The internet is full of terms that can seem quite confusing. Many sites use terms and abbreviations that they expect a person to know without even giving them a brief overview of what the terms mean. Even when you search for the definitions of these terms some of the information you find can read like stereo instructions. Understanding all of these different terms and abbreviations may seem like a daunting task but your concern can easily be put to rest with a little information.
Click on any of the titles to read what the WEBii FAQ has to say about these terms.
Bandwidth
The amount of data sent through a connection over a period of time. Also known as Data Transfer.
Catch-All Email Account
The catch-all email address is used in cases of an incorrect name or misspelling at your domain. For example, any email that is sent to someone who is not listed in the POP or forwarding sections will still be received, even if the name has a typo or is out of date (as long as the domain name on the email address was specified correctly).
Control Panel
An online collection of tools that permits easy site management.
Data Transfer
The amount of data that is transferred from an account as visitors view the pages of the website. Using FTP to upload files to your site and checking emails does not apply in this case.
Dedicated Server
A computer that only runs one type of server software, and is usually constructed according to the user’s specifications. Dedicated servers are typically used for websites that have high traffic, and need many resources and much processing power.
Domain Name
The unique name that identifies an Internet site. WEBii can register any available .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, or .us domain name through its registration division, SiteReserve.com.
E-Commerce
Electronic Commerce is a convenient and affordable way to sell products or services online. E-Commerce software (like SoftCart) and payment services (like ClearCommerce) enable individuals to maintain an online business while performing transactions right from the Web.
Email Forwarder
An email address in which all emails are automatically forwarded to an alternative existing email account. For instance, you may forward all emails to info@youdomain.com to erika@aol.com. Also known as Email Alias.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
The process by which files are transferred to a web server. You have unlimited access to your web server via FTP 24-hours a day. As such, you can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your website at your leisure.
Host
When you hear the term “host” in the Internet world, it is referring to an Internet company that has the required servers and software to connect domain names to (IP) Internet Protocol numbers so that your site can be viewed by the public when they type your domain in their browser window. Basically, this is where you house your site, and you usually have to pay a monthly or annual fee for this service.
IP Addresses (Internet Protocol)
A unique number is used to identify machines that are connected to the Internet. Your IP Address is the series of numbers associated with your hosting server or domain name.
MySQL
A lightweight database engine designed to provide fast access to stored data.
Name Server
A computer that has both the software and the data needed to resolve domain names to IP numbers. Most name servers have names like NS1.whatever.com.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
A communication protocol that is used to retrieve electronic mail from a Mail Server.
Script
List of commands that can be executed without user interaction.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A security protocol designed to create a secure connection to the server for the transmission of confidential data through the internet.
Support
Telephone or e-mail technical support is provided to a web hosting company’s customers. When there’s a problem with your site or your e-mail, you want to be able to get an answer promptly by e-mail or on the phone.
Whois
A searchable database maintained by registrars that contains information about the .com, .org, .net, and .edu top-level domains.