ASP ... an active server page (ASP) is an HTML page that includes scripts processed on a server before the page is sent to the user. Generally speaking, all sites designed by 5 Star Web Design utilize asp coding.

ATM ... asynchronous transfer mode is a dedicated switching technology that transmits small packets of data using digital switch technology. It is implemented with hardware so it can be done faster than other methods of data transmission.

bandwidth ... bandwidth is a measure of the amount of data transmitted over a measured period of time. For example, it takes longer to download a picture than it does to download text because it required more bandwidth.

broadband ... telecommunication that provides multiple channels of data over a single communication medium.

database server ... a database server is specifically configured to run database software. Typically, a company will use a database server combined with other servers to run a powerful web application such as e-commerce.

dedicated ... a dedicated server is one that a web hosting company has dedicated to a single client.  In other words, only one client can access that server and that company’s site is the only one residing on that server.

DNS ... Domain name system (DNS) is the way internet site names are translated into IP addresses.

domain ... a domain is a series of network addresses that constitute a site or set of sites.

DSL ... a digital subscriber line (DSL) is a technology that brings high-bandwidth information to homes and small businesses by using an existing telephone line.

ethernet ... Ethernet is the most used local area network (LAN) technology.  It was originally developed by Xerox and is based on co-axial cables – the same type of cables used by telephone lines.

file transfer protocol ... File transfer protocol (FTP) is the simplest way to transfer files between
computers over the internet.  It is an application protocol that uses TCP/IP protocols and is typically used to upload web pages to a server or to download software from a site to a user’s own computer.

firewall ... a firewall is a program or set of programs that protects a private network from outsiders.  For example, a company’s intranet would be made unavailable to outsiders using a firewall.

FTP ... File transfer protocol (FTP) is the simplest way to transfer files between computers over the internet.  It is an application protocol that uses TCP/IP protocols and is typically used to upload web pages to a server or to download software from a site to a user’s own computer.

HTTP ... Hypertext transfer protocol (http) is the set of rules for exchanging files on the world wide web.  It is an application protocol.

IP addresses ... an IP address identifies each user on the internet with a unique number. Each packet of information sent from a computer has its user’s IP address.

LAN ... a local area network (LAN) is a group of computers that share a common communications line and, typically, share some common resources over a small geography.

mirroring ... in order to speed up a web site, the entire site can be copied onto a second server (i.e., mirrored) so that two servers are responding to the incoming requests.  The mirrored servers are frequently updated so both have the same information at all times.

operating system ... an operating system (OS) is the computer program that manages all other programs on the machine, such as Windows XP or Vista.

router ... a router connects at least two networks, and directs packets to the next network point towards its destination.

shopping cart ... an internet based system designed to allow an online shopper to collect items and then, when the user is ready, to purchase the chosen items.

SQL ... structured query language (SQL) is a standard language for interacting with a database.

TCP/IP ... Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the communication language of the internet.