A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Major high-speed transmission path in a network.

Software used to access the World Wide Web. For example, Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer.

Pronounced "cash." A cache is stored files. For example, Web browsers often cache, or store, frequently visited Web sites so that the pages don't have to re-downloaded everytime you visit the same site. This speeds up the load-time for the Web pages.

CGI (Common Gateway Interface)

A CGI is a external program that can be run from a web browser. CGI's can be written in many different languages, the most common being C, C++, and Perl.

CO (Central Office)

Hub or switching station for the telephone network. Each CO serves a specific geographic area.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

A protocol used by a server/router that allows the client stations to be configured dynamically. The clients receive all their IP addresses, gateways, and DNS from the server/router, rather than having the settings statically configured on each client.

The ability to use a computer and modem to access another computer or network via a phone line.

DNS (Domain Name Server)

The DNS server contains the records for domains. For example: The DNS records for dandy.net point www.dandy.net to the IP address 199.181.164.6.

Mapped to a particular numeric address. This takes the place of having to use an IP address number. Also, the name hierarchy on the Internet. Consists of a sequence of names separated by periods. Common extensions include: .com (commercial), .edu (education), .gov (government), and .org (organizations). Countries usually have their own extensions. For example, .ca (Canada) and .uk (United Kingdom).

To copy data from a remote computer into your local computer.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

A high-speed access line that uses existing copper telephone wires.

Computerized discussion group, dealing with a specific topic, that allows subscribers to discuss issues and exchange information electronically.

Email (Electronic Mail)

A computer and network-based messaging system that exchanges mail electronically.

Centrally located computer that acts as a storehouse of data and applications for users of a LAN (Local Area Network)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Protocol which allows transfer of files from one computer to another.

Internet application that allows access to a remote computer over the Internet either anonymously or using an ID and password in order to copy files between the remote computer and a local computer.

The IP address that client machines use to access the Internet.

Web page that is displayed when your browser is opened.

HTML (Hyper-text markup language)

A set of elements (tags) that define a document and guide its display. HTML controls and instructs your Web browser -- telling it how to display the information it's given (i.e., text, graphics, sound, etc.).

HTML (Hyper-text markup language)

A set of elements (tags) that define a document and guide its display. HTML controls and instructs your Web browser -- telling it how to display the information it's given (i.e., text, graphics, sound, etc.).

IP (Internet Protocol)

Wide Area Network (WAN) made up of many interconnected networks around the globe.

IP Address

Unique Internet number that indicates a specific computer.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Internet Service Providers are companies that sell access to the Internet. Dandy is an ISP.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

A 56-128 kilobit access line that requires a special modem or router to connect.

NAT (Network Address Translation)

A service used by routers/servers to connect one subnet to another. For example: A router with a single public IP address uses NAT to route a private subnet to and from the Internet.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

Sometimes called a network card, this is a card that goes in your computer and allows you to connect to an ethernet network.

POP (Post Office Protocol)

The e-mail protocol used by a typical Dandy user.

PTP (Point to Point Protocol)

A common protocol for Internet connections.

Search Engine

Search engines are Web sites that help you search the Internet for other Web sites based on keywords you provide.

A computer directly connected to the Internet that is dedicated to serving data.

Software that is free to download, but must be paid for after the trial period is over.

SMTP (Send Mail Transfer Protocol or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

The mail protocol used by users with their own domain and mail server.

A dedicated digital line that is capable of transmitting 1.445 Mbps. This type of line is very reliable, but also rather expensive, so usually is only appropriate for larger businesses.

A dedicated digital line that is capable of transmitting 44.736 Mbps. This type of line is usually only used by very large businesses or ISP's.

TCIP (Transmission Control Internet Protocol)

The basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. TCP/IP is responsible for end-to-end message delivery.

Text-based method for accessing a remote computer.

Address of a file accessible on the Web, (i.e., a Web page, an image file, or a Java applet). Example: < http://www.dandy.net > is our URL.

Public forums that contain articles posted by individual readers.