Glossary of Internet Terms - Learn the Lingo! (A-C D-F G-L M-Q R-T U-Z)
Discussion group - An area on the Internet focusing on a specific topic or topics where users can read and "post" comments (similar to a traditional bulletin board). Discussion groups cover a wide variety of topics. (also sometimes referred to as "Newsgroups")
Directories - similar to search engines, this is a software application that distinguishes Internet Web sites by categories for easy search by users. Users enter "keywords" to direct the application to list Web sites containing the desired information.
Domain name - An Internet Web site address reserved by a user, usually followed by .com, .net, .org or .edu.
Download - Copying or transmitting data or other information from a remote computer or server to be stored on the hard drive of a user's computer.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line - A new technology that allows high-speed access of the Internet over standard phone lines.
Electronic Mail (E-Mail) - A way of sending messages and information electronically from one computer to another. Users can electronically send letters, and other text-based messages, as well as multimedia documents. New "information appliances" (including hand held devices) other than computers are also capable of sending e-mail.
Ethernet - the most common technology for connecting computers together to form a network.
Emoticons - combinations of type written characters that help a user express emotion or action when composing e-mail, an Instant Message or chatting. One example would be the smiley face :-).
FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") - help for users about a specific Web site, mailing list, product, or game. It is always a good idea for parents to find the FAQ of a certain Web site or other area of the Internet to quickly investigate or get informed about that site.
Filtered ISP - An Internet Service Provider (ISP) that automatically blocks access to content that is inappropriate for children, subject to specific guidelines.
Filtering software - Computer software installed by a user that sorts information on the Internet and classifies it according to content. Some filtering software allows the user to block certain kinds of information on the Internet from being viewed on the user's computer.
Firewall - a security program that places an electronic "wall" around a computer or network of computers, keeping it from being accessible to the general public.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - a software application that allows users to transfer ("download" or "upload") files from one computer to another.
Flaming - Sending a nasty message through e-mail or Instant Message, or posting a nasty comment in a newsgroup or discussion group, usually in response to a breach of netiquette.
