account name: Same as your login ID or user ID. The word you type at the "Login:" prompt; your electronic name.
address: Like a postal address, a "network address" is used to locate another user for the purpose of directing mail. On the Internet this is in the form: account@host.domain.
analog: A method of storing information, used by most audiotapes, videotapes and laserdiscs (and all LP phonograph records, remember those?). An analog device uses a physical quantity, such as length or voltage, to represent the value of a number. By contrast, digital storage relies on a coding system of numeric units.
APC: Association for Progressive Communications, formed in 1987 to promote international communications among organizations and individuals working in the peace, environmental, conflict-resolution, health, and public interest communities worldwide. Members include: Alternex in Brazil; Antennae in the Netherlands; ComLink in Germany; Nicarao in Nicaragua; Chasque in Uruguay; Ecuanex in Ecuador; NordNet in Sweden; GlasNet in Russia; GLUK in Ukraine; GreenNet in England; IGC networks (PeaceNet, EcoNet, ConflictNet) in the United States; Pegasus in Australia; PlaNet in New Zealand, SangoNet in South Africa; Wamani in Argentina; Web in Canada.
Archie: A program available via the Internet that allows users to easily search remote systems for files or programs that match specified keywords.
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange (pronounced ask-ee). The form in which text characters are handled in most computer systems and networks. ASCII text has no special characters for formatting such as underlined or bold characters, font changes, etc., thus can be viewed on any personal computer or terminal.
baud rate: The speed at which data is transmitted over telephone lines. For example, a 2400-baud modem sends data at a rate of 2,400 bits (about 300 characters) per second. Two modems can only connect if they can operate at the same baud rate.
BBS: Bulletin Board System (see bulletin board).
binary: A file containing one or more strings of data bits which are not printable characters. Some binary files may be computer programs or other forms of data that contain no text characters at all. Binary files cannot be displayed on screen, but can be downloaded for use with appropriate applications on your computer. Binary (base 2) is also the building block of computer information, representing "on" or "off" and "true" or "not true" as 1 or 0.
bit: A binary digit, the smallest unit of data used in a computer; 7 or 8 bits are typically used to represent a single character of text.
bits per second (bps): The speed at which bits are transmitted.
booting: Turning on your computer.
break: A signal sent from a user's terminal to the network, which causes interruption of an activity.
bug: An error. Can be a hardware malfunction or a software programming error.
bulletin board (BBS): A computer system which can be called using a modem.
byte: Computer term for a string of 8 bits. In practice, a byte is usually used to represent an alphanumeric character.
cable: A set of wires connecting pieces of computer hardware.
carriage return <CR>: The <ENTER> or <RETURN> key on your keyboard. On-line commands often must be followed by <CR>.
cc: Carbon copy. The prompt in an e-mail program which allows the user to enter one or more ID's to send copies of a message.
CD: Compact disc for audio.
CD-i: Compact disc for audio and visual for movies, reference, training courses and video games. It can be interactive but is not programmable; it is viewed through a television and CD-i player, not a computer.
CD-ROM: Stands for "compact disc read-only memory." Computer CDs are just like music CDs. They are small, shiny "records" that can hold an immense amount of data (up to 550 MB). About 4.75 inches in diameter, a CD must be played on a CD-ROM drive.
CD-ROM drive: A computer accessory used to access CD-ROM discs. Internal CD-ROM drives are installed inside of the computer system. External versions have their own enclosure and power supply and are connected to the computer by a cable. Many computers now include a built-in CD-ROM drive as standard equipment.
character: Any symbol (usually alphabetic, numeric, or punctuation) that can be entered into your computer.
client: Software that extracts information from a server; your auto-dial phone is a client, and the phone company is its server.
command: An instruction you give to an on-line network to carry out a specific action.
conference: An electronic meeting place dedicated to a particular subject where users come to participate in discussions or group projects. Conferences can be used to post a variety of information such as news services, newsletters, and statistics; also called "newsgroups," "bulletin boards," or "echoes." An electronic conference provides a many-to-many communication medium, as opposed to the person-to-person nature of e-mail. All conferences have a particular subject or purpose, and the topics and responses they contain might provide items of news, ideas, questions, or other information in almost any form. Some special-purpose conferences may have restricted access, allowing some users to write messages, some only to read, and some neither. The person responsible for the technical maintenance and/or community communication is called the "conference facilitator."
courseware: Educational programs designed for in-school use.
CPU or central processing unit: The main processor chip in a computer which responds to software instructions and controls peripherals and memory.
cursor: A highlighted or blinking block, line or underscore on a computer monitor that indicates where you are currently typing.
cyberspace: The virtual realm where on-line communication occurs.
database: A collection of information that can be sorted and searched in a variety of ways.
default: A software function or operation which occurs automatically unless the user specifies something else.
delete key: Personal computers normally allow deletion of typing mistakes by either the backspace key or the Del key. Users must either specify which of these keys they wish to use, or set their communication software to match whichever key the network expects.
dial-up: To connect to a computer by calling it on the telephone.
digital: Used in computerese to describe information that can be represented by a collection of bits.
disk or diskette: Magnetic medium for data storage. Either "floppy" diskettes (720K to 1.4 megabytes), or "hard" disks (usually 20 megabytes or more).
DOS: Acronym for "disk operating system" usually referring to the operating system used on "IBM-compatible" computers.
download:To transfer information from an on-line network onto a user's personal computer. This may be done for conference or e-mail messages which need to be printed, copied to diskette, or simply browsed at leisure.
e-mail: Electronic mail.
editor: An on-line program to write or change a conference or e-mail message; a simple on-line word processor.
electronic mail: The transfer of messages between you and other users of on-line network systems. E-mail is similar to an ordinary letter; you supply the address of the recipient(s) and the text of the message. It is different in that delivery takes place in minutes or hours rather than days. Electronic mail provides private (or, in some cases, restricted-group) communications.
emoticon: See smiley.
enter: The <ENTER> key on your keyboard. Almost all commands used on a network should be followed by <ENTER>. Also called <return>, <CR>, or carriage return.
error checking: Uploading or downloading transfer check employed to identify errors in data transmission.
Ethernet: See local area network (LAN).
facilitator: A network user who is responsible for a particular conference.
file: A named group of characters or data bits in your computer or on the network. Files in a computer are similar to file folders in a filing cabinet.
file format: The type of file, such as picture or text; represented as a suffix at the end of the filename (text = TXT or .txt, etc.).
file server: A computer designated to store software, courseware, administrative tools, and other data on a local- or wide-area network. It "serves" this information to other computers via the network when users enter their personal access codes.
flame: A virulent and often personal attack against the author of a conference posting; flaming is a breach of netiquette.
floppy disk: See disk.
folder: A "folder" is a place where a user's e-mail messages may be stored. Every user has a folder for new messages, and on most systems may create other folders for specific purposes.
font: The name used to describe a family of characters with distinctive shapes. Examples: Palatino and Avant Garde are "proportional fonts," whereas Courier and Monaco are "non-proportional" and, when printed, will faithfully reproduce the look of the text you see on-line.
freeware: Software that is distributed for free, with no license fee.
FTP: File transfer protocol. One of the basic Internet tools, which allows high-speed exchange of files between computers connected to the Internet.
full duplex: Communication providing simultaneous sending and receiving. See also half duplex.
gateway: An electronic door between one computer network and another.
Gopher: A client program available via the Internet that allows users to review and retrieve information on other host systems via easy-to-use menus.
gopherspace: Where you are when you're using a Gopher program.
GUI: Graphical user interface; pronounced "gooey." A way of interacting with a computer that replaces typed text commands with menus or graphical icons activated with a pointing device such as a mouse.
graphics: Computer-generated art and illustrations.
half duplex: Communication that alternates between sending and receiving.
handshaking: A procedure performed by modems, terminals, and computers to verify that communication has been correctly established.
hang: When a computer freezes, so that it does not respond to keyboard commands, it is said to "hang" or to have "hung."
hard copy: A printout of a computer file; a printed version of anything.
hard disk or hard drive: See disk.
hardware: Physical electronic devices such as computers, printers, keyboards, modems, or cables.
Hayes modem: Most modems in use today are "Hayes-compatible" modems, with a standard set of alphanumeric commands.
help: Users in need of help can often issue a command such as "?" to access on-line help and tutorial systems.
icons: On-screen pictures that symbolize various commands.
IGC: Institute for Global Communications, the U.S. member of the APC (Association for Progressive Communications), and provider of EcoNet, PeaceNet, and ConflictNet. Its Internet address is igc.apc.org. For information, send e-mail to <igc-info@igc.apc.org>; or call +1-415-442-0220.
index: An "index" is a list of the messages contained in a conference or a mail folder. Indexes generally show the date of the message, its title (or subject), the name of the user who wrote it, and an indication (with a "*" marker) of whether you have read that message.
interactive multimedia: See multimedia.
Internet: The interconnected global network of computers that use the same set of software protocols (called TCP/IP) for exchanging e-mail, file transfers (via FTP), and remote logins to other host systems (via telnet). With a small "i," internet refers to any system of interconnected networks.
K: Kilobyte.
Kermit: A communications protocol that allows you to transfer files between your computer and on-line network systems. Kermit has built-in error correction and can handle binary (non-text) files.
keyboard: Similar to a typewriter, contains the letters for typing text, and keys that give the computer its commands.
LAN: Local area network. A school's LAN includes all the computers in the school that are hooked together (usually by cables) to share files and applications. Also see network
laserdisc: Large, metallic-looking records about the size of 33 RPM albums (12 inches in diameter), sometimes called videodiscs. Laserdiscs can store a vast amount of information in text, sound, and images. To play a laserdisc, you need a laserdisc player and either a computer monitor or television set. Laserdiscs come in two formats. CLV (constant linear velocity) is accessed by time and CAV (constant angular velocity) is accessed by frame number.
laserdisc player: A self-contained unit approximately the size of a videocassette recorder (VCR) that plays laserdiscs. Typically used in education for movies or interactive multimedia courseware. Their primary advantage over VCRs as a video playback unit is their ability to provide quick random access to any location on the laserdisc within seconds.
list server: Automated mailing list server software, used to manage specialized e-mail lists. Common list server software includes LISTSERV, Majordomo, ListProcessor and Almanac.
local area network (LAN): A network of computers at a single site. The two most common school networking configurations are called Ethernet and token ring, referring to the technical aspects of how the computers and file servers are connected. Also see network.
log in: Making the phone connection to a network system. Sometimes called "log on."
log off: Leave a network system, usually by typing "bye" or "q" for quit. Sometimes called "log out."
log-in ID: Same as account name or user ID.
mail: In the world of computer networking, "mail" refers to electronic mail or e-mail.
mainframe, minicomputer, micro-computer: Three sizes of computers. Big corporations use mainframes and large school systems might use a mid-range computer, sometimes called a minicomputer, as a file server and administrative tool. The correct term for microcomputer is personal computer or PC.
megabyte (MB): 1 million bytes (or 1,000 K), about 500 pages of text.
menu: A list of selectable network functions. A "main menu" usually leads
to other menus or command options.
message: Any message carried on the network, including conference topics
and responses, and e-mail.
microcomputer: See mainframe.
microprocessor: Main computer chip that provides speed and capabilities of
the computer. Also called CPU.
minicomputer: See mainframe.
MNP: Microcom network protocol. Error-checking, and compression routines
that make modems communicate faster and more reliably.
modem: A device used to connect a computer through the telephone system to
another computer. A modem can dial a number, answer a call, and hang up; but
the "conversations" it carries are strictly computer-to-computer. Modems have
different maximum speeds, which are indicated by their baud rate. The term
modem is a conjunction of two words: MODulator/DEModulator.
modem setup: Modem speed or baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits, and duplex must be
set the same at the user's computer as at the network system. Communication
software is used to set up the modem.
monitor: A television-like screen that shows text, graphics, and other
functions performed by the computer.
Mosaic: A GUI client for browsing the World Wide Web and gopherspace.
mouse: A pointing device used as an alternative to keyboard control for
positioning the cursor and interacting with a GUI. With a mouse plugged into
your computer, you can guide the blinking light on-screen (the cursor) to draw,
move data, and open and close files. "Clicking" the mouse means pushing the
mouse's button to highlight or activate a particular file or activity.
multimedia: The delivery of information using two or more formats,
including text, graphics, audio, still images, music, animation, and motion
video. Today, the term implies "interactive multimedia" in which these various
types of information are presented interactively by a computer in response to
user input.
netiquette: Network etiquette; commonly accepted rules of on-line
behavior.
network: A collection of two or more computers interconnected by telephone
lines, coaxial cables, satellite links, radio, and/or some other communication
technique. A computer "network" is a group of computers which are connected
together and which communicate with one another for a common purpose. Computer
networks support "people and organization" networks, users who also share a
common purpose for communicating.
news groups: Usenet-format conferences.
node: A central computer in a computer network; also called a "host" or "server."
off-line: Not connected to a network. You can save money on pay-for-use
networks by preparing your messages off-line using your word-processing
software, and uploading them instead of typing them in while you're connected
to (or on-line with) the network.
on-line: Connected to a network or via a network. Examples: Send me a
message on-line. In other words, send me an e-mail message.
packet: A bundle of data. On the Internet, data is broken up into small
chunks called packets that each traverse the network independently.
parameter: A
setting for a modem or communication software.
parity: A setting of a terminal or modem related to the type of error
correction system used when connected to a network.
password: A group of characters known only to you that must be entered as
part of logging in to a network; also called "key." The password guarantees
that only you can access your account.
peripheral: Anything extra or added on for your computer, such as a modem,
a mouse, or a fax adapter. Peripherals can be added on externally or installed
inside the machine.
personal computer (PC): Microcomputer.
port: The plug to enable interface from computer to other pieces of
hardware, via a cable. Also used as a verb, "to
port", meaning to move a file from one computer system, network, or conference
to another.
post: The act of placing a message in an on-line conference. The noun
"posting" is sometimes used to refer to a conference message.
program: A set of computer instructions (software) for carrying out a given
task.
program disk: A disk containing software programs.
prompt: A message that appears on the monitor while a network system is
waiting for you to enter a command or option.
protocol: A definition of how computers will act when they talk to one
another.
RAM: Random-access memory. A way to measure how much information the
computer's memory can hold and work with.
ROM: Read-only memory. Information is stored once, usually by the
manufacturer, that cannot be changed. Most compact discs are ROM.
resource: An on-line information set or an on-line interactive option. An
on-line library catalog or the local school lunch menu are examples of
information sets. On-line menus or graphical user interfaces, Internet e-mail,
on-line conferences, telnet, FTP, and Gopher are examples of interactive
options.
response: A message placed in a conference as a follow-up to a topic or to
another response; or, a reply to an e-mail message.
return: See enter.
service: (or service provider) An organization that provides access to part
of the Internet. You have to arrange for an account with a service to connect
your computer to the Internet.
session: The time period between when you "log in" to and "log off" from a
network system.
shareware: Software distributed freely on the "honor system," trusting
people to pay the authors a license fee when the software is used.
smiley: Character combinations such as :-) to denote whether a message is
being made in jest with various modifications thereof ;-) to wink, etc. Also
called emoticons, since not all are smiling %-( .
software: Computer programs that perform various tasks. Word processing
programs (like WordPerfect or Microsoft Word), spreadsheet programs (like Lotus
or Excel), or database programs (like dBase III+, Foxbase, or FileMaker) are
all software.
spreadsheet: Software program that allows mathematical calculations, such
as budgeting, keeping track of investments, or tracking grades.
soft copy: An electronic version of a file, usually in computer memory
and/or on disk; as opposed to hard copy, the paper printout.
string: A series of two or more text characters.
TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The communication
protocols on which the Internet is based.
telecommunication: Communicating with other people through the computer
using communication software and modems.
telecomputing: Using computers for telecommunication; computer
networking.
telnet: A program that allows users on the Internet to log in to remote
systems from their own host system.
terminal: A device connected to a computer network that acts as a point for
entry or retrieval of information. Personal computers can be made to act as
network terminals, by running terminal emulation (communication) programs.
text: A string of characters. A text file should contain only characters --
as opposed to codes or commands.
thread: A conference topic with multiple responses or a sequence of e-mail
messages with the same subject.
time out: What happens when two computers are talking and one fails to
respond within a certain time, for whatever reason.
toggle: Using one command or keystroke to change between one mode and its
opposite.
topic: In a conference, a message which is generally written to convey a
new idea or a new piece of information, relevant to that conference.
UNIX: A popular computer software operating system used on many Internet
host systems.
Usenet: An information cooperative linking around 16,000 computer sites and
about 1 million people. Usenet provides a series of "news groups" analogous to
on-line conferences.
user: Network user.
user ID: Account name.
username: Account name or user ID.
v.32, v.32bis, v.42, v.42bis: Error-correction and data compression
protocols that make modems communicate more quickly and reliably.
vt100: A terminal-type setting; with this setting a network system assumes
you are using a VT100 terminal or a computer program that acts like one.
Veronica: Archie-like client program used to search Gopherspace.
videodisc: See laserdisc.
virus: A computer virus is an insidious piece of software that infects
other software and moves from computer to computer when software is
transferred. A virus may compound itself once it's inside your computer,
thereby destroying software programs and a great deal of data, or it may do
other nasty things. Some viruses are benign. Modems can transmit viruses, but
illegally copied or "bootleg" diskettes are the most likely carriers. Virus
protection software is the best defense, and is available commercially or as
freeware/shareware.
WAIS: Wide-area information server, a standard for indexed full-text
retrieval via the Internet.
word processor: A program used to enter or edit text information in
personal computers, often used to create a file before it is uploaded to a
network; may also be used to process text after it has been downloaded.
World Wide Web (WWW): A hypertext-based system for finding and accessing
Internet resources.
xmodem: A communications protocol that allows you to transfer files between
your computer and a network with error correction.
zmodem: Another error-checking file transfer protocol faster than xmodem or
Kermit.