Applet
A small Java program that can be embedded in an HTML page. Applets differ from Java applications in that they do not have access to certain resources on a local computer, such as files, modems, or printers. They are also prohibited from communicating with most other computers within a network.

Bandwidth
Refers to the amount of data that can be sent through a connection. In digital systems, bandwidth is expressed as data speed in bits per second (bps). Thus, a modem that works at 57,600 bps has twice the bandwidth of a modem that works at 28,800 bps.

Bulletin Board System (BBS)
A message system on the Internet. A user can both leave messages on a bulletin board as well as reply to messages left by others. A BBS is similar to newsgroups, except they are located on websites and users can access them directly without having to use their e-mail to send a message.
Glossary of Net Terms

ACTIVEX - A new programming standard proposed by Microsoft Corporation which would increase the functionality of webpages. Similar in nature to Java and Javascripts.

APPLET - The name given to a small binary file which is executed on your computer as part of a Web Page loading. Applets are created by JAVA. Applets should not be confused with pages which have JAVASCRIPT in them.

ARCHIVE - (1) A term used to describe a server containing a large amount of publicily accessible software. (2) A term used to describe a file which contains one or more files that have been compressed and stored.

BAUD - A term used to refer to the transmission speed of a modem. The higher the value, the faster the modem. The value is usually measured in Bits Per Second.

C - A programming language used to code server based applications.

CGI - Common Gateway Interface. This is a programming standard which defines how a Web Page can interact with a user, i.e. fill out a form. Typically CGI applications are written in either PERL or C, both are computer languages of varying complexity. CGI applications run on the server, not on the visiting client.

CIAC - Computer Incident Advisory Center. A US Government sponsored group charged with diseminating information concerning computer security and viruses to other government agencies and the public. A working group of the US Department of Energy.

CLIENT - There are multiple meanings for this word in computer technology, however in the context being presented here, a client typically refers to a computer which is temporarily connected to the Internet via a modem connection.

COOKIE - A small file on your computer in which a web site may write data. The data may be used by that web site only, to track your choices and custom tailor its responses.

DNS - Domain Name Server. This is a program running on a server which automatically translates domain names into their correct TCP/IP addresses. A busy DNS server is the most common reason for Navigator's frequent "Unable to find Domain Name or invalid entry in the DNS" error.

DOMAIN NAME - An english language equivalent of a computer systems TCP/IP address.

DOWNLOADING - The process of transferring a file or program from some source computer to your computer. Downloading is a controlled process using a protocol to move the file in such a way as to insure it remains intact and undamaged. (see protocols)

EMAIL - A method by which one person can send messages to another. Distance and location are not relevant to email.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol. A software method by which files are moved from one computer on the Internet to another.

FINGER - Finger is a program which shows you information about your account or other accounts, not all Internet users have access to finger.

FTP - A term used to describe a program capable of downloading and uploading files from the internet. It also describes the lower level protocol used by such a program. File Transfer Protocol.

GIF - A graphic format commonly found on web pages. Its main claim to fame is its ability to handle artwork very well.

HITS - A term used by people with web pages. Used to describe the volume of traffic a particular web site may be receiving.

HTML - Hyper Text Markup Language, this is the computer layout script used to design the look of each Web page.

HTTP - Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. This is the protocal used by most browsers when reading a web page.

IETF - Internet Engineering Task Force. This is a working group charged with developing new standards and technologies for adoption on the internet.