Glossary of Internet Terms

If you're new to the Internet, you'll need to learn a whole new language. If you're interested in making money online, please read Glossary of Terms for Internet Marketers. If you're interested in web site development, please read Glossary of Terms for Web Developers. Here are some of the new general terms you'll find online, in alphabetical order, with non-technical definitions.

BROWSER: Software used to display web pages. Microsoft Internet Explorer is an example of a browser.
CACHE: Temporary storage of web pages, used to speed up viewing. Sometimes this temporary file can cause problems and needs to be emptied. Check your system's Help files for instructions on emptying your cache file (usually found under "disk cleanup").
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Look for this tab or link on any web page where you want quick, simple information.
HTML: Hyper Text Markup Language. This is the language of websites. It isn't a programming language. It's more of a page layout language. When websites actually do something, rather than just display information, the parts that perform are written some other way, but connected to the HTML pages. Please read Beginner's Guide To HTML for more information.
HYPERLINK (or just LINK): A connection from one web page or site to another. Sometimes they're underlined or blue, but they can be very subtle. When you move your mouse pointer over a hyperlink, it will change shape--usually from an arrow to a hand--but that depends on how your system is set up.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): This is the company that allows you to connect to the Internet, and usually charges you a monthly fee. Some ISPs include a browser--like AOL--so everything is automatic. Others simply supply the connection--you're on your own to figure out how to use it. ISPs can be dialup, satellite, cable, wireless, broadband--the list of options is always growing. Some large companies now offer package deals, where you can get telephone, ISP, premium TV channels, and cell phones all on one monthly bill.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The unique "address" of a website. It will normally start with "http://" but most browsers will insert that for you if you just type in the "dot-com" on the address line. Many URLs start with WWW (World Wide Web) but that part is sometimes inserted for you, also. Many new browsers will try very hard to find the site you're looking for, even if you don't type it in exactly right. If they can't figure it out, they'll normally go to a search screen, where they'll offer help and options. When you get to a site that's meaningful to you, add it to your Favorites, immediately, so you can find it again, easily. If you can't find a site you've visited before, look for a little "down arrow" next to the address line and next to the "Back" button on your browser. Both of these options will show you a history of the sites you've visited, recently.