High-speed Internet > Glossary

Asymmetric connection -- A connection where download and upload speeds differ. Usually, download speeds are faster than upload speeds.

Bit -- A unit of data containing either a 1 or a 0.

Broadband -- Refers to any type of transmission that carries multiple data channels over a single cable or wire and speed is generally faster than dial-up modems (>200Kbps or Kilobytes per second). Is also referred to as fast Internet access, usually via Cable Modems.

Byte -- A unit of data that contains eight bits.

Cable Modem -- A device that connects your computer to your cable provider's network, enabling you to receive and send data through this network.

Cookie -- A small file that is created on your computer when you visit certain web sites. The cookie identifies your computer to the web site, alerting the site that you have visited the site before.

Domain Name -- An Internet address.

Download Speed -- The speed at which you can receive, or download files and/or information from the Internet.

E-mail -- an acronym for electronic mail -- e-mail is the transmission of messages or mail in electronic form.

Firewall -- Software that is designed specifically to block questionable or unauthorized traffic from accessing your computer through the Internet.

GB -- A Gigabyte, or 1,000 million bytes.

Hacker -- An individual who gains access to different computers or computer networks, typically with the intention of causing harm.

Internet Service Provider -- Also referred to as an ISP -- it is a company or organization that provides access to the Internet, typically for a fee. ISPs may also offer benefits such as Web hosting or e-mail service to its subscribers.

Kb -- Kilobyte (1 thousand bytes)

Kbps -- Kilobytes per second (1 thousand bytes per second) -- it is a measure of speed at which data travels.

MB -- Megabytes or (1 million bytes).

Mbps -- Megabits per second (1 million bits per second) is a measure of speed at which data travels.

Migration -- Typically refers to a changing of technologies, from one type of hardware or software to another type of hardware or software.

Modem -- Modulator-Demodulator -- A device that adapts a computer to cable or analog telephone lines by converting digital pulses to audio frequencies and vice versa.

Proxy server -- A computer that recognizes a user's most frequently visited Web sites, thereby providing faster user access to those sites.

Router -- A device that transmits data from one area or location to another.

Server -- A computer shared by a number of users -- servers can be used for e-mail, the Internet or for multiple files.

SPAM -- E-mail or electronic correspondence received by a user that was not requested.

Trojan Horse -- A computer program that allows unauthorized people (hackers) to gain access to your computers or network.

Upload speed -- The speed at which you can send, or upload files to the Internet.

URL -- Also known as a "Universal Resource Locator" -- quite simply, it is an electronic address on the World Wide Web.

USB Port -- Also known as the "Universal Serial Bus Port," it is an external plug that allows users to connect to devices like printers or scanners.

Virus -- A program (usually unwanted) that conducts some undesired function on your computer that can be spread electronically to other computers.

Web hosting -- Placing an individual's or company's Web site onto a commercial server.

Wireless Broadband (Wi Fi, also known as Wireless Fidelity) -- Technology that allows computer users access to the Internet with no visible, physical link (e.g., wires).