Internet 101: Terms you should know

Aug 10, 2010 10:13 PM by Molly Cerreta Smith

Posted in Living / Technology

Defining Internet Terms

The Internet can be a scary place for beginners! There is an endless amount of information to be gained on the web but, if you are just starting out, it's best to start with the basics. Here are some Internet terms you should know.

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ISP

This acronym refers to the Internet Service Provider, the company or organization that provides your connectivity to the Internet. This is often the same company that provides your telephone or television cable service.

Network ports

Think of these as the numerous "lanes" that make up your network connection – 65,536 to be exact. Internet data travels in and out of these ports.

Reliability

The reliability of your Internet connection lies in the hands of your provider as well as your modem. If your Internet connection continually drops, call your ISP to have the issue diagnosed.

Router

The router is the unit that determines your network signals and protects your system against hackers. If you are experiencing slow connectivity, you may need to upgrade your router.

Security

Security on your computer comes by way of antivirus or firewall software. Your level of security will depend on your specific needs. For example, if children are using your computer, you'll want to ensure your computer is equipped with parental control software that limits access to specific online content that might be inappropriate for young ones.

Spam/filter

Spam is the term used to describe "junk" mail that inevitably ends up in your email. Hackers often use spam as a way to "trick" you into sharing your passwords, etc.

URL

Uniform Recourse Locators are the web browser addresses of Internet pages. This address will take you to a specific website, such as http://www.sheknows.com/.

Armed with the proper terms, you can easily navigate the vast world of the Internet.