Following is a list of definitions that will aid in your understanding of the information contained within these pages. Each one of these terms is referenced multiple times throughout this text. Links from each reference will bring you back to this location.

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ALT KEY
This is a key that appears near the space bar on the standard computer keyboard. It is typically used in conjunction with some other key(s) to perform a specific function.
APPLET
A program typically written in Java to be used within a web page. Allows for special effects and other abilities that html by itself doesn't have. Check out the applets page.
ARCHIE
This is a utility program that can be used to locate computer files anywhere on the Internet.
ASCII
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a coding system used to define the 128 standard letters, numbers, and symbols used by the computer. ASCII files are typically referred to as text files.
BINARY
Binary, as referred to in these pages on the World Wide Web, is the coding system that is assumed for all files or communications that are not ASCII. These include, but are not limited to, executable files, graphics, and some data files.
CLICK
The act of pressing a mouse button, usually the leftmost one.
CLIENT
A client, as referred to in these pages, is the software which allows the local computer to utilize functions provided by a server.
COMMAND PROMPT
A screen prompt that is waiting for you to type in a command. The typical appearance is either a % or a $ followed by a blinking or bold cursor.
CURSOR
A character, usually blinking or bold, that lets the user know where on the screen the incoming text will be placed.
DIRECTORY
The location on some form of storage device, i.e. a hard drive, in which a group of files and other directories may be stored. The root directory is the topmost directory in a directory tree. This can be thought of as the directory in which all other directories are ultimately stored.
DOS
A common operating system found on most PC's.
DOWNLOAD
To copy a file from a remote computer to the computer which you are using.
ELM
A menu based e-mail utility.
E-MAIL
A message that is sent across a computer network.
ENTER
A key on the standard computer keyboard that signifies that the information currently available to the computer should be processed.
ESCAPE
A special purpose key usually located at the upper left corner of the standard computer keyboard.
FILE
A logical block of related or unrelated information that is stored under a common name.
FTP
FTP, File Transfer Protocol, is both a program and a protocol used to transfer files between a remote server and the local client . This is not always the same as downloading.
GOPHER
A menu-based information system the preceded the World Wide Web.
HOMEPAGE
A location on the World Wide Web that is the base location of a hypertext document.
HTML
HTML, HyperText Markup Language, is the language in which most pages on the World Wide Web are written. This is not a programming language.
HTTP
HTTP, HyperText Transfer Protocol, is the protocol that specifies how World Wide Web information is sent throughout a computer network.
HYPERTEXT
A document that does not need to be read in a linear fashion. This is accomplished through the use of links to other documents.
IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol. Similar to POP, another method to send mail over the internet. See How to Send E-mail for more information.
INTERNET
A vast network of computers that is commonly referred to as the information superhighway.
LINK
A key word or symbol that connects one document to another document.
LOCAL
The network server that you are logged onto. Usually the computer that the client software is running on.
LOGGING ON
Logging on is the act of connecting directly to a computer system. This can be accomplished through telnet, rlogin, or other communications software. Simply using Netscape or some other web browser is not considered logging on.
Logging on to a specific account is the act of connecting to a computer system in such a way that you obtain access to and control of a specific account on that system. Please see Logging On to Grove for details on how to connect to the school's computers.
LYNX
A popular text-based web browser.
MAX
A newsgroup like discussion form developed with this class in mind. Instructions are available.
NETSCAPE
A popular graphical web browser.
NEWS GROUPS
Locations on the internet that allow anyone to post information on particular subjects. This information is displayed in the form of ASCII text files and is similar to e-mail.
OPERATING SYSTEM
The software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer.
PINE
A menu based e-mail utility.
PROFESSOR
The person who teaches the class and has the ultimate control over any major decisions regarding grades and class policy.
PROTOCOL
A specific set of rules regarding a particular action or operation.
REMOTE
Any computer other than the local one. Commonly, this is the computer that is acting as the server.
RETURN
Another name for the enter key.
RLOGIN
A communications program that allows the user to remotely login to a remote computer. This program gives more functionality than telnet in that it does require an ASCII only connection.
RN
A program used to Read News for news groups.
SEARCH ENGINES
Tools used to find the location (URL) of information on the World Wide Web.
SERVER
A remote computer that provides a particular service to one or more clients.
TA
The person that answers the class e-mail, grades assignments and term papers, answers any other questions that student may have, and generally helps the professor with the class.
TELNET
A communications program that allows the user to remotely login to a computer. This program provides an ASCII only connection.
UNIX
A common operating system found on many network oriented computers.
UNIX MAIL
A standard e-mail control program.
UPLOAD
To copy a file from the computer which you are using to a remote computer.
URL
A URL, Uniform Resource Locator, is an object's address on the Internet.
WEB BROWSER
Software used to view the documents located on the World Wide Web.
WORLD WIDE WEB
The fastest growing part of the Internet. It allows users to view multi-media documents.


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