Internet Word of the Day Archive

October 01, 2010

If computers communicate with each other in protocols, then people communicate with computers through programming languages. Like human languages, there are many dialects and versions designed to run on specific machines or operating systems.

The most widely used Web programming languages are: Ada, Basic, C++, Fortran, Java, Lisp, Perl, PostScript, Prolog, Snobol, and Visual Basic. Note: A programming language can make decisions and perform logic; HTML is a mark-up language, not a programming language, because it cannot do either of those functions.

A term of endearment referring to those whose lives seem to have been consumed by the Internet.

See You Later

October 02, 2010

A general term that describes the ability of a person to interact with an application by allowing a user to manipulate the outcome of certain events (for instance, filling out a form, requesting a new Web page, taking an online survey, selecting items in an online ad, etc.) within a two-way communications system that supports direct and continual responses.

As opposed to static media (something that stays the same) or television (which is considered a one-way medium), the Internet is interactive in that all computers require input. Some of the more dynamic applications seen on widgets or online video create additional, creative ways for users to interact with computers and handheld devices.

A term used on fan sites, a shipper is a fan fiction writer or fan of a TV show, movie, etc. that writes or views the principals (the main or secondary characters) as having a romantic and/or sexual relationship that is not within the boundaries set by the particular movie or TV show. Fan fictions written by shippers contain varying degrees of sexual content and varying degrees of slash content (M/F, F/F, M/M, see below).

Known primarily as an "X-Files term" (from the popular TV series) it refers to people who believe there is a romantic relationship between Scully and Mulder. You see this term a lot in chat rooms as there are many X-Files Web sites (known as "XF") even though the show has been cancelled and only reruns are on the air.

This term is also appropriated by other fandoms. For example, a shipper is a viewer of a sci-fi or fantasy TV show (such as Star Trek, Babylon 5) who writes erotic fiction about fantasized relationships between the show's stars. It is similar to the older fan-fiction term "slash" for the imagined homoerotic pairings (as in Kirk/Spock).

Thanks

October 03, 2010

Software that steals Web visitor traffic, username, passwords, and other digital property.

An Internet connection for sending and receiving information via a satellite dish. It is an always-on connection that is not dependent on cable or phone lines for communications.

October 04, 2010

A term used to compare the way a Web page looks on one browser as opposed to another. For example, if you view NetLingo.com on Netscape, it will look pretty much the same as it does on Internet Explorer (illustrating browser compatibility). Some time ago, though, if you viewed NetLingo.com on the AOL browser, it would've looked jumbled (a case of browser incompatibility). The reason these incompatibilities exist relates to the way a browser interprets the code that creates a Web page (HTML). Browser compatibility can also refer to cross-platform compatibility, which is, for example, the way a page renders or displays on a Windows system as opposed to on a Mac. The differences are usually very slight, however, just enough to annoy some Web designers and their clients into spending great time and energy on beta-testing a Web site with every browser on every type of system. Browser compatibility is often mentioned in conjunction with the term browser support, but the two should not be confused.

Hardware inside your computer that retains memory on a short-term basis and stores information while you work. RAM is one of the things that make your computer run faster. It comes in 32-bit, 64-bit, 128-bit, 256-bit, and higher, and you can add additional "blocks" of RAM, depending on your computer.

Slang usage of this term often describes someone who does not possess the mental capacities required for the task at hand, as in, "I wouldn't ask him to do it, he's a little short on RAM." Actual RAM comes in a variety of forms: DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory): A memory chip contained on such devices as video and sound cards.

DRAM (pronounced "D-ram") is dynamic in that the chip contains an electrical charge (as opposed to SRAM, described below). The electrical charge will eventually die out, so DRAM must refresh its memory regularly (which it does automatically from your CPU). The only reason you need to know about DRAM is that it is related to access time and video cards.

IRAM (Intelligent Random-Access Memory): In development by Dave Patterson, it's a chip design that defies conventional computing economics by combining a microprocessor and a memory chip on a single piece of silicon.

MRAM (Magnetic Random-Access Memory): Memory chips with an unmatched combination of instant-on capability, reduced power consumption, speed, and density.

SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory): Primarily used for caching, it is faster than DRAM since the chip holds its contents without refreshing from the CPU.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): A new type of DRAM that can run at much higher clock speeds than conventional memory. SDRAM synchronizes itself with the CPU's bus and is capable of running at 100 MHz (about three times faster than conventional FPM RAM, and about twice as fast EDO DRAM and BEDO DRAM). So, SDRAM is replacing EDO DRAM in many newer computers, but future PCs are expected to have CPU buses running at 200 MHz or faster. SDRAM is not expected to support those high speeds, which is why new memory technologies, such as RDRAM and SLDRAM, are being developed.

For Crying Out Loud

October 05, 2010

An old phrase used to refer to the myriad of blinking lights on old mainframes, it is still popular because Hollywood often uses the term in sci-fi thrillers.

The historical perspective on this phrase is that it comes from a humorous sign commonly seen in mainframe computer rooms:

"Achtung!
Alle touristen und non-technischen lookenpeepers! Das machine is nicht fur fingerpoken und mittengrabben. Is easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzen sparken. Das machine is diggen by experten only. Is nicht fur gerwerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen das cottenpicken hands in das pockets. Relaxen und watchen das blinkenlights."

A program that helps maintain and improve the efficiency of a computer system. It is also a program that utilizes a system (such as the Internet) to provide a specific service (such as fingering someone).

Real Life Conference

October 06, 2010

A Microsoft Windows image format, it stands for bitmap. The images you see when Windows starts up and closes, and the wallpaper that adorns your desktop, are all in BMP format.

For a list of file extensions click here!

I Guess You Had To Be There

The nickname for a growing number of individuals (usually 20 or 30 year olds) who are avoiding Facebook, it also refers to any type of technology one avoids. For example, instead of joining the social networking site themselves, Facebook refuseniks often enlists friends and relatives to be their online mouthpieces.

They are called refuseniks because living in the 21st century, many of them can't truly refuse the lure of Facebook. According to many refuseniks, it's offensive to even ask a refusenik to get a Facebook account: When someone tells you that they don't have Facebook, it's considered a sign of disrespect to try to convince them otherwise.

Another example is a cell phone refusenik. As of 2009, 85 percent of American adults own a cell phone, but there's a small but stubborn contingent--the cell phone refuseniks--who wouldn't be caught dead with one. There are a variety of reasons why people don't want a cell phone in their life including wanting to "live in the moment" instead of checking the cell phone every 10 seconds, not wanting to be always reachable, and knowing you must make detailed plans in advance to simply meet up with friends. There are also many individuals who are defiant TV refuseniks.

October 07, 2010

The underlying base for a system, supporting the flow and processing of information.

In IT, this term is widely used to mean the internal setup of a particular system, especially of the hardware used to connect computers and users. On the Internet, the infrastructure also includes software programs that are designed to leverage the protocols of the new technology, primarily for transmitting information.

It's been said that the investment craze behind the Internet boom drew untold billions of dollars into building the Internet infrastructure. This accelerated its deployment and in the long run will be a good thing. This term was originally coined by Robert E. Kahn. It has morphed into business slang and can also refer to "overhead."

Slang for a presentation filled with a large number of people from different backgrounds who state the same view. Companies use praise orgies to promote a product that's just been released.

Very Big Smile

October 08, 2010

Age/Sex/Location/Picture

The rectangular frame(s) on your computer screen through which you view documents, programs, and the Web. A windowing environment displays multiple windows while enabling the machine to run more than one program at the same time (as in multitasking). A browser is a window, too.

A term that describes the satisfaction a geek gets when a machine or computer is behaving and running normally.

October 09, 2010

To change software or hardware actions by changing their settings. Configurations can be set or reset in software or manipulated by changing hardware jumpers, switches or other elements.

The amount of information available to humans in the twenty-first century is astounding. Due to the Internet, it is expanding exponentially. Some people feel there is too much of an emphasis on information and that we all are likely at some point to suffer from information overload: The overwhelming feeling of drowning beneath mounds of data with little or no hope of ever reading it all.

Chuckly and Grin

October 10, 2010

A technical computing term used to describe what is coded into a PC's ROM to provide the basic instructions for controlling the system hardware. The operating system (OS) and application programs both directly access BIOS routines to provide better compatibility for such functions as screen display. Some makers of add-in boards, such as graphics accelerator cards, provide their own BIOS modules that work in conjunction with (or replace) the BIOS on the system's motherboard.

See You Later

Slang for an object, such as a cute baby or dog, that a man uses to get women to approach him. It also refers to a guy who seems to have "that something special" that makes girls want to hang around him. Sometimes when guys go out together, they like to have a chick magnet in their group so the girls will hang around them, too. You may hear, "Let's bring Bobby. He's a total chick magnet."

October 11, 2010

A file or form that defines the typography and layout of a document in some word processing and desktop publishing programs. When you fill in a style sheet, you specify such parameters as the page size, margins, and fonts. Style sheets are useful because you can use the same style sheet for many documents. For example, you can define one style sheet for personal letters, another for official letters, and a third for reports.

A nickname for a group of good old-fashioned nerds.

of course

"Beacons" are considered super-cookies that record not just the contents of your online shopping carts but even computer keystrokes and mouse movements, providing another layer of detail for online marketers. Also known as a "persistent cookie", beacons make it virtually impossible for users to go online without being tracked and profiled.

October 12, 2010

A reply to a newsgroup posting.

To take something that's negative and make it positive. For example, "spin doctors" issue a positive statement or explanation in response to a negative news article or report, in an effort to put some "damage control" on the situation.

Chat Brat -or- Coffee Break -or Call Back

October 13, 2010

A technology that allows users to paste their own nasty little comments on top of a Web site (it's like sticking a virtual sticky note on top of a Web page). Whenever someone visits the site, unbeknownst to the publisher, there appears to be graffiti scribbled all over it.

Be Back In A Sec

October 14, 2010

A small computer that communicates with a GPS to help drivers choose the best route to a destination, it is usually mounted on the dashboard of an automobile for easier viewing.

The modern equivalent to "call me," it refers to asking someone to send you a text message on your instant messaging program.

Too Busy For You Cutey

October 15, 2010

Yeah Right

The ability of a subscriber to switch local or wireless carriers and still retain the same phone number (as is possible now with long-distance carriers).

Because Twitter provided no easy way to group tweets or add extra data, the Twitter community came up with their own way: hashtags.  A hashtag is similar to other web tags because it helps add tweets to a category. 

Hashtags have the 'hash' or 'pound' symbol (#) preceding the tag, like so: #traffic, #followfriday, #hashtag.  Hashtags can occur anywhere in the tweet, but Haiku hashtags, ever so popular on Twitter for example, follow a set netiquette and list the hashtags at the end. Although hashtags aren't considered an official feature, they are widely popular as visible on Twitter Search (which usually has a hashtag term in Trending Topics).

If you add a hashtag to your tweet and you have a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your tweet.  Although any keyword with a # in front could be considered a hashtag, there are many commonly used hashtags.  Aside from not using hashtags for spam purposes, there are no formal rules for hashtag usage.  Twitter recommends a couple of best practices: Only use hashtags on tweets relevant to the topic, and do not over-tag a single tweet.  To learn more about hashtags and Twitter, read the article below. It's a strange new twitterverse out there <(-'.'-)>

Click here to see a large image with the example: #IWouldHateToBeYou...

October 16, 2010

The header is the name for the part of an e-mail message that precedes the body and contains, among other things, the message originator, the date and time, and the subject line. It also refers to the portion of a packet that contains error-checking information, the source and destination addresses, and other information.

The tendency for programmers to add more and more features to a software product in an attempt to "keep up with the Joneses" (or in this case, to keep up with stiff competition from other companies). It generally produces a slow, clunky program.

This term also refers to the tendency for project requirements to take more time and money than anticipated. A similar concept is "scope creep."

Not Too Much Just Chillin, How Bout You?

October 17, 2010

Gee, I Wish I'd Said That

Originally it referred to an abandoned Web site that remains online (such as a ghost site or an orphan annie).

The definition of "zombie" has been extended to include a PC that has received either a virus or a Trojan program which causes it to be used as a spam generator without the user's knowledge. For example, in June of 2007 a 27-year-old man, Robert Alan Soloway, described as one of the world's most prolific spammers was arrested and federal authorities said computer users across the Web could notice a decrease in the amount of junk e-mail. He was accused of using networks of compromised "zombie" computers to send out millions upon millions of spam e-mails.

The use of PC zombies to generate spam increases as more small businesses and individuals gain Internet connections. Spam is a major problem because it uses up bandwidth and because it can make the Internet experience very frustrating! Zombies are considered a security breach. It is necessary to use anti-virus software on your machine and run it on a regular basis.

The term zombie also describes a Unix/Linux process that have ended but the process creator/parent has not acknowledged this yet. What happens is the zombie process will consume a small amount of resources until it is killed by the parent process that created it.

A browser created by Google, it is a program used to view, download, upload, surf, or otherwise access documents (for example, Web pages) on the Internet. According to Google, Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make interacting with the Web faster, safer, and easier.

October 18, 2010

A mouse that has its trackball set on top. Instead of moving your hand around to move the cursor and navigate on the screen, you use your fingers to move the rollerball. It is designed to provide some ergonomic relief from having to constantly move your arm around while using a mouse.

That Was Interesting, Wasn't It?

October 19, 2010

In the Web-hosting business, a dedicated server is a rented service; a user rents the server, the software, and an Internet connection from the hosting company that maintains it. On a network, a dedicated server is a single computer that is "set aside" for serving the needs of the network, usually to manage communications and printer resources. Not all servers are dedicated; it is possible for a computer to act as a server and to perform other functions, as well.

what's up?

Slang for a large company created by a consolidation of smaller companies because they seemingly appear out of nowhere as if ::poof:: by magic. For example, "US Office Products is a poof company built from 210 office supply dealers."

October 20, 2010

A feature of a table in HTML, it controls the "spacing" or the area between the individual cells of a table. In HTML, tables allow an author to render text and graphics on a Web page in columns and rows. There are many options available for laying out a table, and cellspacing is one of them. Basically, cellspacing allows for more "white space" between cells, whereas cellpadding provides more space within each cell. Of course, the two can be used together, which gives the author flexibility in designing the table. It's a subtle distinction but very apparent when used: click on the "more info" button below to see an example :-)

As Far As You're Concerned

A small local-area network installed in a home to link several household PCs.

October 21, 2010

An abnormally slow or lagging Internet connection due to heavy traffic or some other type of anomaly occurring between your computer's connection and the ISP you're using.

women

October 22, 2010

A server that enables online transactions to occur via a secured socket layer (SSL) and credit card information.

Slang for the real world. You know, that space you enter when you leave your home or office.

Chuckle, Snicker, Grin

October 23, 2010

To merge two or more components into a single system. For example, a software product that can do more than one task is considered "integrated."

That's What I'm Talking About

"Post-PC" refers to the era after it was considered good etiquette to be politically correct. The abbreviation "PC" means "politically correct" and it refers to language that tries minimize offensive remarks about someone's gender, race, disability, or other form of identity. This spawned the term "politically incorrect" (unPC) which refers to language or ideas that cause offense to someone.

The term "post-PC" means it is now considered okay to say racial epithets, for example, freely because in the online world it is harder to determine what is acceptable lingo. The online generation, specifically YouTubers, tend to say almost whatever they want about anyone without much fuss. An example is when Price Harry of England was videotaped calling a fellow student a "Paki" because "everyone says Paki with or without irony." 

Click on "more info" below!

October 24, 2010

The amount of time it takes for a computer to retrieve stored data. Actually, it is the interval between the moment a computer calls for data from a storage medium (such as your hard drive, a CD-ROM, or the Internet) and the moment the data is delivered. On the Web, this time frame can be a matter of seconds or of minutes, depending on the speed of your connection. Your ISP may automatically "cut your time off" if you allow your browser to stay idle for too long. You'll have to dial-in again to regain access.

When a Web site or an ISP (or any kind of public-access site) encounters technical trouble and end-users can no longer access it, it is said to be "down." The same goes for your computer or any kind of communications technology. When it's not up and running, it's down.

Know How You Feel

October 25, 2010

In general, it is any program whose source code is made available for use or modification by users, developers, or hackers. Historically, the makers of proprietary software have generally not made source code available.

Open source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available. For example, in an effort to stay viable in its browser competition with Microsoft (prior to its acquisition by AOL), Netscape made its browser source code (Mozilla) freely available, encouraging users to improve it.

The open source movement has gained momentum as commercial enterprises have begun to consider Linux as an open alternative to Windows operating systems.

Open source doesn't just mean access to the source code, however. The distribution terms of open source software must comply with the following criteria:

• free redistribution,
• distribution in source code as well as compiled form,
• distribution of modifications and derived works under the same licensing terms as those of the original software,
• preservation of the original author's source code,
• no discrimination against persons or groups,
• no discrimination against fields of endeavor,
• licensing so that the rights attached to the program apply to all users,
• licensing that is not specific to use in a particular product,
• licensing that does not contaminate other software.

Open Source, with capital letters, is a certification mark owned by the Open Source Initiative (see OSI).

At The End Of The Day

Slang for an Internet gateway that allows only the most basic port operations (mail, Web, limited news). Usually run by retentive sysadmins who hate the idea of anybody actually Telnetting anywhere.

October 26, 2010

The aesthetic and navigational architect of a Web site, the designer is the person responsible for how the site looks and feels. He or she is the one who takes the heat if the graphics are fuzzy, the links are too light, or something is hard to find on a Web page. Usually this person is trained in the creative side of image development; however, an extensive knowledge of Web-based programming and information architecture is considered fundamental to being a successful Web designer. (That and good client-relationship skills are a must.)

Out Of The Box -or- Out Of The Blue

Used to describe a standard handshake protocol that allows peripherals to connect "without a lot of street jive" (no complicated configuring).

October 27, 2010

The organization of information for display, storage, or printing. This term is commonly used in the industry when asking another person about the state in which particular information exists. For example, "What format is it in, PDF or CD-ROM?"

Possibly Not Definitely -or- Personal Navigation Device

October 28, 2010

This is either a domain name that another domain points to or a server that holds copies of a different domain's files. Some servers are so popular that other servers have been set up to mirror them, in order to spread the traffic load to more than one site. Many international sites have mirrors set up in other countries to allow quicker access for international users.

An archive site or Web site that keeps a copy of some or all files at another site-to make them more quickly available to local users and to reduce the load on the source site-is also an example of mirroring. Such mirroring is usually done for specific directories or files on a specific remote server (as opposed to the way cache or proxy servers keep copies of everything that is requested).

Where Were You?

October 29, 2010

A variation on the interactive message board, it is a Web site for live, online conversation in which any number of computer users can type messages to each other and communicate IRT. These messages usually appear on an area of the screen next to the user's nickname or handle. Most chat rooms have a particular topic (which you are expected to discuss), but some chat rooms are purely for meeting other people. Other chat rooms are designed as elaborate 3-D environments, where you select an avatar that represents you in this virtual meeting place.

Online chat rooms started life as Internet Relay Chat (IRC) developed in 1988 by Finland's Jarkko Oikarinen. The system went largely unnoticed until 1991, when it was used to report the Soviet coup attempt despite a media blackout.

For the largest list of Internet acronyms and text message jargon, click on "more info" below!

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a direct connection to the Internet. ISPs can also be on Tier 2, 3, or higher, which usually means they lease their connections and other services from a Tier 1 provider.

someone

October 30, 2010

The file extension for Web pages that contain server-side includes (SSIs). It's a MIME type that enables the Web server to differentiate pages that need to be processed before they are sent to a Web browser. This extension, however, is not a requirement, and not all servers are configured to use it.

Been There, Done That, Got The T-shirt

The practice of shopping while you are online. In contrast to e-commerce (which includes online shopping but refers to any act of conducting business online), the emphasis of online shopping is B2C (retail-oriented). For example, when a user visits a click-and-mortar and purchases a product, he or she is shopping online.

October 31, 2010

Tell It Like It Is

To be exploited and oppressed by your boss. Derived from the experiences of Dilbert, the geek-in-hell comic strip character. "I've been dilberted again. The old man revised the specs for the fourth time this week."

A SIM card is a portable memory chip used in some models of cell phones. The SIM card makes it easy to switch to a new phone by simply sliding the SIM out of the old phone and into the new one. The SIM stores personal identity information, cell phone numbers, text messages and other data. It can be thought of as a mini hard disk that automatically activates the phone into which it is inserted.

According to wiseGEEK, a SIM card can come in very handy. For example, let's say your phone runs out of battery power at a friend's house. Assuming you both have SIM-based phones, you can remove the SIM card from your phone and slide it into your friend's phone to make your call. Your carrier processes the call as if it were made from your phone, so it won't count against your friend's minutes.

If you upgrade your phone there's no hassle involved. The SIM card is all you need. Just slide it into the new phone and you're good to go. You can even keep multiple phones for different purposes. An inexpensive phone in the glove compartment, for example, for emergency use, one phone for work and another for home. Just slide your SIM card into whatever phone you wish to use.

High-end cell phones can be very attractive and somewhat pricey. If you invest in an expensive phone you might want to keep it awhile. Using a SIM card, it is even possible to switch carriers and continue to use the same phone. The new carrier will simply issue you their own SIM card. The phone must be unlocked, however, and operate on the new carrier's frequency or band.

A SIM card provides an even bigger advantage for international travelers -- simply take your phone with you and buy a local SIM card with minutes. For example, a traveler from the U.S. staying in the U.K. can purchase a SIM card across the pond. Now the phone can be used to call throughout England without paying international roaming charges from the carrier back home.

SIM cards are used with carriers that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network. The competing network is Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a technology created by U.S. company Qualcomm. As of fall 2005, CDMA cell phones and CDMA carriers do not support SIM cards in most parts of the world, though this is changing. A CDMA SIM card called the R-UIM (Re-Useable Identification Module) was made available in China in 2002, and will eventually be available worldwide. Expectations for the future include a cell phone market that supports both SIM (GSM) and R-UIM (CDMA) cards by default.