Internet Safety
Glossary
blocking software A computer program that blocks access to Web sites
or other services available over the Internet.
bulletin board service (BBS) A place where people can post and respond
to messages on a particular topic.
blacklist A list of blocked Web sites, e-mail addresses, or IP
addresses.
chat Real-time communication over the Internet. You type and send
messages that appear almost instantly on the screens of the other people who are
participating in the chat..
chat room An interactive forum where you can talk in real time. The
chat room is the place or location online where a chat is taking place. Many
chat rooms let people discuss a common interest, like music or movies.
cookie A small file that is downloaded by some Web sites to store
information, such as sign-in or registration identification, user preferences,
and shopping cart information, for your browser.
cyberstalking/harassment The online enticement of children; rude or
threatening messages; slanderous information; or repeated, unwanted messages.
discussion group A group of people who exchange information about a
common topic.
download Get information from the Web or another computer to store on
your computer.
e-mail (electronic mail) A service that allows people to send text
messages, sometimes with pictures and sounds, from their computer to any other
computer in the world.
emoticon A simple face, sometimes animated, that expresses an emotion,
for use in e-mail, chat, and instant messaging. Emoticons let you show someone
online how you are feeling.
filter Restrict Internet access, unwanted e-mail, or other content.
Common filtering methods are whitelisting, blacklisting, and keyword
recognition.
flame A deliberately confrontational message sent to others on the
Internet.
Flash file A Macromedia Flash file, which contains animated content
for a Web page. To see Flash content, you must have a Flash player installed on
your computer.
hacker A common term for someone who accesses computer information
without permission.
home page The Web page that your browser loads when it starts up, or
the main page of any Web site.
hyperlink An image or text that you can click to go to another
location on the Web, or access other Internet materials such as images, sounds,
animations, and videos.
instant messaging A service that allows people to exchange messages
almost instantly using specific software, such as MSN Messenger.
Internet service provider (ISP) A company that provides Internet
access.
keyword A word you use when looking for information within a search
engine. For example, to find information about cowboys, use the keyword cowboys
in the search box.
listserv A list system that allows users to send e-mail to one
address, where messages are then copied and sent to all of the people on the
list.
message board A place where people can post and respond to messages on
a particular topic.
monitoring software Software products that allow parents to monitor or
track their childrens Web site visits or e-mail activity.
MP3 digital music file that you can play on your computer.
multimedia A general term describing programs or files that combine
images, animation, and text.
netiquette Courtesy, honesty, and polite behavior practiced on the
Internet.
newsgroup Discussion group, similar to a message board, that is
subject-specific.
password The secret word you use when signing in to the Internet or an
online service that helps to confirm your identity.
privacy policy The policy that a company or organization operating a
Web site uses to define how it handles the personal information collected about
visitors to the site.
real time The present time on the Internet, similar to being live on
television.
safe list A filter that only allows connections to approved Web sites,
or only allows e-mail from approved senders.
search engine A program that searches information on the Web by
looking for specific keywords.
spam Unwanted e-mail, often trying to sell you something.
streaming The process of sending video clips, sound, or other types of
media over the Internet. .
virus A computer program, usually harmful, that accesses your computer
without your permission. A virus can destroy files or make your computer crash.
Viruses can be sent in e-mail or file-sharing programs. To help protect against
viruses, use antivirus software, and do not download information from people or
sites you dont know.
whitelist A filter that only allows connections to approved Web sites,
or only allows e-mail from approved senders.
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