Section: Vocabulary

Vocabulary / Main Concepts

Protocols

A set of agreements about how information will be transferred among Internet - connected computers

TCPIP

Transfer control protocol / Internet protocol The underlying protocol of the internet.

Telnet

A protocol that allows one computer to be a terminal of another. Both computers must have active Internet conne ctions to use Telnet.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol A protocol for sharing files between internet - connected computers.

HTTP

Hypertext transfer protocol The protocol which makes the world wide web possible

DNS

Domain Name System (or Server) The system of hierarchical organization that gives names to computers and domains on the internet.

IP Number

The number assigned to each computer on the Internet. IP numbers are used much like zip codes to help each packet find the right recipient.

Domain Names

A system of names used to represent IP numbers. Domain names are easier to remember than IP numbers.

UserID

The name each individual is given on his / her LAN or mainframe.

LAN

Local Area Network A number of personal computers connected by cables and software.

Routers

Specialized computers which handle TCPIP packets. Routers hand off the messages to other routers.

The Internet Backbone

A series of high-speed computers and cables designed to facillitate Internet communication throughout the world. In the US, the NSF backbone is the Internet backbone.

Client - Server approach

A description of the way the Internet handles messages.

Client

Software that is designed to ask for information from a server program. Most users use only client software.

Server

Hardware or software that is set up to distribute information to clients all over the world.

Direct connection

A computer that has a direct line to a router. Very expensive, but gives great control. Generally only servers have direct connections.

Dial - In Connection

Uses a communication to make one computer act as a terminal of the other. The terminal computer does not exist as far as the internet is concerned.

SLIP - PPP

Serial Line Internet Protocol - Point to Point Protocol. Protocols which allow the server to 'loan out' temporary IP numbers to clients.

ISP

Internet Service Providers Usually small businesses that rent out space on computers with a direct connection.

Email Address

The address used to find a particular person on the Internet. Combines the userid with the domain name of their system with an @ sign.

Talk

A protocol that allows two users to type simultaneously in real - time.

Chat

A program or protocol that allows many people to type simultaneously in the same conversation.

Mailing Lists

A protocol which uses programs such as majordomo or listserv to automate email to multiple parties.

Newsgroups

A protocol or program that allows users to exchange messages world wide. Newsgroups are a bit more formal than mailing lists.