Web Definitions
Ppacket switching -- The method used to move data around on the Internet.
packet-switching network -- See PSN.
palmtop -- See PDA.
parental chat controls -- A software feature that allows the master account holder to restrict access to certain online areas and features.
parser -- A module or routine within a program that reads or "parses" computer code and processes it to make it usable or readable.
password -- A code used to access locked data.
PDA -- Acronym for Personal Digital Assistant, a hand-held computer that performs a variety of tasks, including personal information management and online access.
PDF -- Acronym and suffix for Page Description Format, the file format created by Adobe Acrobat, a type of portable document.
Photoshop -- Common parlance for Adobe Photoshop, a sophisticated image editing software program.
ph server -- A served database of e-mail addresses and other personal information about users on a particular network.
PICT -- A graphics file format defined with the Apple Macintosh screen description language.
plug-in -- A piece of software that adds features to other software packages.
point-to-point connection -- See SLIP.
POP -- Acronym for Point of Presence and Post Office Protocol. A point of presence usually means a location where a network can be connected to. Post Office Protocol refers to the way e-mail software gets mail from a mail server. See PPP and SLIP.
popup menu -- This generally describes any menu that "pops up" on a computer screen or a Web page when the mouse button is held down.
port -- A place where information goes into and out of a computer. To translate software to run another type of computer or operating system.
portal page -- A Web page that gives an overview of a Web site and may include an index menu or navigational guide to main sections and important areas within the site. A dedicated Web page published by a directory, reference, or portal site about another Web site.
post -- An electronic message. The act of putting information online, usually to a message board.
posting -- A single message entered into a network communications system, such as a mailing list or newsgroup.
PostScript -- A page description / programming language developed by Adobe Systems that describes a page in a way that is device-independent so that the quality of output depends solely on the resolution of the output device.
PPP -- Acronym for Point-to-Point Protocol, a protocol that allows a computer to use a regular telephone line and a modem to make TCP / IP connections. See Internet, IPN, SLIP, and TCP / IP.
private -- The state of being in a private room.
private key -- A Web user's personal key, which is never distributed on the Internet, used in public / private key transactions. See key and public key.
private room -- A chat room created by a user for a specific rendezvous with another online user.
Prodigy -- An online information service.
profile -- A brief biography of a user.
progressive JPEG image -- A JPEG image that, as with an interlaced GIF image, loads gradually onto your computer and appears onscreen before it is fully loaded, so the user can see the image sooner.
proportional font -- Any font whose characters vary in width.
protocol -- A specific method of communications or "conversation" for exchanging information on the Internet. Examples of protocols: FTP, HTTP, NNTP, and SMTP.
proxy -- A software application that is allowed to pass information through a firewall.
PSN -- Acronym for Packet-Switching Network, the electronic networks that allow access to remote online services by dialing a local phone number.
PSTN -- Acronym for Public Switched Telephone Network, the old-fashioned telephone system.
public domain -- Information, graphics, sound files, movies, and anything else that is not copyrighted or is not owned by anyone.
public key -- A widely distributed key used in public / private key transactions. The benefit of a public key is that it is widely available, but does not lessen security because a public key works only with a private key. See key and private key.
punt -- To disconnect or go offline due to transmission difficulties.
'puter -- An affectionate abbreviation for "computer" -- particularly one's own.
Try another?
|
|
   |
 |
