Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
- Acrobat Reader
- Stand-alone program and web browser plug-in from Adobe that allows a user to view a Portable Document Format (PDF) file in its original format and appearance. The Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and can be downloaded from the Adobe web site.
B
- Bandwidth
- Refers to the speed of a connection between computers. The range of frequencies (size of the 'pipe') available for carrying information.
- Bookmark
- A group of web addresses that are added to a browser as shortcuts to web sites. Also known as 'favourites'.
- Browser
- A client software program used for searching and viewing various kinds of Internet resources such as information on a web site. The most popular Internet browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
C
- CD-ROM
- Compact Disk Read Only Memory. A physical device for storage of digital information.
- Collection Codes
- Indication of the physical location, subject matter, format and/or size of a collection within the Library.
C
- Database
- A collection of information organised in such a way that a computer program can quickly select and manipulate desired pieces of data. An electronic filing system.
- Discussion lists
- Subject based discussion using email. Automated software is used to subscribe and unsubscribe participants as well as to pass the mail to all members
- Document
- Electronic or hardcopy file containing information.
- Download
- Transfer of data from a server to a computer's hard disk. A browser or FTP program is used to download files to a computer.
- E
Ecard- An electronic card, usually a greeting card.
- Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another via a network. Email can also be sent automatically to a large number of addresses. (See mailing list).
- Electronic publishing
- Dissemination of information via electronic media such as the Internet, Intranets, CD-ROM, networks and diskettes.
F
- FAQ
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Form
- Forms that can be filled in and submitted online via the web (e.g. providing feedback, registering for a service).
G
- GIF
-
(Graphic Interchange Format) - A common format for image files, especially suitable for images containing large areas of the same colour, eg for logos.
H
- Home page
- The primary or main web page for an individual or organisation.
- HTML
- Hyper Text Markup Language: the coded format language used for creating hypertext documents on the World Wide Web and controlling how Web pages appear
- HTTP
- HyperText Transfer Protocol
- Hypertext
- Generally, text that contains 'links' to other documents.
I
- Internet
- A global network of computer networks that communicates using TCP/IP.
- ISDN
- Integrated Services Digital Network. This facilitates high-speed transfer transmission (up to 128 kbps) of voice and data.
- ISP
- Internet Service Provider. A company that offers access to the Internet for providing and obtaining information. Every time you log on, your ISP connects you to the Internet.
J
- JPEG
- Joint Photographic Experts Group. Image compression standard, optimised for full-colour (millions of colours) digital images.
M
- Metadata
- Structured information that describes and/or categorises a resource. Useful for indexing resources and enhancing their discoverability via structured searches.
- Mailing list
- Email based discussion group. List servers maintain a list of email addresses of subscribers. When you send an email message to this group, your email is copied and sent to all subscribers.
- Multimedia
- An electronic program or product using multiple elements such as text, sound, images and video, commonly found in products on CD-ROM and on Internet and Intranet sites.
O
- Online
-
Usually meaning "connected to the Internet". Also used to refer to materials stored on a computer (e.g., an online newsletter) or to a device like a printer that is ready to accept commands from a computer.
P
- A file format that captures all the elements of a printed document as an electronic document that can be viewed, navigated, printed or forwarded to others. They are created using Adobe Acrobat, or similar products. To view and use the files, a user must download the free Acrobat Reader and the Reader will start automatically whenever a PDF file is opened.
- Plug-ins
- A file containing data used to alter, enhance, or extend the operation of a parent application, for example, a web browser, shockwave or flash.
S
- Server
- A host computer providing the web site information.
- Site map
- A detailed list or diagram, separated by categories of information. It assists users in finding what they want, or seeing at a glance what may be contained on a web site.
U
- URL
- Uniform Resource Locator. Address of any resource on the World Wide Web.
Page last updated: 16/01/2009 13:23:24