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Glossary
This is an alphabetical glossary of terms. Click on a letter
below to navigate to a particular section in the text.
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ActiveX. Files that include the programme code
necessary to teach an ActiveX - capable browser how to
display them.
Address Book. A feature in some email programmes that
stores your contact's email addresses and other information
for reference and to make addressing an email message
easier.
ADSL Short for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line,
ADSL is a technology for bringing high bandwidth or
'broadband' information over ordinary telephone lines
without interfering with voice signals. Speed is the main
advantage and you can talk over the phone at the same time
as being online. ADSL provides an internet connection that
is always on but you do require a special device on your
computer. ADSL is available to about 50% of the population
and strictly speaking, is only one of a range of Digital
Subscriber Line or 'XDSL' technologies.
Alias. A short and quick nickname to refer to
something else with a longer name, e.g. if you create an
alias for an email address, just type Danielle instead of
the full address.
Anonymous FTP. Logging on to a server anonymously
allows access to download files in the public domain. Most
FTP sites support anonymous access.
Application. A computer programme that fulfils a
specific task. Also called apps or simply programmes. Some
common Internet applications include FTP, email and Telnet.
Attachment. A computer file (graphics, text,
programme or any other type) sent with an email message.
Authentication. The process of entering your username
and password. You prove or authenticate who you are when you
enter your password.
Authoring. The process of writing a Web page.
ATM Short for automatic teller machine, this is a
'hole in the wall' system for accessing cash by way of
electronic transactions to debit your bank account.
ATM Short for asynchronous transfer mode is also a
transmission switching technology used by many organisations
for secure, fast and accurate communication, e.g. BT uses it
to deliver ADSL.
Avatar. A graphical image of a user such as used in
graphical real-time Chat applications or a graphical
personification of a computer or a computer process intended
to make the computing or network environment a more friendly
place.
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Backbone. The backbone of a network is it's means of
linking its major nodes so that all its leaf nodes feed into
backbone nodes with a high-speed uninterrupted flow. The
backbone is the part of a network that carries the bulk of
the traffic. The backbone may interconnect multiple
locations in a large geographical area or a number of
smaller networks in a single location. When a number of
networks are joined in a single device, such as a router,
this capability is referred to as a collapsed backbone.
Bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data, measured
usually in bits per second, that can be sent through a
dedicated (leased) transmission circuit. Bandwidth refers to
the maximum amount of data that can be transferred through a
computer's communication channel in a given time. The speed
of data transmission over a network measured in bits per
second (1 Kbps = 1,000 bits, 1 Mbps = 1,000 kilobits, 1 Gbps
= 1,000 Mbps).
Baud rate. The number of signal events per second
occurring on a communications channel. Although not
technically accurate, baud rate is commonly used to mean bit
rate.
Bit. A bit is the primary unit of digital data and is
the smallest unit of information in the binary system of
notation for storing and transferring data. In the United
States, 8 bits make up 1 byte (see Byte).
BCC (blind carbon copy). When emailing, it is a way
to send a copy of an email message without letting the other
recipients know you are sending a copy.
Bits Per Second (bps). The transmission rate for
digital information expressed as the number of bits (zeroes
or ones) sent or received per second.
Bookmark. Netscape Navigator's method for letting a
user create a shortcut back to a Web page the user will want
to revisit. Internet Explorer also does the same thing.
Boolean operators. These operators are designed to
put conditions on a search. The most common Boolean
operators are AND, OR and NOT also <, >, =, etc.
Broadband. A data-transmission scheme in which multiple
signals share the bandwidth of a medium. Generally used to
describe technologies with transfer rates greater than 2
Mbps which are powerful enough to allow the transmission of
voice data and video signals over a single medium.
Browse. To wander around a portion of the Internet,
screen by screen, looking for items of interest. Also known
as surfing or cruising.
Browser. A specialist software package through which
users can explore the World Wide Web. The most popular
browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet
Explorer.
Byte. A unit of measure equal to 8 bits which can
store one character of data.
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Cable Internet. A new way to get very fast Internet
service (in limited areas) through the same cable through
which you receive cable TV.
Cache. The area of memory on your computer where most
browsers store files of Web pages that you have viewed
recently. This speeds up viewing time but does take up space
on your hard drive.
CAD. Abbreviation for Computer Aided Design. Software
package which helps designers and draughts people to create
their designs.
CAM. Abbreviation for Computer Aided Manufacture.
Term which refers to the automation of manufacturing
processes on the shop floor.
Capacity. Capacity is the information-carrying
ability of a telecommunications facility. What the facility
is determines the measurement. We might measure a line's
capacity in bits per second or in the maximum number of
calls it can switch in one hour or the maximum number of
calls it can simultaneously keep in conversation.
CC (Carbon Copy). A copy of an email message, sent to
someone other than the principal recipient.
CD-ROM. The CD-Rom is one of the most popular formats
for storing large amounts of electronic information.
One CD-Rom can store 400 times as much information as the
standard floppy disk, DVDs (see below) could well replace
these in time.
Cellular Modem. Used most often in portable computers, a
modem that communicates without connection to a phone line
just as a cellular phone does. Can be used to access the
Internet from places where no phone line is available.
CO (Central Office). CO is an incumbent facility where
subscriber lines are joined to an incumbent switch. This is
the entry point to the communications network for most
customers (generally serving 10,000 telephone lines). In the
UK this is known as the local telephone exchange.
Certificate. A file used in secure connections to
authenticiate the server to a client.
Chat. An Internet resource, sometimes also known as
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) that allows 2 or more Internet
users to participate in a live conversation through typing
messages.
Chat Client. The programme required for participating
in a chat.
Circuit. Circuit refers to a logical stream of data
set up to flow through two or more network nodes. A single
physical link between these nodes may have several virtual
circuits flowing through it.
Client. A software tool for using a particular type
of Internet resource. A client interacts with a server on
which the resource is located.
Co-location. Placing a competitor's communications
equipment in one's own facilities to allow efficient
interconnection of different networks.
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC). A competitive
local and other communications service provider that
competes with the incumbent telecommunications.
Common Gateway Interference (CGI). The protocol that
allows a Web page to run a programme on a Web Server. Forms,
counters and guest books are common examples of CGI
programmes.
Compression. The process of making a computer file
smaller so that it can be copied more quickly between
computers. Compressed files, sometimes called zip files must
be decompressed on the receiving computer before they can be
used.
Connect time. The length of time a user is connected
to the Internet.
Cookie. A collection of information that a Web server
can pass down to your computer for later access.
Counter. A means of checking the number of visitors a
page receives.
Cross-posting. A method by which you can post a single
article to multiple newsgroups.
Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). The equipment at the
customer's premises that connects with a carrier's
communication network, such as terminals, inside wiring, or
a radio transceiver.
Cyberspace. A broad expression used to describe the
activity, communication and culture happening on the
Internet and other computer networks.
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Database. A collection of information structured for
easy retrieval and analysis, usually in the form of a
hierarchy of files, records and fields.
Dark Fibre. Fibre-optic cable provided by a carrier
directly to an end-user or other carrier. The end-user or
other carrier has the obligation of supplying the
electronics necessary to light up (or generate a telecoms
signal over) the fibre.
Data Centre. Secured, environmentally controlled
facilities where the servers that deliver content and
applications for Internet operations are housed and
maintained.
Data Conferencing. Gives individuals the ability to
work collaboratively on documents, images and other
electronic files without the need to be in the same place.
Decryption. Decoding data encrypted (often for security
purposes) to its original.
Dial-up account. An Internet account, accessed
through a modem and telephone line that offers complete
access to the Internet through TCP/IP communications best
connection speeds are usually 56kbps.
Digital. A signal carrying intelligence consisting of
a stream of bits of zeros and ones for sound, video,
computer or other information.
Digital Camera. A camera in which the picture
information is stored digitally rather than on photographic
film and can be view on a computer with the appropriate
software.
Digital TV. Television broadcasts using digital
technology. The advantages of digital over traditional
(analogue) TV include the potential for hundreds of new
channels, better quality pictures and sound and many kinds
of interactive services. Digital TV can be broadcast in
three different ways: by terrestrial radio transmitters
(using the airwaves); satellite; through cable.
Direct Connection. A permanent, 24 hour link between a
computer and the Internet. A computer with a direct
connection can use the Internet at any time.
Discrete Multitone (DMT). DMT line coding technology is
based on the concept of utilizing multiple carriers or
sub-channels, located between 26 kHz and 1.1 MHz. The
spectrum from 0 kHz to 4 kHz (voice band) is designated for
POTS. Downstream, the spectrum from 26 kHz to 1.1 MHz is
further divided into 256 discrete channels. Upstream, the
spectrum above the POTS band consists of 25 channels between
26 kHz and 138 kHz. Echo-canceling between the
downstream and upstream signals permits reuse of these
sub-channels. Sub-carrier spacing is 4.3125 kHz. With the
exception of carriers used for timing, each carrier is
capable of carrying data. However, only those carriers with
sufficient SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) are allocated payload
for transmission. Each transmitting carrier is allotted a
bit count and transmit power, based on the characteristics
of the sub-channel. This results in an optimised data
transfer rate for the current line conditions.
Dissemination. The spreading or sharing of
information.
Domain. The most detailed subdivision of The Internet
which is usually by country (e.g. .uk for United Kingdom;
.au for Australia; .fr for France) or type of entity (e.g. .gov
for government or .com for commercial).
Download. Transferring a file from a host computer to
your computer.
Driver. A programme that controls a piece of hardware
such as a printer, modem or terminal.
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E-1 Circuit. An E-1 Circuit (2 Mbps) is the European
equivalent (roughly speaking) of an American T-1 (1.5 Mbps).
E-3 Circuit. An E-3 Circuit is a European circuit
that operates with an effective data rate of 34 Mbps.
Electronic Bonding (EB). The ability to forge an
interface between the operations support systems of the
local and long-distance service providers, thereby enabling
the seamless exchange of information concerning network
needs and customer orders.
E-business. Ways of doing business electronically - from
e fax to email, to transfer of stock information and online
transactions over the Internet.
E-cash. Short for electronic cash. Can be held on a
smart card (see below).
E-commerce. A term that describes how businesses are
using information gathered electronically to improve their
business processes and relationships with suppliers and
consumers. This potentially covers all business areas such
as design, production, operations and customer service as
well as buying and selling.
E Fax. The transmission of documents directly from
one computer to another or to a fax machine.
E-mail. Short for electronic mail. A service that
enables users to send and receive messages electronically.
E-mail Address. The word based Internet address of a
user, typically made up of a user name, an @ sign and a
domain name.
Emoticons. Short for emotional icons, these character
combinations are a way to express emotion in typed messages
such as email and newsgroup messages, :-) is a smile.
Encryption. A method of scrambling sensitive messages
or data so that it cannot be read without a password or key.
Ethernet. Ethernet is a local area network transport
protocol that first appeared in the 1970s. It offers a 10
megabit per second speed for data throughput. However,
because hosts on an Ethernet may transmit at random times,
without any technology to deter data collision, the actual
data throughput, depending on how heavily the Ethernet is
being used in a given situation, may be much closer to the
three to six megabit per-second range.
To complicate things still more 100 megabit per-second
Ethernet technology has been matured and gigabit per-second
Ethernet recently introduced.
Extranet. The part of a company or an organisation
internal computer network which uses the public internet as
its transmission system, but requires passwords to gain
access.
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FAQ File. Short for frequently asked questions file.
A computer file containing the answers to frequently asked
questions about a particular topic.
Favourite. Internet Explorer's method for letting a
user create a shortcut back to a Web page the user will want
to revisit.
Fibre Optics. Fibre optics is a method for the
transmission of information (sound, pictures, data). Light
is modulated and transmitted over high-purity, hair-thin
fibres of glass. The bandwidth capacity of fibre-optic cable
is much greater than that of conventional cable or copper
wire.
Fibre-Optic Cable. Fibre-optic cable is a
transmission medium that uses glass or plastic fibres,
rather than copper wire, to transport data or voice signals.
The signal is imposed on the fibre via pulses (modulation)
of light from a laser or a light-emitting diode (LED).
Because of its high bandwidth and lack of susceptibility to
interference, fibre-optic cable is used in long-haul or
noisy applications.
Filter. A system for automatically organising and
deleting selected email messages.
Firewall. A mechanism that protects parts of the
network which is connected to The Internet from being
accessed by unauthorized users.
Flame. Hostile messages, often sent through email or
posted in newsgroups from Internet users in reaction to
breaches of netiquette.
Form. A part of a Web page in which users can type
entries or make selections.
Frame. A discrete part or "pane" in a Web page in
which the screen area has been divided up into multiple,
independent panes each of which contains a separate
document.
Frame Relay. A packet-switched method of data
communication (similar to, but more efficient than, the
original X.25 WAN protocol) provided by telecommunications
carriers and internet service providers. Frame relay can
provide guaranteed bandwidth at no additional charge if the
lines are open during periods of low traffic.
Frame relay can run at speeds of 36 Kbps to 2 Mbps. It is
currently enjoying high popularity as a reasonably priced
alternative to leased-line service.
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). A
multiplexing and multiple access technique for sharing of a
spectrum band where each user is assigned a single
transmission channel.
Freeware. Software made available free to users over
The Internet.
Front page Express. The WYSIWYG (what you see is what
you get) HTML (web page) editor built in to Internet
Explorer.
FTP. Short for File Transfer Protocol. The basic method
for copying a file from one computer to another through the
Internet.
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Gateway. A gateway is an intersection between two
networks running different protocols. A gateway router
strips incoming packets of the protocol of the incoming
network and encapsulates them in "envelopes" of the protocol
of the outgoing network.Gbps (Gigabits per Second).
Gbps equal a billion of bits per second. A measure of
transmission speed.
GIF. A form of image file, using the file extension
.GIF. commonly used for inline images in Web pages.
Gopher. A system of menus layered on top of existing
resources that makes locating information and using services
easier.
GPS. Abbreviation for Global Positioning System. An
inexpensive satellite based location system useful for
tracking the location of goods in transit.
Guest. When you connect to or log onto a remote
computer on which you do not have your own account, you are
referred to as a guest or visitor. The other computer is the
host.
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Hacker. An unauthorized user who explores other
people's computer systems and networks.
Hard disk/drive. Normally situated inside a computer,
the hard disk or drive stores permanent data.
Hardware. A term for physical parts of the computer
system, including the main computer unit itself (the
processor or disk drive), the keyboard, screen (or monitor),
the mouse, printer, loudspeakers and communications
equipment such as the modem.
Header. Information at the beginning of IP Packets
that describes the packet's contents and routing data.
Helper Programme. Programmes that run or show files
that are not part of a Web page and do not appear as part of
the Web browser.
Home page. The 'entry' or 'main' page of a web site.
Host. Any computer system or device attached to The
Internet.
HTML. Acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language, the
scripting language used to create web documents. File names
have .htm as an extension and some have .html.
Hypertext. A concept for organising information where
keywords or phrases can be used to reference resources and
to serve as links to these resources. When viewing
documents, hypertext anchors are displayed as underlined
text. Clicking on this text establishes a network connection
to another file (or place within the same file) and so the
browser displays this information.
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Image map. In a Web page, a single picture that
contains multiple links, each leading somewhere different.
Information & Communications Technology (ICT). The
convergence of telecommunications, computing and broadcasting
through the use of digital information. It covers any product
that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive
information electronically in a digital form. For example,
telephone, fax, computer and digital television.
Inline image. An image that appears within the layout of
a Web page.
Instant Message. A message that appears to its recipient
the instant you send it so long as the recipient is online at
the time.
Internet. The Internet is a worldwide network of TCP/IP
networks reaching across the globe which permits anyone to
exchange data via email.
Inter-Networking. Connecting two or more networks.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). A standard
and integrated digital network that allows users to
simultaneously send voice, data, and video over multiple
multiplexed communications channels from a common network
interface. It can give a user up to 56 kilobits of data
bandwidth on a phone line that is also used for voice or up to
128,000 bits per second if the user forgoes voice use of the
ISDN line. ISDN provides standard interfaces for digital
communication networks and can carry data, voice, and video over
digital circuits. ISDN protocols are used worldwide for
connections to public ISDN networks. Developed by the
International Telecommunications Union, ISDN includes two
user-to-network interfaces: basic rate interface (BRI) and
primary rate interface (PRI). An ISDN interface contains one
signaling channel (D-channel) and a number of information
channels (.bearer. or B-channels). The D-channel is used for
call set-up, control and call clearing on the B-channels. It
also transports feature information while calls are in progress.
The B-channels carry voice, data, or video information.
Internet Service Provider (ISP). An entity that provides
commercial access to the Internet. These can range in size from
a company operating dial-up access with a 56 kilobit line and
several dozen customers to providers with multiple pops in
multiple cites and substantial backbones and thousands or even
tens of thousands of customers.
InternetNic. The Internet Network Information Center -
the original center to set up domain names and proper gateways
on the Internet backbone. They also maintain the WHOIS database.
IP (Internet Protocol). One of the major machine languages
used in advanced, high-capacity telecoms services, as well as in
routing traffic over the internet. IP is the communication
protocol of the internet. An ISO standard that implements the
network layer three of an open system interconnection model that
contains a network address and is utilized in directing a
message to a different network.
Intranet. An in-house company network website that serves
the employees of the enterprise and which offers similar
features and services as the internet.
IP Address. The number based Internet
address of a user or computer, made up of four sets of numbers
separated by periods, e.g. 192.480.77.69. In practice, Internet
users more often encounter word-based addresses (fabian.king@southwestrda.org.uk)
which are translated from numerical IP addresses by the domain
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Java/JavaScript. Two of the programming languages
used for enabling some advanced capabilities in Web pages.
JPEG. Abbreviation for Joint Photographic Experts
Group - a standard (compressed) format for colour images,
common on the Internet. JPEGs tend to be smaller files than
GIFs.
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Kbps (Kilobits per Second). Kbps equal one thousand
bits per second.
Keywords. A selection of words used with META tags or
placed on search engines to make it easy to find a site.
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LAN (Local Area Network). LAN is the connecting of
computing devices, such as PCs, printers and file servers, to
communicate and work together. typically on a single floor,
within a single building or within a single department (which
might span multiple buildings). With advances in network
technology (intranets), the distinction between LANs and WANs is
blurring.
Lap Top. A portable PC that can be powered from batteries
or connected to the mains supply.
Leased Line. A leased line is the telephone circuit
transmission channel reserved for the use of customer from point
'a' to point 'b' through phone company physical lines and
switches. The line may be of different bandwidths of data
carrying capacity.
Link. In a Web page, block of text, an image or part of
an image that the user can activate (usually by clicking) to
make something happen. Clicking on links can jump the user to
another Web page, start a programme, or download a file.
Listery. A programme that automatically manages a mailing
list.
Local Area Network. A group of computers and other
devices that are directly connected to each other to enable data
to pass between them over limited geographical areas.
Local Loop. The wire that connects a home or business to
a telephone company's local exchange. The local loop is often
referred to as the last mile or last several miles from the
incumbent operators' lines to the customer's phones or modems.
Loop. A pair of wires that connects the central office to the
telephone set. The telephone set is the location of the
telephone.
Local Loop Unbundling (LLU). A term which describes the
process of allowing alternative carriers to lease copper
telephone lines from the incumbent operators. DSL is only
available on a wholesale basis from incumbent operators where
LLU has not been legally mandated.
Log on. The art of accessing a computer system by typing
a required username (or user ID) and password. Also described by
other terms including sign on/off or log in.
Lurking. Reading a newsgroup without posting to it, to
study its culture. |
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Main Distribution Frame (MDF). A unit that connects
between outside plant cables and internal lines or line
equipment in the local exchange.
Mailing List. An online discussion group in which
members share news and information through broad cast email
messages.
Mbps (Megabits per Second). Mbps equals a digital
transmission speed of millions of bits per second.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). A communications
network that covers a large portion of a city or a large
campus through which two or more LANs interconnect.
META Tags. Tags placed at the beginning of an HTML
file including the title, keywords and short description of
content, to be read by search engine spiders which makes a
page easier to search.
Modem (modulation-demodulation). A device that allows
one computer to talk to another computer using a phone line
and digital information.
Mouse. A device that is rolled around a flat surface
to send signals to move a cursor on the monitor. The cursor
is used to control the actions of a programme.
Multimedia. A description for systems capable of
displaying or playing text, pictures, sound, video and
animation or a way of describing that material.
MPEG. A format for a series of compressed images to
be played as a movie.
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National Regulatory Authority (NRA). For the
countries that are the subject of this report the NRAs are
OFTEL in the United Kingdom, RegTP in Germany and ART in
France.
Navigator. The name of the popular browser from Netscape
Communications Corp. Available by itself or within the
Communicator suite. And Often referred to as "Netscape"
after its creator. May be downloaded free from the Internet.
The Net. Common term for The Internet.
Network. Two or more computers linked together by cable,
radio or light.
Network Operations Centre (NOC). The nerve centre for a
service carrier where a seven day a week, 24 hour a day
staff is on duty to monitor equipment and correct problems.
Equipment at POPS with no humans on duty can often be fixed
remotely by some one at a NOC.
Network Topology. A diagrammatic representation of
the physical layout of the network. It includes a
description of the hardware at the nodes and the structure
adopted that will enable those links to talk to each other.
Netiquette. The code of proper conduct (etiquette) on
The Internet.
Net Meeting. A voice/video conferencing client
included in the Internet Explorer suite.
Netnews. A collection of electronic bulletin boards on a
huge variety of topics available on the Internet.
Newsgroup. An Internet resource through which people
post and read messages related to a specific topic.
Newsreader. A client programme for reading and posting
messages on newsgroups.
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Offline. The State of being disconnected from a
network.
Oftel. Office of Telecommunications regulation. (UK
Government Statutory Body).
Online. The state of being connected to a network.
Online Service. A company such as America Online or
Compuserve that offers its subscribers both Internet access
and unique content available only on the service.
Operating System. The software supplied with the
computer, that manages its basic functions. The most common
systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS and Linux.
Operations Support System (OSS). A system that
processes telecommunications information which supports
various management functions such as network management,
inventory control, maintenance, trouble ticket reporting,
surveillance and service provisioning.
Outbox. A term used in some email programmes to
describe a folder where outgoing messages are sorted
temporarily until the user is ready to send them.
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Packet. A group of bits switched as a unit block of
data used for transmission in a packet-switched network.
Packet Switched. A connectionless data network. Data are
inserted in packets, which are the equivalent of software
envelopes with addresses on them. These addresses can be
read by routers, which by reference to internally contained
routing tables can decide what network path to send the data
on to ensure that it gets to its destination. The paths
chosen by the routers can vary from moment to moment as each
router gets updated information on the condition of other
routers and circuits in the network.
Password. A secret code, known only to the user that
allows the user to access a computer that is protected by a
security system.
PC. Short for personal computer.
PDF. Short for Portable Document Format. A file that can
take large documents and represents them graphically.
Produced using Adobe Acrobat and viewed/printed using
Acrobat Reader, which is available as a free download from
the Web. PDF Files have become a defacto standard for
publishing documents off the Web.
Pixel. One dot on a computer screen. Most computer
monitors typically range from either 640 pixels wide by 480
pixels high to 1600 by 1200.
Plug-in. A programme that increases the capabilities
of a Web browser.
POP. Abbreviated term for 'point of presence'.
Portal. A Web page that is designed to serve as a
popular starting point for Web-surfing sessions. Portals
typically include tools for searching the Web, links to news
and other popular links.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service ). The basic
telephone lines connecting most residential and small
business users to the public telephone network.
PPP. Abbreviated term for 'Point to Point Protocol'.
One kind of communication's protocol that enables a dial up
connection.
Primary Rate Interface (PRI). An interface standard
for integrated services digital network providing a total of
1.544 MBPS.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX). A private telephone
system switch that interconnects telephone extensions to
each other, as well as to the outside telephone network.
Protocol. A protocol is the language that a network
or network application 'speaks'. It is to networking what a
programming language is to programming. Protocol is a set of
rules for communication. Computer networks use a 'protocol
stack', such as IP for UNIX and the internet. These are
packages of programs dedicated to various functions needed
for computers to connect. Routers connect different protocol
stacks together and interpret between them.
Proxy Server. Where a high level of security is
required, a proxy Web server may be used to provide a
gateway between a local area network and the Internet. The
local network is protected by firewall software installed on
the proxy server which enables the proxy server to keep the
two worlds separate. Proxy servers will normally maintain a
cache of retrieved documents.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Refers to
the local access, switch and backbone infrastructure of the
regulated incumbent operators across the world.
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). The sampling of a signal
and each sample is then digitized so as to have it
transmitted over a medium.
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Quadratic Amplitude Modulation (QAM). The modulation
scheme operating within the same spectral footprint of the
copper as ISDN. QAM is a basic modulation scheme. QAM has
been used in modems for over 20 years.
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RAM. Random Access Memory. The memory capacity of a
computer that can be used for carrying out functions.
Remote Access. Remote access is a
workstation-to-network connection made using a modem and a
telephone line, which allows data to be sent or received
over greater distances than those allowed by conventional
cabling. Remote access products generally fall into one of
four categories - modems, concentrators, servers (switches),
or low-end routers.
Router. The device that serves as a 'traffic cop' in
a connectionless network such as the internet. Routers are
specialized computers that take incoming packets and compare
their destination addresses to internal routing tables and,
depending on network conditions, send the packets out to the
appropriate receiving router. This process may be repeated
many times until the packets reach their intended
destination.
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Scanner. A piece of equipment that is used for
capturing graphic images of a page and converting the data
into a format that allows the user to manipulate it onto a
computer.
SDSL - Symmetric digital subscriber line.
Search Engine. Website designed specifically to allow
users to search the Web by entering key words which the
engine then uses to locate matching sites. There are already
over 3000 of these search engines with the most popular
being Altavista (http//uk.altavista.com); Ask Jeeves (www.ask.co.uk)
and Yahoo (http//uk.yahoo.com).
Search Tool. A Web page that provides tools for
finding specific information on the Internet.
Server. A computer set up to distribute services or
resources, provide access to information from 'clients'
(PCs) or request information from remote computers.
Service. The programmes, protocols, etc that are made
available to users by their service provider. These include
the standard utilities such as FTP, Web and email.
Shareware. Free evaluation copies of software made
available via The Internet by software developers. These
types of programme include graphics, HTML editors and web
design.
Site. A location where a company's Web pages and
other Internet services can be accessed, usually though a
single IP address.
Spreadsheet. Software that allows you to store,
compare and analyse large amounts of complicated numeric
data.
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH). A set of
standard fibre optic based serial standards for use with ATM
in Europe. SDH was created to provide the flexibility needed
to transport many digital signals with different capacities
and to provide a design standard for manufacturers.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP). A two-wire twisted
metallic transmission line that is protected by a sheath of
conductive material.
Shorthand. A system of letter abbreviations used to
efficiently express certain ideas in email messages,
newsgroup postings and Internet Relay Chat sessions.
Examples are IMO (in my opinion) and BTW (by the way).
Signalling. The transmission of electrical signals
that contain switching information between stations, user's
premises, offices, and various local exchanges.
SMEs (Small to Medium Sized Enterprises). Small to
medium sized enterprises of less than 250 employees. SMEs
are further divided into size class boundaries of one to
nine employees (micro), 10-49 employees (small) and 50-249
employees (medium).
SME Category. Small to medium sized enterprises are
further divided into seven principal industry categories
which are industry and energy; construction; trade;
transport and communications; financial intermediation;
other business activities; and other services.
Software. Computer programmes or electronic
instructions that tell your computer what you do. There are
2 types of software - operating system software (see above)
which sets the rules for how computer hardware and
application software work together and application software
such as word processors, spreadsheets and databases which
allows you to perform tasks such as writing letters or
managing finances.
Spam. Mass emailed material meant for promotion or
advertisement.
Spider. A programme that searches methodically through a
portion of the Internet to build a database that can be
searched by a search tool.
Spreadsheet. Software which allows you to store,
compare and analyse large amounts of numeric data. Commonly
used for budgets, forecasting and accounts.
Streaming audio/video. The capability of multimedia
to begin playback as the file is being downloaded; makes
live audio/video broadcasts through the Internet possible.
Synchronous Transport Module 1 (STM-1). An SDH
standard for data transmission over optical fibre at an
effective rate of 155 Mbps.
Switch. A mechanical or electronic device for making,
breaking, or changing the direction flow of electrical or
optical signals from one side to the other. Switch is a
device used to establish the path used to move information
between two or more users in a network.
Switching. The operation involved in interconnecting
circuits to establish communications.
Switched Frame Relay is a switched technology where
packet headers need be only 2 bytes long. The first bytes of
the switched network's protocol headers are composed of the
permanent virtual circuit numbers necessary to direct data
from one network node to another, plus a few control bits.
Switching takes place at layer two, routing at layer three
of the seven-layer stack. Switching is a much less
CPU-intensive activity than routing.
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Telecommunications. Communication using the telephone
infrastructure - possibly via landline, satellite or
wireless.
Tele working. Involves working at a distance from
your employer either at homes, on the road or at a locally
based centre. Tele workers use computers, telephones, faxes
and other ICT to keep in contact with their employers or
customers.
Telnet. A facility for accessing other computers on
the Internet and for using the resources that are there.
Telemetry. The use of telecommunication for
automatically indicating or recording measurements at a
distance from the measuring instrument.
TDM (Time Division Multiplexing). TDM is the technique
by which information from multiple channels may be allocated
bandwidth on a single wire based on time slot assignment.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
A communications protocol developed by the US Department of
Defence to inter-network dissimilar systems and operates at
layers three and four (network and transport, respectively)
of the OSI model.
Text File. A file containing text characters (usually
ASCII) that can be viewed with any standard text editor.
Most mail utilities can only handle text files.
Thread. A series of newsgroup articles all dealing
with the same topic. Someone replies to an article and then
someone else replies to the reply and so on.
Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). A digital
multiplexing method to merge signals from two or more
channels, such as telephones, computers and video, into a
common channel for transmission over telephone lines.
Twisted Pair. Refers to the standard two strands of
copper that, with the appropriate insulation, have made up
ordinary physical telephone lines for most of the 20th
century. The data capacity of twisted pair is about 56
kilobits per second. However, with special equipment and
within a very few miles of a phone company's local exchange
speeds in excess of several megabits per second data
transmission have been achieved.
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Unbundling the Local Loop (ULL). Refers to the
process of allowing alternative carriers access to the
copper wires from COs to subscribers that are owned by the
incumbent operator.
Unbundled Network Elements (UNE). Parts and
components of a system that are sold separately, including
local loops, OSS, local and tandem switches, as well as
network interface devices.
Unbundling. Requiring local exchange companies to
separate the various components of their telephone service
into independently available and separately priced features,
such as local loop, switching, operator assistance and
billing.
Upload. Transferring a file to a host computer from
your computer.
URL. Short for Universal Resource Locator, a URL is
the 'address' of a web site.
Username. Used with a password to gain access to a
computer. A dial-up IP user typically has a username and
password for dialing the access provider's Internet server.
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Value-Added Services (VAS). Additional services
offered by an operator in addition to the basic DSL service
of high-speed internet access.
Videoconferencing. Enables an individual or group to
speak to each other anywhere in the world via video.
Virtual Private Network (VPN). A network set up
solely for the users of a single company. Such a network
might have a gateway to the public internet. With the
deployment of IP sec (IP security) VPNs increasingly ride on
links of the public internet.
VRML. Abbreviation for Virtual Reality Modeling
Language. An Internet standard for the rendering of 3-D
graphics.
Virus (electronic). Software, usually originating on
The Internet which infiltrates a PC, making something happen
that the owner would rather not (e.g. loss of data).
Voice over DSL (VoDSL). VoDSL describes the
transmission of a voice signal over frequency channels above
the voice channel.
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WAN. Abbreviation for Wide Area Network. Company wide
computer network that links different office sites via
public or private network so that information can be shared.
WAN Backbone. WAN backbone is the part of a wide area
network that carries the bulk of the traffic. WAN backbones
interconnect multiple locations over large geographical
areas.
WAP. Short for Wireless Application Protocol, this
allows people to use a mobile phone to send and receive e
mail and offers limited access to The Internet (via special,
cut down versions of web sites).
Web. Abbreviated version of 'world wide web'
Web Browser. Client server software used to query
worldwide websites.
Webcam. A camera designed to take digital photographs
and transmit them over the Internet or other network.
Web email. A method of sending and receiving email
that is used through a browser rather than an email client
programme.
Web Hosting. The outsourced provisioning of the
infrastructure and services necessary to create, maintain,
and monitor an IP-based communications operation.
Web page. A document stored on a Web server,
typically in the file format HTML. Web pages are retrieved
from servers and displayed by Web browsers.
Website. A virtual location on The Internet that has
been developed by an individual, business or organisation
for the purpose of giving information, advertising or
selling products through graphical interface software called
a web browser.
WYSIWYG. What You See Is What You Get. A graphical
interface to a process which shows how the end result will
look as it is being produced. For example, a WYSIWYG HTML
editor generates HTML markup but displays the document as if
viewed with a Web browser.
Wide Area Network (WAN). A network with a backbone
that can link computers over distances of hundreds or even
thousands of miles. T-3 or 45 megabits per-second has become
a minimal WAN backbone capacity. However, some WANs still
have only T-1 backbones.
Wireless Local Loop (WLL). A fixed or mobile system
that uses radio waves as a substitute for copper in making
telephone connections from the home or office to the public
switched telephone network (PSTN).
Word Processor. Software that allows you to create
and edit text - examples of use include writing letters,
reports, memos and CVs. Most packages also allow you to mix
text and graphics.
World Wide Web (WWW). A basic way of communication
through the internet.
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xDSL - a generic term used to describe all DSL
technologies
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