Attachment
A non text item such as an image,photo,sound file etc. added to an email message. Most message editors will use a paper clip icon for adding attachments, you can add multiple attachments.
Bandwidth
The broader the bandwidth the faster the flow of information. An important resource for internet users. Text uses very little and so is moved around very quickly, whereas animation such as some Flash enhanced sites can take a lot longer to download. Cd quality sound files also use a lot of bandwidth. Video images use the most.
ADSL and Cable make for fast downloads.
Bookmark
A useful facility of most browsers which lets you remember the sites you like for future reference. Also CTRL+D.
Browser
The software you use to visit and read the internet pages.
Dial-up connection
The connection that uses the telephone line to send and receive information to and from the Internet.
Download
To copy information and images from the Internet to your computer.
Email
Electronic mail is sending messages from one computer to another.
Encryption
A system which protects email messages from prying eyes by converting them into a secret code which can only be read by the two parties involved in the communication, as when you fill in a form on a secure server.
| FAQ
Frequently asked questions list. Posted regularly in some news groups to answer questions that newcomers regularly ask, and to show what the group is and isn't to be used for.
Forum
In short a forum on the internet is a newsgroup where you meet people. You log in and chat via the keyboard.
Home page
The welcome or first page of a web site.
Host
A computer that hosts a server or facility. eg holding email for you.
Keyword Search
A method of searching that looks for certain words or phrases that you have to supply.
Link
A word or picture on a web page that leads to a different one
Log on or Log in
Connects you to the Internet or gives you access to a networked PC etc.
Log off
Disconnects you from the Internet
Modem
The Hardware or piece of equipment used for connecting to Internet making it possible for one computer to communicate with another over a standard telephone line.
| Newsgroup
One of thousands of electronic discussion areas devoted to different topics.
Offline
Disconnected from the Internet until you are ready, this lets you write multiple emails avoiding the cost of staying connected while you reply to mail you may have just received .
Online
Connected to the Internet via you telephone line.
Plug-in
A small piece of software that adds an extra little facility to Programs.
Push Technology
A web-based system that brings information to you automatically.
Search Engine
An electronic indexing system for the world wide web, which makes it easier to find sites or items.
Server
These are the computers that house the Internet sites and where all you emails are stored until you download them.
Surfing
The act of looking around the Internet by clicking links to other sites, without a particular objective.
Topic Search
You will often find this type alternative offered to narrow your search eg. Recipes then cakes then chocolate.
Upload
To copy information from your computer to the Internet.
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