Glossary of Web and Internet terms
Although at experience engine we always try to talk to our clients in English - not technobabble - you may well come across terms elsewhere that you need a definition for. Hopefully, this glossary will help.
If there's a term not here that you'd like defined, email contact@experience-engine.co.uk and we'll add it in.
Bookmark
A facility offered by most web browsers whereby the user can keep a record of the address of a web page such that it can be returned to later. Sometimes referred to as a Favourite.
Cookie
A cookie is a small piece of information that a web site asks a browser to store on its behalf. Once stored this cookie will be sent to the web site each time a page is requested. Sometimes the web site can ask for a cookie to be sent to other web sites as well. Cookies are usually used to identify visitors who return to a web site by containing a user identifier, or to track a visitor’s progress through a web site from page to page.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
Determines the way a page looks by defining fonts, colours, margins and other visual formatting elements. A separate style sheet can be provided for printing, which means that when a page is printed it can look different to how it is shown on the screen.
DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
Part III of the DDA came into force in 1999 and refers to the provision of goods, facilities and services. The code of practice, published in 2002 specifically mentions web sites.
DHTML (Dynamic HTML)
A technology that allows pages to interact with the visitor, by changing the content of the page without needing to get a new version from the server. Examples of its use would from rollover effects, drop down menus and even in-browser games.
See also HTML, JavaScript
DITV (Digital Interactive Television)
Digital TV enhanced with interactive services, as available on many cable and satellite services. Usually accessible by “pressing the red button”.
DPA (Data Protection Act)
Passed in 1998 the act does not just cover what an organisation can do with information collected about an individual, but also that the individual must be informed about this at the point of collection. A privacy policy and copy explaining what the information will be used for on every form is therefore recommended.
See also PEC
Domain
The first part of the address for a web page. For example, if given a web address of http://www.abc.co.uk/contact_us.html, then www.abc.co.uk is the domain. Commonly the text you type into a browser to go directly to a web site.
See also URL
Flash
A technology which allows a rich visual experience for the web site visitor. Its primary usage is to provide complex animations in a page, but can also be used to create interactive menus, interactive diagrams and games.
Frames
A way of constructing a web page such that parts of the page can remain static whilst other parts scroll or are loaded with different content. Best avoided for general web sites as it slows down page load and causes accessibility, search engine and book marking difficulties.
HTML (Hyper Text Mark-up Language)
The computer code in which a page is created. Each web page is made from HTML which contains all the text, layout and interactive features present.
Inbound Links
A link from another web site to the web site under discussion. Sought after because they both bring in traffic to a web site and also improve rankings in some search engines.
JavaScript
Also known as ECMAScript. A programming language which is contained in a web page and allows the page to interact with the visitor. Uses of JavaScript include rollover effects, form validation, drop down menus and even games.
See also DHTML
Key Phrase
A collection of words entered into a search engine in order to find a web page of interest. Used in Search Engine Optimisation to ensure that a web site can be found for the searches that consumers are likely to be carrying out.
Key Word
The same as a Key Phrase, but only one word is searched for. It is very difficult to optimise a web site to appear in search engines for a Key Word unless it is very uncommon in everyday text or usage.
See also Key Phrase, SEO
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
Small portable device often used for storing notes, appointments, reading email and simple use of the web.
PDF (Portable Document Format)
A file format created by Adobe, which allows printed materials to be distributed. Its major benefit is that unlike web page images, it is smaller and produces better quality; and unlike other document formats is freely available on a wide range of computers and operating systems.
Plug In
An application which can be “plugged in” to a browser to extend its functionality. Examples of this would be Flash for animation, video viewing, 3D model viewing, and playing sound, amongst many others.
PEC (Privacy and Electronic Communications EU Directive)
Passed in 2003, this act governs - among other items - electronic communication. In particular it mandates the use of opt in and opt out choices when e-mail addresses and fax numbers are collected. It also governs the use of cookies on web sites, requiring notification before a cookie is set. .
Ranking
The position a web page appears when searched for in a search engine using a specific key phrase. Generally, search engines list ten results to a page, so a ranking may be given as either, for example, “44” or “number four on the fourth page” or just ”fourth page”.
Render
The act of drawing a web page, either on the screen or for print.
Roll Over
A visual effect that occurs when the mouse pointer is “rolled over” something on the screen. For example, text might highlight, a button might change colour or a menu appear.
Screen Reader
An application which reads web sites out to visually impaired people. It operates much like a web browser, but using purely vocal means. If a web page is not built correctly, the way in which it is interpreted can be markedly different to how a web browser would see it, making it unusable.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
The activity of attempting to improve a web site or page’s ranking on search engines. Covers a variety of techniques, the most important of which is ensuring that the web site has many, good, key phrases within its copy.
See also Key Phrase, SEM
SEM (Search Engine Marketing)
The promotion of a web site through Search Engine Optimisation and the use of paid for listings and pay-per-click listings.
See also SEO
Splash Screen
An introductory graphic or animation which is shown to a web site visitor before they are allowed to see the home page. Generally hated by web users.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A technology that allows information to be transmitted over the web such that it cannot be intercepted or read on its way. Commonly used to secure confidential information, sensitive personal information, passwords and financial transactions.
Traffic
Visitors to or activity on a web site.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address of a web page. Commonly the text you type into a browser to go directly to a specific page, or is displayed at the top portion of your web browser. For example http://www.abc.co.uk/contact_us.html.
See also Domain
