A

Access Provider

A company that sells Internet connectivity.

ActiveX

A Java-like Microsoft language that permits web-originated programs to be run from Microsoft Explorer browser.

Alias

An alternative name for an object, such as a variable, file, or device.

Anonymous FTP (UNIX only)

Allows for users to access your web site with standard File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client software in order to upload/download files without supplying a unique username and password (anonymous). With the advent of the current HTTP specifications and browsers, however, this is fairly moot, since the same can be done through your browser.

Applet

A high-level program that can be included in an HTML page, most often an image. The program's code is then executed by the browser. Note: Many older browsers cannot interpret Java applets and disregard them.

Application

Applications software (also called end-user programs) includes database programs, word processors, and spreadsheets. Figuratively speaking, applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

Archie

A program that enables you to search for files anywhere on the Internet by filename.

ARPANET

The precursor to the Internet, ARPANET was a large wide-area network created in 1969 by the United States Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA).

ASCII

Acronym for AMERICAN STANDARD CODE FOR INFORMATION INTERCHANGE, a standard character set.

Authentication

The process of identifying an individual, usually based on a username and password.

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