Basic Definitions

HOMEPAGE: Also referred to as a web page. The starting point of a Web presentation and a sort of table of contents for what is at the website, offering direct links to the different parts of the site.

ICON: A small image, usually a symbol, used to graphically represent a software program, file, or function on a computer screen. Icons make it easier to recognize and locate these things.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS: Also called ISPs or access providers. The remote computer system to which you connect your personal computer and through which you connect to the Internet. ISPs that you access by modem and telephone line are often called dial-up services.

LINK: Generally refers to any highlighted words or phrases in a hypertext document that allow you to "jump" to another section of the same document or to another document on the World Wide Web.

LOGIN: The account name used to access a computer system. It is the way people identify themself to their online service or Internet access provider. Also called User ID, User Name, or Account Name.

NAVIGATION TOOLS: Navigation tools allow users to find their way around a website or multimedia presentation. They can be hypertext links, clickable buttons, icons, or image maps. Navigation tools are usually present either at the bottom or top (sometimes both) of each page or screen and typically allow users to return to the previous page, move forward to the next page, jump to the top of the current page and return to the home page.

PASSWORD: A password is a code or word used to gain access to restricted data on a computer network. While passwords provide security against unauthorized users, the security system can only confirm that the password is legitimate, not whether the user is authorized to use the password. That's why it is important to safeguard passwords:

• Never disclose your password.
• Devise a password that consists of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Change your password frequently.

WEBSITE: A collection of web pages which are typically centered around one subject and are located at the same address. Usually a site will be created and maintained by a single person or team.