12.5: Electronic Communications Glossary

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII /’æski/ ASS-kee) - The most common international standard for representing alphanumeric text on a computer.

bandwidth -The number of bits that can be passed along a communications channel in a given period of time. Usually expressed as bits per second (bps). Each military installation has a limited amount of bandwidth-don’t waste it with frivolous e-mail.

bulletin-board system (BBS) - An electronic system allowing individuals with similar interests to post and view messages in a public electronic form.

binary file - A digital file format used to store non-text data. The information stored includes executable programs, sounds, images and videos.

binary digit (bit) - The smallest unit of storage in a digital computer. All programs and data in a digital computer are composed of bits.

browser - A software program that allows users to interact with World Wide Websites. Example includes Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla and Opera.

client - A computer or program that can download, run or request services from a server.

compact disc (CD, CD-ROM, CD-RW) - A disk that stores digital information using a pattern of microscopic pits and lands to represent ones and zeros. One CD-ROM holds from 650 to 700 megabytes of data or the equivalent of approximately 250,000 pages of text.

data compression - A procedure used to reduce the size of a file to reduce the disk space required to store the file or the bandwidth required to transmit the file. Many different compression formats are available and each requires a program to compress and expand the file-zip format is one of the most common.

digital video disk (DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW) - A disk that stores digital information using a pattern of pits and lands to represent ones and zeros. A specially formatted DVD is used to store movies. One DVD-ROM holds approximately \(4.7\) gigabytes of information or the equivalent of approximately \(1.8\) million pages of text.

Electronic mail (E-mail) - A message sent electronically over a computer network, such as a LAN or the Internet.

emoticon - Facial expressions originally drawn using ASCII characters and more recently drawn using an extended character set.

encryption - Changing the contents of a message in a manner to obscure the contents while still allowing the intended audience to read the message.

executable - A file containing a set of instructions to perform some process on a computer. A word processor and Internet browser are examples of an executable.

facsimile (fax) - A method of transmitting images of printed matter that predates digital computer networks. This method traditionally used phone lines but can now be implemented using computer networks.

flame mail - An e-mail message critical of some person or position taken by a person,usually more derogatory than constructive.

frequently asked questions (FAQ) - A list of questions and corresponding answers focusing on a specific topic. The FAQ is typically provided to members of a community to avoid the repetitious answering of questions asked by new users.

home page - The web page providing the entry point for a website (see web page and website).

hyperlink - A way to link access to information of various sources together within a web document. A way to connect two Internet resources via a simple word or phrase on which a user can click to start a connection.

hypertext - A method for storing, retrieving, and presenting information based on the processing power of computers. Allows computerized linking and almost instantaneous retrieval of information based on a dynamic index.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) - The native language of the WWW.

Instant Messaging (IM) - A type of communications service that enables you to create a kind of private chat room with another individual in order to communicate in real time over the Internet, analogous to a telephone conversation but using text-based, not voice-based, communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.

Internet - The overarching global computer network connecting computers, servers and local area networks across the globe.

intranet - A network with restricted availability. An intranet may provide web pages, printing and e-mail services similar to those available using the Internet, but only for a restricted set of users. Most military bases run an intranet that is only available to personnel on that base.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) - A communications program that allows real-time text-based conversations along multiple users.

list server - A computer running an electronic mailing list subscribed to by individuals with some common area of interest. Individuals typically subscribe by sending an e-mail asking to be placed on the list. Once added to the list, subscribers automatically receive messages sent to the list by other subscribers and may send their own messages to the list which are then relayed to all other subscribers.

local area network (LAN) - A system occupying a relatively small geographic area providing digital communications between automated data processing equipment, such as computers and printers.

modem - A device allowing a computer to send and receive data over telephone lines.

netiquette - Commonly accepted etiquette used when communicating over a computer network-network etiquette. Specific forms of communications might include e-mail, list server or IRC.

newbie - An individual new to using computers or new to a specific group.

newsgroup - A network service allowing individuals to post, read messages, and respond to messages posted by other users. Newsgroups may be moderated or un-moderated. If the newsgroup is moderated, messages may be removed by the moderator and user posting privileges controlled by the moderator.

organizational e-mail account - An e-mail account used to receive and send messages on behalf of an organization. This type of account allows an organization to maintain a single address for correspondence despite changing responsibilities within that organization.

server - A computer that responds to requests for information from client computers-see client. web browser-See browser.

web page - An electronic document available on the Internet or an intranet that is viewable using a web browser (see browser, Internet and intranet).

website - A collection of related web pages.

World Wide Web (WWW) – The entire web pages on all of the websites available through the Internet.