browser
"A client program that enables you to search, often somewhat randomly, through the information provided by a specific server. Generally used in relation to the World Wide Web." f Engst, 1994 #-5451 'Netscape Navigator' is fast becoming the most popular browser.

cache

An area of memory or disk used by a browser to temporarily store most recently accessed Web pages. You can use the Back and Forward buttons to navigate between pages stored in the cache.

CD
Compact Disc

CD-ROM
Compact Disc - Read only Memory

client
A program that requests services from another computer, called a server.

dialup
A connection or line reached by a modem

domain
A multi-part name that identifies an Internet computer, where each name component refers to a computer, network or organisation, such as conel.ac.uk. It's the basis of the Domain Name System that Intemet uses.

FAQ
A frequently-asked-questions list is a document that covers basic infonnation,w

FTP
File Transfer Protocol. FTP is used to down-load files. Entering anonymous" as your log-on (with your c-mail address as your password) allows you to use resources that the site has made accessible to the public.

gateway
A computer that handles moving data from one network to another. Normally used to refer to communications between two different kinds of networks.

GUI
Graphical User Interface - uses icons instead of words to organise the screen, like the Macintosh or Windows on the PC

host
The computer that you link up to for your Internet access.

hotspot
A way of providing interaction. Part of the screen is 'live' and will respond to a mouse click.

HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. When HTML is rendered by a Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or NCSA Mosaic, it often makes a strikingly attractive presentation. However, underneath it all, HTML is nothing more than a text file. HTML is the language used to mark up (set tags in) these text files, with styles and links etc. for use with World Wide Web browsers.

HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP makes hypertextual browsing through the World Wide Web possible; the user clicks on links that are established in a Web document and moves to that document, even though it may be located on a different computer.

hyperlinks
A way of linking key areas (for example by hotspots) so that you can move through information non-sequentially.

hypermedia
The ability to display a range of different media, accessible through hyperlinks.

hypertext
Information which provides links between key elements, allowing you to move throuah text non-sequentially.

Internet The world-wide matrix of connecting computers using the TCP/IP protocols.

JANet
Joint Academic Network. Set up to provide communication between HE institutions, now linked to the lntemet.

mailing list
A group discussion carried on through e-mail.

modem
Device which is needed to use the Intemet via a phone line connection.

network
Computers linked together so they can be used to communicate.

newsgroup
A Usenet discussion group about a particular topic. More than 1 1,000 newsgroups now exist.

on-line
Accessing, connected to, a network.

off-line
Not connected to a network.

packet
The basic unit of Intemet data. A message is assembled into packets, each marked with an address and other relevant information.

packet
The process of sending packets through the network, allowing for alternate

switching
routine if a particular network fails.

PPP or SLIP
Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of exchanging data packets with the Intemet over the telephone line.

protocol
A protocol defines how computers communicate; it is an agreement between different systems on how they will work together.

RAM
Random Access Memory

ROM
Read Only Memory

server
A computer that provides a resource on the network. Client programs access servers to obtain data.

timeout
If no data is being transferred over connections, some of them will cut off after a certain amount of time (short at busy times!).

TATL
Technology Assisted Teaching and Leamina

TCP/IP
The set of protocols that determine how data is transmitted on the Intemet. Transmission Control Protocol controls the transport of data, ensuring that it is delivered. Internet Protocol determines the packet structure of data and the addressing used to deliver data to its destination.

URL
Uniform Resource Locator. URL is a standard way to refer to resources that specifies the type of service as well as the exact location of the directory or file in question. Depending on how you break it down you need to know two things about a URL when using World Wide Web: the machine on which the resource sits and the full pathname to the information you want. Consider:

URN
Uniform Resource Name - similar to the URL, is probably going to replace it.

Usenet
A world-wide network of newsgroups on thousands of subjects.

WWW
World Wide Web. W3 is a system that organises lntemet data through hypertext links, allowing you to explore resources from multiple entry points using a browser