ActiveX control: A software module developed by Microsoft that functions as a set of rules that tells applications how they should interact with one another. On the Internet, ActiveX controls can be imbedded in Web pages and implemented by ActiveX-compliant Web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, to enable Web pages to perform like programs. ActiveX controls are similar to Java applets, except ActiveX controls have full access to the Windows operating system. This makes ActiveX controls more powerful tools than Java applets, but also increases the risk of damage to the client-side system.

Algorithm: A detailed, ordered set of instructions for solving a problem. This term is used in computer programming to refer to instructions given to the computer.

Animated GIF: An image file comprised of multiple images. These images display in sequence through one or an infinite number of loops to create an animated effect. Animated GIFs are saved in the GIF89a image format and can only be viewed with software that supports the GIF89a standard.

Applet: A Java program that can be distributed as part of a Web page and executed by a Java-enabled Web browser.

ASCII (American standard code for information interchange): A standard binary code for representing English language characters. Also called "plain text." ASCII code uses 7 bits per character with each letter of the alphabet assigned a number from 1 to 127. For example, the letter "a" is assigned the number 65. Most computer systems use ASCII to represent text, which makes it possible to transfer data between different computer systems. E-mail messages are typically sent as ASCII text and HTML documents are also stored in ASCII format, making them accessible to many computer system types.

ASP (active server page): An HTML page that includes one or more scripts, or small embedded programs, that are processed on a Microsoft Web server (Internet Information Server) before the page is sent to the user. Typically, the script in the Web page (at the server level) uses input from a user's request to access data from a database and then builds or customises the page before sending it to the requester.

AVS (address verification system): In 1996, VISA/MasterCard headquarters introduced a new regulation requiring all businesses who manually key in the majority of their credit card transactions to have a special fraud prevention feature on their credit card processing equipment. This feature is referred to as an address verification system (it checks to see that the billing address given by the customer matches the credit card). If you opt not to use AVS, VISA and MasterCard will not support your transactions and will charge you an additional 1.25% on those sales.

backbone: In a hierarchical network, the backbone is the top level, employing high-speed data transmission and serving as a major access point; smaller networks connect to the backbone.

Backdoor: An unofficial means of gaining access to a computer system, a program, or data, usually undocumented and known only to person who created it. Backdoors can be useful if the usual way of access is blocked, but they compromise security.

Bandwidth: The amount of electronic data that can be transferred through an electronic connection in a given time. For modems connected by telephone to the Internet, the modem's "speed" represents the maximum possible bandwidth of the connection, such 56.6 Kps (kilobits per second). Competent Web site operators strive to keep the size of Web page files low to conserve bandwidth and to speed downloading.

Banner ad: An image file that displays an online advertisement, typically sized for placement at the top or bottom of a Web page and linked to another page.

Bit: Short for "binary digit." The smallest unit of information a computer can hold.

BRI (basic rate interface): Basic ISDN service at 128 Kbps.

Broadband: A transmission medium capable of supporting a wide range of frequencies, typically from audio up to video frequencies. It can carry multiple signals by dividing the total capacity of the medium into multiple, independent bandwidth channels, where each channel operates only on a specific range of frequencies.

Browser: A software program used for locating, requesting, and displaying Web pages. Examples include Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Mozilla.

Byte: The amount of memory space used to store one character, which is usually 8 bits.

Cache: A temporary storage area for frequently accessed or recently accessed data. Having certain data stored in a cache speeds up the operation of a computer.

Carrier: A means of transport for goods. Carriers can include aeroplanes, ships, trains, and trucks.

CGI (common gateway interface): A way of interfacing computer programs with http or Web servers, so that a server can offer interactive sites instead of just static text and images.

CGI script: A program that is run on a Web server, in response to input from a browser. The CGI script is the link between the server and a program running on the system; for example, a database. CGI scripts are used with interactive forms.

Chargeback: A chargeback occurs when a card holder disputes a credit card transaction with his or her credit card issuer. The card issuer initiates a chargeback against the merchant account. The amount of the disputed transaction is immediately withdrawn from the merchant's bank account, and the merchant has 10 days in which to dispute the chargeback with proof of purchase, signature, proof of delivery, etc. A chargeback fee is usually assessed to the merchant on top of the actual transaction. See also retrieval request.

Click-through: A click-through is registered whenever a viewer clicks on a banner ad. This measurement is important to determine whether an ad is successfully getting traffic.

Client: The computer in a client/server architecture that requests files or services. The computer that provides services is called the server. The most common types of client on the Internet are computers running browsers or e-mail programs. The client may request file transfer, remote logins, printing, or other available services. The client also means the software that makes the connection possible.

Co-location: Placement of a server, usually a Web server, at a dedicated facility with specific security and support resources. Co-location facilities house hardware and equipment, protecting them from theft, vandalism or fire.

CPA (cost per action): Any ad-pricing formula in which advertisers pay not for viewership but when visitors perform a certain action in response to the ad, such as filling out a registration form, entering a contest or making a purchase.

CPC (cost per click): A form of CPA pricing. Advertisers pay each time a viewer clicks on their ad.

CPM (cost per thousand): When referring to banner ads, the CPM is the cost per thousand impressions. This equals how much an advertiser pays for 1,000 page views, or impressions, of its banner.

Crontab file: A file containing a list of commands to be automatically executed at a specified time, often on a regular basis, by a computer's operating system. UNIX uses the crontab command to make changes to this file.

CTR (click-through rate): The percentage of times an ad is clicked on, based on the number of times it's viewed. If a banner ad is seen by 200 site visitors and 10 of them actually click on the ad, the banner ad has a click-though rate of 5%.

commerce server: A Web server that contains the software necessary for processing customer orders via the Web, including shopping cart programs, dynamic inventory databases, and online payment systems. Commerce servers are usually also secure servers.

Connector: The part of a cable that plugs into a port or interface to connect one device to another.

Cookies: Small files that are automatically downloaded from a Web server to the computer of someone browsing a Web site. Information stored in cookies can then be accessed any time that computer returns to the site. Cookies allow Web sites to "personalise" their appearance by identifying visitors, storing passwords, tracking preferences, and other possibilities.

Crawler: See spider.

CSS (cascading style sheets): A method used to attach styles such as specific fonts, colours, and spacing to HTML documents. Because they "cascade," some elements take precedence over others.

Customs house broker: an individual or a company with an individual who prepares customs entries, import classification and consulting services. U.S. licensed customs house brokers must pass written brokerage examinations administered by U.S. Customs. A company offering in-house customs house brokerage services must have at least one licensed individual broker overseeing the entry writing and classification.

cXML (commerce XML): A new set of document type definitions (DTD) for the XML specification. cXML works as a meta-language that defines necessary information about a product. It will be used to standardise the exchange of catalogue content and to define request/response processes for secure electronic transactions over the Internet. The processes includes purchase orders, change orders, acknowledgements, status updates, ship notifications, and payment transactions.

DAT (digital audio tape): A professional standard medium and technology for the digital recording of audio on tape. A DAT drive is a digital tape recorder with rotating heads similar to those found in a video deck.

Database: A file or file system containing organised information and, most commonly, a filing and retrieval system for storing information. Most database software also includes tools for data analysis. Examples of database software include Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft Access.

DDS (digital data storage): A format for storing and backing up computer data on tape that evolved from the digital audio tape (DAT) technology. The DDS format of data storage uses DAT cartridges (it uses a 4 mm tape). There are four types of DDS drives: DDS-1, which can store up to 2 gigabytes of uncompressed data on a 120-minute cartridge; DDS-2, which can store up to 8 GB of uncompressed data on a 120-minute cartridge; DDS-3, which can store up to 24 GB of uncompressed data on a 125-minute cartridge; and DDS-4, which can store up to 40 GB of uncompressed data on a 125-minute cartridge.

Device: Any machine or component that attaches to a computer. Examples of devices include disk drives, printers, mice, and modems.

Device driver: Software to control a hardware component or peripheral device of a computer, such as a magnetic disk, magnetic tape, or printer.

dHTML (dynamic HTML): An extension of HTML that gives greater control over the layout of page elements and the ability to have Web pages that change and interact with the user without having to communicate with the server. The three components of DHTML pages are HTML, Java script, and cascading style sheets.

Digital signature: A digital code that can be attached to an electronically transmitted message that uniquely identifies the sender. Like a written signature, the purpose of a digital signature is to guarantee that the individual sending the message really is who he or she claims to be. Digital signatures are especially important for e-commerce and are a key component of most authentication schemes.

Discount rate: A percentage fee paid to the merchant account provider or ISO for handling an electronic transaction. This fee includes the interchange rate. Most Web merchants pay between 2 percent and 10 percent of their revenue from online credit card orders.

Disk: A round plate on which data can be encoded.

Disk drive: A machine that reads data from and writes data onto a disk. A disk drive rotates the disk very fast and has one or more heads that read and write data.

DNS (domain name server): A server that translates IP addresses to domain names. Instead of users having to type an IP address (such as "103.31.10.253") into their browsers to navigate to a Web site, domain name servers allow them type in a URL with a text-based domain name in it, such as "www.ternring.com," to get to the site.

Domain: A designation for particular location on the Internet. A domain, for example "ternring.com," contains files that make up the content of Web pages under that address. ternring.com/intro.htm and ternring.com/report3.htm are different Web pages located within the same domain. Domain names are associated with IP addresses. See also domain name.

Domain name: An Internet address in alphabetic form. Domain names must have at least two parts: the part on the left (the second-level domain name), which names the organisation, and the part on the right (the top-level domain name), which identifies the highest subdomain, such as the country (".fr" for France, ".co.uk" for United Kingdom) or the type of organisation (".com" for "commercial," ".edu" for "educational," etc.). The IP address is translated into the domain name by the domain name server. See also domain.

Download: To transfer files or data from one computer to another. To download means "to receive"; to upload means "to transmit."

Downtime: The time during which a computer, or system, does not work because of hardware or system software failure. Contrast to uptime.

Drop shipment: A situation in which the goods shipped are sent to the final customer rather than the initial buyer or consignee. Typically, this occurs when the consignee or original buyer has sold the goods to another party.

E-commerce: The processing of economic transactions, such as buying and selling, through electronic communication. E-commerce often refers to transactions occurring on the Internet, such as credit card purchases at Web sites. See also Internet commerce.

EDI (electronic data interchange, or electronic document interchange): The exchange of standardised document forms between computer systems (usually at different companies) for business use. This involves conversion of a transmitted document into a format readable by the receiving computer.

EFT (electronic funds transfer): Transfer of money initiated through electronic terminal, automated teller machine, computer, telephone, or magnetic tape. In the late 1990s, this increasingly includes transfer initiated via the Web. The term also applies to credit card and automated bill payments.

electron gun: Three radiation-emitting elements inside a traditional computer monitor. The guns fire electron beams on command from the video board. The electrons are guided magnetically toward a set of phosphor dots on the face of the tube. A mask, or grid, between the gun and the tube face assures the beams from the gun hit only the phosphor dots towards which they're aimed.

encryption: Putting data into a secret code so it is unreadable except by authorised users.

exception data: in tracking or tracing, information provided for a delayed item indicating where an item is, why it was delayed, and the activity pending. "On board flight 006" and "pending customs clearance" are forms of exception data.

e-zine: A regular publication on some particular topic distributed in digital form, chiefly now via the Web but also by e-mail or floppy disk.

factoring: The purchase of debts owed, or "accounts receivable," in exchange for immediate payment at a discount. In e-commerce, the term is often applied to ISOs that offer to process credit card transactions through their own merchant account rather than through an account established by the merchant, in exchange for a percentage of the transaction or other fee. Factoring of credit card debt is illegal.

failover: A completely redundant system requiring special hardware and software that allows two or more servers to work together so that in the event that one server fails, the other servers take over without any loss of data.

FAQ (frequently asked questions): A list of the answers to frequently asked questions, usually questions asked by visitors to a Web site.

file compression: You can use PKZIP, ZipIt, gzip, or another compatible archiver to compress a file (to code the data in it in a way that makes it more compact). Compressed files save storage space and are faster to transmit.

Flash: A bandwidth-friendly and browser-independent animation technology that uses geometrical formulas (rather than patterns of dots) to represent images. As long as different browsers are equipped with the necessary plug-ins, Flash animations will look the same when viewed by any of them.

Front end: The user interface that appears on a Web page and allows a visitor to the site to interact with dynamic features, including databases, shopping cart programs, and online purchase processing software.

FTP (file transfer protocol): A set of standard codes for transferring files over the Internet. FTP is usually used for retrieving large files or files that cannot be displayed through a browser. It is also the most common method for transferring HTML documents from a local directory to a server on a remote computer. Windows FTP and Fetch are examples of FTP software.

Fulfilment: the act of getting an ordered item from the warehouse shelf to the customer. This can include any or all of the following: order call management, warehousing, pick and pack, packaging, printing literature, hang tags, labels, or stories, any manipulation such as label removal or addition, shipment waybill preparation, and shipping.

Gateway: A device that connects two computer networks that use different protocols. It translates between protocols so that computers on the connected networks can exchange data. For example, commercial online services often have gateways for sending e-mail to Internet addresses.

Gateway page: Also known as a "jump," "doorway," or "bridge" page. In order to optimise a Web site's ranking with search engines, some Webmasters build gateway pages, pages customised to each search engine with specific META tags and keywords. These pages are intended to appeal to search engine spiders, and aren't always visible to customers who visit the Web site.

GB (gigabyte): One billion bytes.

GIF (graphic interchange file): A file type that contains a graphic, photo, or other image. GIFs are commonly found on the Web, along with another graphic file format, the JPEG. GIFs tend to take less memory and bandwidth than JPEGs, and can contain animation. JPEGs offer greater image clarity, especially for photo images.

Grep (global/regular expression/print): A flexible search-and-replace function that can search one or more files for specified characters and/or strings. It also allows non-specific searches for partial strings. Originating from the UNIX command by the same name, it also refers to search utilities using the same method for Mac and Windows operating systems.

GUI (graphical user interface): The use of pictures rather than just words to represent the input and output of a computer program. The program displays certain icons, buttons, dialogue boxes, etc., and the user controls it mainly by moving a pointer on the screen (typically controlled by a mouse) and selecting certain objects by pressing buttons on the mouse while the pointer is pointing at them.

Handshaking: In telephone communication, handshaking is the exchange of information between two modems that precedes each telephone connection, and the resulting agreement about which protocol to use for the connection. (Because the modems at each end of the line may have different capabilities, they need to inform each other and settle on the highest transmission speed they can both use.) You can hear the handshaking in those crunching and other sounds that occur when you make a dial-out call from your computer.

Hard disk: The main device that a computer uses to store information. Hard disks are rigid aluminium or glass disks coated with ferromagnetic material that rotate around a central axle. Data is transferred magnetically by a read/write head. A hard disk drive for a personal computer may contain as many as eight hard disks, rotating around the same axle.

Hexadecimal digits: The 16-digit code used to express colours on a computer screen. 0-9 represent the first 10 numbers, while A-F represent numbers 10 through 15. These 16 digits are combined in groups of six, which tell the computer which colour to depict. 660033 represents brick red.

Hit: A hit occurs when a surfer downloads a file for viewing in his or her Web browser. Every time a site's Web server passes information (text, graphics, calls to CGI scripts, MIDI recordings, QuickTime movies) to an end user, it records a hit in the log file with that file's path name. For example, if you download a Web page containing text and three images, you will have registered five hits -- one hit for the HTML page, one hit for the text file, and one hit for each graphic file. The Web server hosting these files keeps track of the number of accesses made by each viewer and stores this information in a log file. Hits are not the best measure of how many people are viewing your site; however, they do tell you exactly what your viewers are downloading.

Hop: When a URL request from a Web browser has to go from one router to another. Each time this happens there must be an information exchange between routers, and thus some delay.

Hop count: A hop count is the number of times that a URL request from a Web browser ventures from one router to another.

Host: A host is any computer directly connected to a network that acts as a repository for services (such as e-mail, or FTP) available for other computers on the network.

HTML (hypertext markup language): A set of codes that determine how a Web page will appear, including graphics, links, and text characteristics. Other code sets that build on HTML include dHTML, VRML, and XML.

HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol): The protocol most often used to transfer information from Web servers to browsers, which is why Web addresses begin with "http://."

Hue: The property of colours determined by the dominant wavelength of light; for example, red, yellow, green and blue.

Hyperlink: A reference (in the form of a link) from some point in one hypertext document to (some point in) another document or another place in the same document. A browser usually displays a hyperlink in some distinguishing way, for instance, in a different colour, font, or style. When the user activates the link (by clicking on it with the mouse) the browser will display the target of the link.

Hypertext: A term that refers to a collection of documents that contain cross-references or "links" which, with the aid of an interactive browser program, allow the reader to move easily from one document to another.

IDE (integrated drive electronics): A standard electronic interface used between a computer motherboard's data paths or bus and the computer's disk storage devices.

Impressio: This term is often used to tell advertisers how many times their ads were delivered. See also hit.

Integrated carrier: a company that offers seamless door-to-door shipping services for small packages. Rate structures are based on door-to-door services.

Interchange: A standard format for sharing or transferring data electronically between parties that do not share a common application. Usually a format that is platform-independent is agreed upon as a standard.

Interchange rate: The fee charged to a merchant by card associations for each transaction. The rate is based on the type of card presented, how it is processed, and the type of business accepting the credit card. The rate is passed to the merchant by the merchant account provider or ISO in the discount rate.

Interface: Something that connects two separate entities. For example, a user interface is the part of a program that connects the computer with a human operator (user). There are also interfaces to connect programs, to connect devices, and to connect programs to devices. An interface can be a program or a device, such as an electrical connector.

Internet commerce: A broad term covering all commercial transactional activities on the Internet. Internet commerce can range from vendors selling software from a Web storefront (Web site) to large corporate procurement systems using an Internet-based VPN (virtual private network) to deal with trading partners. Internet commerce is not synonymous with e-commerce, which covers all electronic commercial activities.

IP address (Internet protocol address): A designation for a particular location on the Internet, such as "140.23.719.6." IP addresses are associated with domain names.

ISDN: A set of communications standards allowing a single wire or optical fibre to carry voice, digital network services, and video.

ISO (independent service organisation): A firm or organisation that offers to process online credit card transactions, usually in exchange for transaction fees or a percentage of sales.

ISP (Internet service provider): A firm that provides access to the Internet, including Web browsing and e-mail. ISPs often offer connections that can be accessed by dialling a telephone number through your computer's modem.

Java: A programming language frequently used on Web sites. Some Java programs, or "applets" are downloaded from the Web server to the visitor's own computer, which then runs them. This distinguishes Java programs from other Web programming languages, such as PERL, that reside and run on the Web server (only the results are downloaded to the visitor's computer).

JavaScript: A scripting language developed by Netscape independent of its Java programming language. While it shares many features with Java, it is not as powerful and is used primarily as source code on Web pages. JavaScript interacts with HTML to create dynamic Web pages.

JPEG (or JPG): A file format used for storing graphic images, usually photographs. JPEG files are larger than GIFs of the same image but offer better colour control and clarity. See also GIF.

KB (kilobyte): 1,024 bytes. A unit of measurement used for computer file sizes.

Kbps (kilobits per second): A measure of data transfer speed. Modems, for example, are measured in Kbps. Note that 1 Kbps is 1,000 bits per second, whereas a kilobyte (KB) is 1,024 bytes.

Keyword: A word or phrase used in a search engine query, for example, to find Web documents relating to a particular subject.

LAN (local area network): A network that connects computers that are close to each other, usually in the same building, linked by a cable.

Lane segment: refers to trade between a particular origin point and destination point. The West Coast to Tokyo is one lane segment.

Latency: The brief delay when a packet is stored, analysed then forwarded.

MAP (merchant account provider): A bank or other institution that hosts merchant accounts and processes online credit card transactions. The term is also often used broadly to include any credit card processing service, including ISOs.

MB (megabyte): 220 bytes = 1,048,576 bytes, or 1,024 kilobytes. Used to measure computer memory.

Megahertz (MHz): Stands for "millions of cycles per second." The unit of frequency used to measure the clock rate (the fundamental rate at which a computer performs its most basic operations, such as adding two numbers or transferring a value from one register to another) of modern digital logic, including microprocessors.

Merchant account: A bank account established by a merchant to receive the proceeds of credit card purchases. By establishing a merchant account, the merchant bank agrees to pay the merchant for valid credit card purchases in exchange for the right to collect on the debt owed by the consumer.

Merchant bank: A bank that holds a merchant account. After a consumer buys a product using a credit card, the merchant bank places funds into a merchant account in exchange for the right to collect on the debt owed by a consumer. See also merchant account provider.

Meta tag: A special HTML tag that provides information about a Web page. Unlike normal HTML tags, meta tags do not affect how the page is displayed. Instead, they provide information such as who created the page, how often it is updated, what the page is about, and which keywords represent the page's content. Many search engines use this information when building their indices.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): A hardware and software standard for electronic music. It records music created by computer or digital synthesiser in a format other machines can recognise. Information about musical attributes such as note, pitch, length, volume and synthesiser controls is shared through a standard interface.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): An encoding protocol that allows various file types to be exchanged via the Internet. File types are identified by MIME type, such as RealAudio (RA) or GIF. E-mail message headers and HTML within a Web page carry information for a file's MIME type. It tells the end user's e-mail client or browser which application or plug-in is needed to view the contents of the file.

Mirror site: A mirror site is an exact replica of a company or organisation's original site. Mirror sites reduce access time for users who are geographically distant from the original site.

Mirroring: As it relates to fault protection, mirroring is the practice of creating and maintaining an exact replica of the original data from one hard drive to a second hard drive. The data is usually updated frequently to ensure that it reflects the content of the original data.

Modem: Acronym for "modulator-demodulator." A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines. Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analogue waves. A modem converts between these two forms.

Motherboard: The main printed circuit board in an electronic device, particularly a computer, which contains sockets that accept additional boards ("daughterboards"). In a (personal) computer, the motherboard contains the bus, the microprocessor and chips used for controlling any built-in peripherals such as the keyboard, text and graphics display, serial ports and parallel ports, joystick and mouse interfaces.

MOTO discount rate (mail order / telephone order discount rate): The discount rate charged by the merchant account provider for credit card transaction in which the actual credit card was not available to the merchant. MOTO discount rates are generally higher than swipe discount rates to account for the increased chance of fraud or non-payment.

Mouse: A pointing device that is used to move a cursor on the computer screen and make various operations possible, such as typing, drawing, editing text and graphics, opening and closing files, and giving other commands. A mouse is moved over a flat horizontal surface, usually a rubber mouse pad, and its position is read by the computer.

MP3: A digital audio compression algorithm that achieves a compression factor of about 12 while preserving sound quality. It does this by optimising the compression according to the range of sound that people can actually hear. MP3 is currently (July 1999) the most powerful algorithm in a series of audio encoding standards developed under the sponsorship of the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and formalised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).MP3 files (filename extension ".MP3") can be downloaded from many Web sites and can be played using software available for most operating systems (also downloadable), e.g., Winamp for PC, MacAmp for Macintosh, and mpeg123 for Unix.

MRO (maintenance, repair, and operating) goods and services: Goods and services that businesses need in order to run properly, such as office supplies and cleaning services.

NAP(network access point): A junction where Internet service providers (ISPs) connect with each other. Also known as Internet Exchanges (IXs).

Network: A group of interconnected computers, including the hardware and software used to connect them.

Network address: The host number, network number, and socket number of an entity, constituting its address on the Internet.

Node: In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognise and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.

Packet: A unit of data formatted for transmission on a network. Data is broken up into packets for sending over a packet switching network. Each packet has a header containing its source and destination, a block of data content, and an error-checking code. All the data packets related to a message may not take the same route to get to their destination; they are reassembled once they have arrived.

Page view: A page view is counted every time an entire Web page is viewed, meaning each file: graphics, sound, HTML, etc. Because a hit is counted each time a file is viewed, page views are a more accurate way to determine numbers of visits and are a commonly used metric for tracking those visits. Numbers of page views are becoming more difficult to assess because some pages contain frames that divide the pages into separate parts. Use of frames allows publishers to count each part as a page view, which helps publishers boost their site traffic counts.

Parity: A technique of checking whether data has been lost or written over when it's moved from one place in storage to another or when it's transmitted between computers. Parity uses a bit-level calculation to combine the data in two drives into a third drive. If any one of the drives fails a system administrator can swap it out and put in a new one.

Payment gateway: The code that transmits a customer's order to and from a merchant's bank's transaction-authorizing agent -- usually a MAP (merchant account provider). See also payment gateway provider.

Payment gateway provider: A company that provides code and/or software for an e-commerce site to enable it to transfer information from its shopping cart to the acquiring bank, and on through the rest of the credit card transaction. See also payment gateway.

PCB (printed circuit board): A thin board (usually in a personal computer) to which electronic components are fixed by solder.

Peering: A relationship between two or more Internet service providers (ISPs) in which they create a direct link and forward each other's packets across this link rather than via the standard Internet backbone. This results in faster access.

Perl: Perl is a general-purpose programming language invented in 1987 by Larry Wall. With over one million users world-wide, it has become the language of choice for Web development, text processing, Internet services, mail filtering, graphical programming, systems administration, and every other task requiring portable and easily-developed solutions.

Permission: The access status of a file or directory as readable, writeable or executable. Individual files and directories can be given different levels of access to different kinds of users. Permission status is changed by and in accordance with the commands used by the operating system. For example, the UNIX command for setting permissions is chmod. Using chmod, a system administrator can designate read, write or execute access to the owner of the file, the group of users the file belongs to or all users.

PIN (personal identification number): A numeric or alphanumeric code used to verify the identity of an individual attempting to use a credit card, debit card, or other account.

Ping (from "packet Internet groper"): Ping is a basic Internet program that lets you verify that a particular Internet address exists and can accept requests. The verb "to ping" means the act of using the ping utility or command. Ping is used diagnostically to ensure that a host computer is actually operating. If, for example, a user can't ping a host, then he or she will be unable to use file transfer protocol (FTP) to send files to that host. Ping can also be used with a host that is operating to see how long it takes to get a response back.Loosely, ping means "to get the attention of" or "to check for the presence of" another party online. Ping operates by sending a packet to a designated address and waiting for a response.

Pixel: Short for "picture element," a pixel is a single point in a graphic (image). Graphics monitors display pictures by dividing the display screen into thousands (or millions) of pixels, arranged in rows and columns. The pixels are so close together that they appear connected.

Plug: A connector used to link together devices.

Plug-in: A file containing data used to alter, enhance, or extend the operation of a parent program.

POP (post office protocol): A protocol designed to allow single-user computers to retrieve e-mail from a POP server. The POP server might be a computer with a permanent Internet connection, whereas its clients might only connect to it occasionally, e.g., by modem.

Port: An interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports for connecting disk drives, display screens, and keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and other peripheral devices.

POS terminal (point of sale terminal): An electronic device used for verifying and processing credit card transactions. If the credit card is available, the merchant can swipe the card through the terminal. See also swipe discount rate and MOTO discount rate.

Program: An organised list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner. Without programs, computers are useless. (When you buy software, you normally buy an executable version of a program.)

Protocol: A set of rules that regulate the way data is transmitted between computers.

Public key encryption: A method of encrypting electronic data. Developed to account for weaknesses in symmetric encryption, public key encryption does not require the transmission of decoding keys themselves.RAID (redundant array of independent disks): The use of two or more disk drives instead of one disk (see hard disk), which provides better disk performance, error recovery, and fault tolerance, and includes interleaved storage techniques and mirroring of important data.

RAM (random access memory): A type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers.

Redundancy: A backup system, whereby other computer systems, network devices and peripherals are set up to take on the processing or transmission load if the primary units fail.

Reserve account: A portion of the revenue from a merchant's credit card transactions held in reserve by the merchant account provider to cover possible disputed charges, chargeback fees, and other expenses. After a predetermined time, funds in reserve accounts are turned over to the merchant. Note: Merchant account providers almost never pay interest on funds in reserve accounts.

Retrieval request: A retrieval request is what happens when a card holder cannot remember a credit card transaction, or the bank wants order information for some reason. The card issuer initiates a retrieval request, in which the merchant has 10 days to respond with the order information or the retrieval request will turn into a chargeback. There is usually a retrieval request fee issued against the merchant also in these cases.

RGB: An acronym for red, green and blue, the three colours computer monitors combine in different amounts to make all other colours The colour brick red has an RGB of 102, 000, 051.

Rich medi: Presentations that communicate their messages using a combination of media. A rich media presentation may include text, graphics, animation, sound, video, etc.

Robot: See spider.

Root directory: The topmost directory in a hierarchical directory structure. The root directory name is specified by the operating system and usually corresponds to the name of a disk or disk drive where information is stored. All directories within the structure are accessed via a path originating from the root directory. For example, C:\ is commonly designated as the root directory for the primary hard disk on a PC running MS DOS. All subsequent directories, such as C:\downloads\graphics\ are accessible only via a path beginning with the root C:\.

Router: A device that finds the best path for a data packet to be sent from one network to another. A router stores and forwards electronic messages between networks, first determining all possible paths to the destination address and then picking the most expedient route, based on the traffic load and the number of hops.

Routing: Forwarding data, in packets, to their destinations, via a dedicated device called a router. Intermediary computers along the path employ routing tables to determine the most efficient path to the target machine, or destination.

Scalability: This term refers to how well a hardware or software system can adapt to increased demands.

Search engine: A remotely accessible program that lets you do keyword searches for information/sites on the Web.

Secure server: A Web server or other computer connected to the Internet that is capable of establishing encrypted communication with clients, generally using SSL or SET.

Server:The computer in a client/server architecture that supplies files or services. The computer that requests services is called the client.

Server-side include (SSI): A line of code in an HTML file that directs the Web server to insert text or the results of an executed file into the HTML file. The result is a dynamically generated Web page.

SET (secure electronic transaction): A system for encrypting e-commerce transactions, such as online credit card purchases. Developed by Visa, MasterCard, Microsoft, and several major banks, SET combines 1,024-bit encryption with digital certificates to ensure security. SET is still in development.

Shipper: the company that sells the product being shipped to the receiving party, or consignee.

Shockwave: A technology developed by Macromedia Inc. that enables Web pages to include multimedia objects.

Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP): A platform-independent method of exchanging information across the Internet. It uses XML and HTTP to complete the exchange.

SLA (service level agreement): A contract between the provider and the user that specifies the level of service expected for the duration of the contract. SLAs can specify response time for problem resolution, bandwidth availability and so on.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): A TCP/IP protocol used for sending and receiving e-mail primarily between mail servers and from the e-mail client to the mail server. Because of SMTP's limited ability to manage e-mail queues, however, the e-mail client uses other e-mail protocols, such as POP, to retrieve mail.

Socket: (1) A hardware receptacle for a plug. (2) A communication path between two computer processes on the same machine or different machines. On a network, sockets serve as endpoints for exchanging data between computers. Each socket has a socket address, which is a port number plus a network address. Network connections are established by a socket device driver.

Spam: Unsolicited e-mail. There are two common usages: 1) mass e-mailings by commercial sites to recipients who have not requested any contact, and 2) e-mail sent to intentionally annoy or harass the recipient, including crashing his or her computer by overloading its e-mail capacity.

Spamdexing: Stuffing a Web page full of words in the hope of making it high on the list for search engine spiders. Sometimes a Web page will have a list of many words, or the same word repeated many times, with the text in the same colour as the background. Spamdexed Web pages will be rejected by search engines.

Spider (also known as a robot or crawler): A software application that automatically finds and retrieves information from the Web. They are usually used by search engines to find and index Web sites.

Splash page: An initial Web site page used to capture the user's attention for a short time as a promotion or lead-in to the site home page, or to tell the user what kind of browser and other software they need to view the site. Also, an initial screen displayed by interactive software, usually containing a logo, version information, author credits and/or a copyright notice.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A system for encrypting data sent over the Internet, including e-commerce transactions and passwords. With SSL, client and server computers exchange public keys, allowing them to encode and decode their communication.

Stickiness: A measure of how long the average user spends at a Web site. In contrast to measuring hits, this measure provides an indication of how interesting the Web site itself is, rather than just how interesting the ad or link is that brings users to the site.

Streaming: A method of transferring data via a continuous flow of data as opposed to conventional means of data transfer by packet. Video and audio files are often accessed through a streaming connection. Instead of downloading and saving the entire file to the hard disk before playback can begin, streaming enables playback when the first data bits of the media file are received. The result is end users can view and listen to large media files without downloading them to their computers.

Swipe discount rate: The discount rate charged by a merchant account provider for transactions in which a credit card is available for inspection by the merchant. Swipe discount rates are generally lower than MOTO discount rates because the merchant can match signatures and perform other checks for fraud or misuse.

Switch: A network device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments.

Sysop: Slang for "system operator." The term refers to a person who oversees or runs a bulletin board system or online communications system.

T-1 (also T-2, T-3): Commercial connections to the Internet. T-1 connections offer approximately 25 times the bandwidth of 56.6 Kps telephone modems.

Tag: A code within a data structure that gives instructions for formatting or other actions. HTML documents are set up using HTML tags, which serve various functions, such as controlling the styling of text and placement of graphic elements and providing links to interactive programs and scripts.

TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol): These protocols were developed by DARPA to enable communication between different types of computers and computer networks. Internet protocol is a connectionless protocol that provides packet routing. TCP is connection-oriented and provides reliable communication and multiplexing.

Telnet: A command that allows you to log on to a remote computer for which you have password access and to administer directories, files, and programs located there.

Third-party logistics provider (3PL): a company that provides warehousing and distribution. These companies often provide a range of fulfilment and forwarding services.

Traffic: The volume of data sent via a network; includes messages and transactions of any kind.

Traffic engineering: The task of guaranteeing network performance for a specific capacity for a certain amount of time, including analysing traffic load and enacting changes to accommodate new data input.

Turnkey: A business solution in which the provider assumes total responsibility from design through completion of the project. For example, you can have a turnkey Web site (a complete site built according to your specifications), a turnkey e-commerce solution (which would include all the software and merchant accounts required to enable an e-store to accept credit cards), or a turnkey search engine submission service (which writes your keywords and submits your site to search engines and directories for you). Many consulting firms refer to themselves as turnkey solution providers, meaning that they can assess your needs and do all the coding required to build an entire e-commerce capable Web site.

Turnkey application: Software that requires little or no modification when inserted into a Web site. In e-commerce, many MAPs (merchant account providers) and ISOs offer turnkey applications for processing credit card orders online.

Uptime: The time during which a computer, or system, functions without failure. Contrast to downtime.

URL (uniform resource locator): An address for a file (or page) located on the Internet, usually the Web. Example: "http://www.ternring.com."

Usenet (user's network): A world-wide bulletin board system accessible via the Internet or an online service. It is comprised of topic-based online discussion groups, called newsgroups, where people with common interests can exchange messages. Users subscribe to a topic of interest using a news reader, a program that connects to a Usenet server on the Internet and allows users to read or post messages. Most Internet browsers come with integrated news readers.

Value: The relative darkness or lightness of a colour.

VPN (virtual private network): A private network of computers that's at least partially connected by public phone lines. A good example would be a private office LAN that allows users to log in remotely over the Internet (an open, public system). VPNs use encryption and secure protocols like PPTP to ensure that data transmissions are not intercepted by unauthorised parties.

VRML (virtual reality modelling language, or virtual reality mark-up language): A specification for displaying three-dimensional objects on the World Wide Web. You can think of it as the 3-D equivalent of HTML. It is used to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects for onscreen virtual reality environments. The computer shows an apparently three-dimensional object from a certain position, and then creates the illusion of movement by gradually changing the viewpoint. The objects can be programmed to respond to mouse clicks.

Web (short for World Wide Web): The entire collection of files written in HTML and similar mark-up languages available on the Internet. Clients on the Internet use their browsers to request these files from Web servers and then display them as Web pages. The Web is only a portion of the Internet; other parts include e-mail communication and FTP.

Web host: A Web hosting company (usually an ISP) leases server space and Web services to companies and individuals who wish to present a Web or e-commerce presence but do not wish to maintain their own servers. The servers are connected to the same fast Internet backbone as the ISP. Cost structures are determined by the amount and complexity of services offered, such as scripting tools, credit card processing, etc.

Webmaster: The alias or role of the person(s) responsible for the development and maintenance of one or more Web servers and/or some or all of the Web pages at a Web site. The term does not imply any particular level of skill or mastery. The Web master is often also the designer of some or all of the site's pages.

Web server: A computer dedicated to storing the various files that make up Web pages and the protocols needed for communicating with other computers via the Internet.workaround: A temporary and improvised way to suppress the effects of a bug or programming error without fixing it. Workarounds are typically replaced with actual fixes.

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get): Refers to the approximate graphical representation on-screen of what a document will look like when it is printed, or what a Web page will look like when it is rendered by an Internet browser, while it is being created.

XLink: An XML application that expands the way hyperlinks can be used. XLink makes it possible to target a specific section of a document, and adds other options for making linking easier.

XPointer (XML Pointer Language): XPointer is used to describe the relationship between information units. It is used in XML as a means to interchange structured content.

XML (Extensible Mark-up Language): A metalanguage containing a set of rules for constructing other mark-up languages. With XML, people can make up their own tags, which expands the amount and kinds of information that can be provided about the data held in documents. It enables designers to create their own customised tags to provide functionality not available with HTML. For example, XML supports links that point to multiple documents, as opposed to HTML links, which can reference just one destination each.

XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Language): A language used to create stylesheets for XML, similar to CSS (cascading style sheets) that are used for HTML. In XML, content and presentation are separate; XML tags do not indicate how content should be displayed. An XML document has to be formatted before it can be read, and the formatting is usually accomplished with stylesheets. Stylesheets consist of formatting rules for how particular XML tags affect the display of a document on a computer screen or a printed page.