences, so the next time you return to a site, you can be presented with relevant information. Some people regard cookies as an invasion of privacy; others think they are a harmless way to personalise your site visits. Dial-up Account This is one type of account used for connecting to the Internet, via a modem to your Internet Service provider. Dial up is generally through a local low cost number. Domain Name The domain name is the unique name that identifies an Internet site, e.g. www.letsgetpersonal.co.uk Domain names always have two or more parts separated by dots. While a server may host many domain names, a given domain name only points to one server. Downloading Downloading describes the steps by which users access software or other files on the web and transfer the data to their own computers. e-mail, (electronic mail), is an internet messaging system, for sending and receiving text and other messages by one user to another via a network. E-mail Address The computer mailing address to which electronic mail may be sent, e.g. talk2us@letsgetpersonal.co.uk . Note that the address is a name at (@) a domain E-mail Autoresponder An autoresponder is used to automatically send an email in reply to every email which you receive. This is most commonly used to confirm the receipt of an email or to inform the sender if the person they have emailed is away on holiday. If you create an autoresponder and assign it to your email address, whenever someone sends an email to you, they will automatically receive a reply containing the details that you supply for the autoresponder entry. |
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