Support

Glossary of hosting terminology

A Record

DNS record used to map hostnames to an IP address.
Also see: CNAME record, DNS, Dedicated IP, IP address, MX Record

Access

When a web site requires a simple database solution, Microsoft Access is a very popular option. Access is not well suited for very high-traffic, and not as powerful as MySql or SQL Server.
Also see: Database, MySQL, SQL Server

Address

Also see: URL

ADO

ActiveX Data Object. A Microsoft technology that provides data access to any kind of data store.

ADSL

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. The standard broadband supplied within the UK where the upload speed differs from the download speed.
Also see: DSL, ISP

Anonymous FTP

Upload and download files using FTP without the need for a username and password. Although users are commonly asked to send their email address instead of a password using anonymous as the username.
Also see: FTP

AntiSpam

Different techniques to reduce spam received via email
Also see: AntiVirus, Email

AntiVirus

Different techniques to reduce virus effecting machines and being sent via email
Also see: AntiSpam, Email

Apache

An open source web server software. Mostly for Unix, Linux and Solaris platforms.
Also see: Web Server

API

Application program interface - A set of protocols and tools for building application. The API allows easier development for a programmer.

ASP

Active Server Pages is a server-side scripting technology developed by Microsoft. With ASP you can create dynamic web pages by putting script code inside your HTML pages. The code is executed by the web server before the page is returned to the browser.

Bandwidth

The measurement of data transfered. Can refer to capacity, the amount available, or used.

Browser

A software program used to display web pages. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome are some of the most common browsers.

Browser sniffing

A web site tries to determine what type of web browser is being used. This is done to suit the website to the particular capabilities of the browser.

Certificate

Also see: SSL

CGI

Common Gateway Interface. A set of rules that describes how a CGI Program communicates with a Web Server.

CGI Bin

The folder (or directory) on a Web Server that stores CGI Programs.
Also see: CGI Program

CGI Program

A small program that handles input and output from a Web Server. Often CGI programs are used for handling forms input or database queries.

CNAME record

Canonical Name record - A DNS record that specifies the domain is an alias of another canonical name
Also see: A Record, DNS, Dedicated IP, IP address, MX Record

ColdFusion

Web development software for most platforms (Linux, Unix, Solaris and Windows).

Command Line

Is a text only interface which allows you to interact with a computer operating system by typing in specific commands

Control Panel

Web browser based control system used for you to administer a hosting account

CPU

Central Processing unit - part of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program such as the operating system. It is one of the main parts of a computer.

CSS

Cascading Style Sheets - Can define how to display HTML documents

Data centre

A facility (building) used hold computer systems and related technologies such as telecommunications to allow communication to the internet

Data Transfer

The transfer of data over a set medium

Database

Collection of data or files consolidated into a common pool. Can store different context such as Text, Numeric, Imagery.
Also see: Access, MySQL, SQL Server

DBA

Data Base Administrator. The person (or the software) who administers a database. Typical task are: backup, maintenance and implementation.

Dedicated IP

An IP address with its sole purpose dedicated to one thing.
Also see: IP address

DNS

Domain name system - A naming system used for computers connected to the Internet or an intranet. Its main notable usage is from changing human readable names into a numerical (binary) number
Also see: A Record, CNAME record, Domain Name, MX Record

Domain Name

The name that identifies a Web Site. (like: pipeten.com)

dotNET

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a software framework that can be installed on computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line. The alternative broadband supplied within the UK where the upload speed differs from the download speed.
Also see: ADSL, ISP

E-Commerce

E-Commerce is about selling products or services over the Internet. If you are selling a product or a service, e-commerce is a good way to do business.

Email

Electronic mail - Used for sending electronic message using the store and forward method.

Email Alias

Similar to a forwarding email address, they are alternate address to existing mail boxes.

Email Forwarding

Email forwarding allows you to have multiple email personalities. With email forwarding, you can setup aliases for other email accounts like postmaster@yourdomain.com should be forwarded to yourdomain.com and sales@yourdomain.com should be forwarded to mary@yourdomain.com

Encryption

A method of making information unreadable using a algorithm apart from to people who own the key.

Firewall

Software that acts as a security filter that can restrict types of network communication. Most often used between a LAN and Internet.

FrontPage

FrontPage is a very common web site design tool developed by Microsoft. FrontPage allows users to develop a web site without any deep knowledge of web development. Most Windows hosting solutions support FrontPage server extensions for users that use FrontPage to develop their web site. If you plan to use FrontPage, you should look for a Windows hosting solution (meaning not Unix / Linux).

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. One of the most common methods for sending files between two computers.

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format. A compressed format for storing images developed by CompuServe. One of the most common formats on the Internet.

Hardware

Term used for the components that are used to create a computer

Hosting

A service that allows individuals or organisations to make their own website pages accessible via the Internet

HTML

HyperText Markup Language. The language of the Web. Used to add elements and attributes in text files, to define content, layout and formatting.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol. The standard set of rules for sending text files across the Internet. It requires an HTTP client program on the one end, and an HTTP server program in the other end.
Also see: HTML, HTTP Client, HTTP Server, HTTPS

HTTP Client

A computer program that requests a service from a Web Server.
Also see: HTTP, HTTP Server, Web Server

HTTP Server

A computer program providing services from a Web Server.
Also see: HTTP, HTTP Client, Web Server

HTTPS

Secured Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. Same as HTTP but provides secure Internet communication using SSL. (see also SSL)
Also see: HTML, HTTP, HTTP Client, HTTP Server

ICANN

Internet Corporation for Assigning Names and Numbers - Is a none profit organisation that is responsible for managing the assignment of some top level domain names and IP address for use on the Internet.

IE

Also see: Internet Explorer

IIS

Internet Information Services - Microsofts webserver, used for running services such as http/https, ftp and smtp
Also see: FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, Web Server

IMAP

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. IMAP is another standard protocol for sending and receiving email. The emails are received and held on your internet server until you pick it up with a client email program, like Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Messenger, etc. IMAP represents an improvement over POP because email stored on an IMAP server can be manipulated from several computers (a computer at home, a workstation at the office, etc.) without having to transfer messages back and forth between computers. POP was designed to support email access on a single computer.
Also see: Mail Server

Infrastructure

The basic structure or features of a system.

Intergrated

Combining separate elements to function as a whole.

Internet Browser

Also see: Browser

Internet Explorer

A browser by Microsoft. The most commonly used browser today.
Also see: Browser

Intranet

A private (closed) Internet, running inside a LAN (Local Area Network).

IP address

A numeric number that represents a computer on a network using the Internet Protocol.

IP Number

Internet Protocol Number. A unique number identifying every computer on the Internet (like 197.123.456.789)

ISP

Internet Service Provider. Someone that provides access to the Internet or Web Hosting.

Jailed SSH

An protected SSH user account that is locked within a certain directory and with minimal commands compare to User SSH and Root SSH
Also see: Root SSH, SSH, User SSH

Java

A programming language from SUN. Mostly for programming web servers.

JavaScript

The most popular scripting language on the internet, developed by Netscape.

JPEG

Joint Photographic Expert Group. The organization that promotes the JPG and JPEG graphic formats for storing compressed images.

JPEG and JPG

Graphic formats for storing compressed images.
Also see: JPEG

JScript

Microsofts version of JavaScript.

LAN

Local Area Network. Computers connected together in a small local network, like inside the same building, usually connected via local cables.
Also see: WAN

Linux Hosting

Linux hosting means hosting of web services that runs on the Linux operating system. Linux hosting is recomended if you plan to use PHP (Pre Hypertext Processing) as server scripting, or if you plan to use a database such as MySQL.
Also see: Apache, MySQL, PHP

Logs

A file that is automatically created and maintained that records activity upon a server.

Mail Server

A server (computer) responsible for sending, routing and delivering email.

Mailing Lists

Some service providers offer mailing list capabilities. This is a valuable plus if you plan sending out email to a large number of users.

Memory

A computer component that stores data on a temporary or permanent basis.

MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions/Internet media type - An identifier of file formats used on the Internet. Usually in two parts, as type and sub type e.g a type would be Video with sub type of mp4.

Monitoring

To be aware of a state of a system

MX Record

It specifies a mail server for a particular domain within the DNS
Also see: A Record, CNAME record, DNS

MySQL

MySQL is a popular database software for web sites. MySQL is a reliable opensource alternative to the Microsoft and Oracle solutions.
Also see: Database

Netscape

The browser Netscape from the company Netscape. The most popular browser for many years. Today IE has the lead.
Also see: Browser

Network

A group of computers connected together for the use of communication

Nominet

Similar type of organisation as ICANN however only look after the assignment of .uk domains.
Also see: ICANN

ODBC DSN

Open Database Connectivity - An open standard API for accessing a database
Also see: API, Database

Opera

The browser Opera from the company Opera.
Also see: Browser

OS

Operating System. The software that manages the operating of a computer.

PHP

Just like ASP, PHP is a server-side scripting language which allows you to create dynamic web pages by putting script code inside your HTML pages. The code is executed by the web server before the page is returned to the browser.

POP Email

POP stands for Post Office Protocol. POP is a standard client/server protocol for sending and receiving email. The emails are received and held on your internet server until you pick it up with a client email program, like Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Messenger, etc. POP email programs are built into Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers (i.e. Microsoft Outlook Express).
Also see: Mail Server

RAID

Redundant Array of Independent Disks. A standard for connection multiple disks to the same server for higher security, speed and performance. Often used on web servers.

Rate Limit

Rate limit or Rate limiting is a method used to rate the traffic sent or received over a computer network

Root SSH

An unprotected SSH user that has the ability to use all commands and has full control over the server
Also see: Jailed SSH, Root SSH, User SSH

SCP

SCP is a network protocol that allows for files to be transferred via an SSH tunnel
Also see: SSH

Secure Copy

Also see: SCP

Server

A networked computer that provides a specific type of service such as a webserver that will server webpages to web browser

Service Level Agreement

Also see: SLA

Shared Web Server

A server that shares its resources with different users
Also see: Web Server

SLA

An SLA is an agreement between two parties where one is the customer and the other is a service provider. In this agreement a level of service has been agreed that must be met by the service provider

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - The main protocol used for sending email over the Internet
Also see: Mail Server

SOAP

Simple Object Access Protocol. A standard protocol for letting applications communicate with each other using XML.

Solaris

Computer operating system from SUN.

SQL Server

Microsofts SQL Server is one of the most popular database software for database-driven web sites with high traffic. SQL Server is a very powerful, robust and full featured SQL database system.
Also see: Database

SSH

Secure Shell - A protocol that allows secure data transfer between two networked computers via a secure channel. Designed to replace insecure methods such as telnet

SSI

Server Side Includes - Is a server side scripting language used mainly on the web.

SSL

A SLL (Secure Socket Layer) can transmit data encrypted. If you plan to do online credit card transactions, or other types of web communication that needs to be protected against unauthorized access, you must use a secure server.

Telnet

A protocol for data transfer between two networked computers

Traceroute

A computer command used to determine the packet path taken between two TCP/IP networked computers.

Unix

Computer operating system. Mostly used for servers and web servers.
Also see: Server, Web Server

UPS

Uninterruptible power supply - Provides a battery backup to systems when the main power fails. Differs from other alternative power supplies as is instant and will take over the power automatically if there is a failure

URL

Uniform Resource Locator. The standard way to address (or identify) a resource on the Internet (like: http://www.pipeten.com/)

User SSH

An less protected SSH user account that is locked down with less permissions than root
Also see: Jailed SSH, Root SSH, SSH

VB

Also see: Visual Basic

VBScript

A scripting language from Microsoft. Mostly used with ASP for programming web servers. Can also be used to program Internet Explorer.
Also see: ASP

Virtual Machine

A software implementation of a computer that acts the same as a physical machine. A virtual machine provides a complete computer cable of running its own operating system. A virtual machine shares the resources of the underlying physical machine with other virtual machines running there own operating systems.

Visual Basic

A programming language from Microsoft.

VM

Also see: Virtual Machine

VPN

Virtual Private Network. A private network between two remote sites, over a secure encrypted virtual Internet connection (a tunnel).

VRML

Virtual Reality Modeling Language. A programming language to allow 3D effects to be added to HTML documents.

W3C

World Wide Web Consortium. The organization responsible for managing standards for the WWW.

WAN

Wide Area Network. Computers connected together in a wide network, larger than a LAN, usually connected via phone lines.
Also see: LAN

Web Browser

Also see: Browser

Web Host

Someone that provides Web Site space to companies or individuals.

Web Page

A document (normally an HTML file) designed to be distributed over the Web.
Also see: HTML

Web Server

A computer providing Web Services to other computers.

Web Services

Software components and applications running on web servers. Web services provide data services to other computers, browsers or individuals, often using XML as the communication protocol.

Web Site

A collection of Web Pages belonging to a company or an individual.

Web-based Email

Web-based email services enable you to access email via a web browser. You log into your email account via the Web to send and retrieve email. Being able to access your email from any browser anywhere in the world can be very useful
Also see: Browser, Mail Server

Webmaster

The person responsible for a particular website. Can also been known as web developer, web administrator or site author etc.

whois

A protocol used for querying a particular database that holds domain name information. Usually reports owning individual or organisation, address details, nameservers, expiry date and domain status.

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting means hosting of web services that runs on the Windows operating system. You should choose Windows hosting if you plan to use ASP (Active Server Pages) as server scripting, or if you plan to use a database like Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server.
Also see: ASP, Access, IIS, SQL Server, dotNET

WWW Server

The same as a Web Server.
Also see: Web Server