Glossary

Understanding our language

  • ActionScript
    A language that allows adding interactivity to Flash animations, by responding to the user's actions. It also allows the application to communicate with the server.
    Go top
  • Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScrip and XML)
    AJAX is a new type of Web page development that allows refreshing certain data in a page, without completely reloading that page.
    Go top
  • Anti Spyware
    Software designed or intended to combat or eliminate Spyware on a computer system.
    Go top
  • Anti-spam
    Software often integrated with mail servers for the detection and removal of unsolicited emails (Spam).
    Go top
  • API (Application Programming Interface)
    A programming interface that consists of functions, procedures and classes providing developers with the necessary tools to connect their programs with a service, an operating system or a software library.
    Go top
  • Back office
    In contrast to Front Office, Back Office is the part of the website (invisible to visitors) that allows the owner to manage content. Also called "administration" of the Web site.
    Go top
  • Backlink
    All links pointing to a website from other sites.
    Go top
  • Bit
    A bit or BInary digiT is the basic unit of information in computing, also defined as a variable or computed quantity that can have only two possible values : 0 or 1 (binary system).
    Go top
  • Buzz Marketing (Viral Marketing)
    Buzz marketing is a viral marketing technique that attempts to make each encounter with a consumer appear to be a unique, spontaneous personal exchange of information instead of a calculated marketing pitch choreographed by a professional advertiser. Interest, curiosity and fun are the motivations that drive consumers to spread the advertising message to their own network. Low cost, speed of propagation and positive connotation associated with a message coming from a personal network makes of viral marketing a technique that is very advantageous for businesses.
    Go top
  • Byte
    A sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information (1 byte = 8 bits).
    Go top
  • CMS (Content Management System)
    Online application allowing to easily update the content of a Web site. A CMS allows content creators to submit content and illustrations, or create new pages, without requiring any technical knowledge of HTML or programming skills.
    Go top
  • Computer Virus
    Malicious program whose goal is to infect as many machines as possible. Viruses spread through all means of exchange of digital data (networks, email, documents, CD ROMs, USB keys...) and more or less seriously disrupt the functioning of computers infected. The use of an updated antivirus software can prevent or cure infection by computer virus.
    Go top
  • Cookie
    Small file stored on a computer by a Website in order to identify the user during a future visit. A cookie may store user preferences, their login information, the history of navigation through the site, etc. Thus, the Web site will provide content tailored to the user upon his return to the site.
    Go top
  • Cross-Linking
    Technique to increase the number of links to a Web site. The goal is to first capture a share of visitors who match the target audience, and secondly, to improve positioning in search engines.
    Go top
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
    CSS is a style sheet format, a language that is used to manage the display of a Web page. Styles are being used to define the rules applied to one or more HTML documents. These rules relate to the positioning of elements, alignment, fonts, colors, margins and spacing, borders, background images, etc.
    Go top
  • DNS (Domain Name System)
    System for mapping an IP address with a domain name. Ex: http://74.125.159.106 corresponds to http://www.google.com.
    Go top
  • Domain Name
    Internet address linked to a single IP address and allowing access to a Web site via a browser (e.g. kryzalid.net).
    Go top
  • E-Marketing
    Marketing technique using ICT as a medium for advertising coverage.
    Go top
  • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQ is a common page on a Web site. It contains all the questions frequently asked by users on the services or products offered by the site.
    Go top
  • Favicon (FAVorite ICON)
    Icon corresponding to a Web page that appears in the Web browser favorites and also in the address bar.
    Go top
  • Firewall
    A security system consisting of a combination of hardware and software that limits the exposure of a computer, or computer network, from malicious attacks while permitting authorized communications.
    Go top
  • Flash
    Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash) is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to Web pages.
    Go top
  • Front office
    As opposed to Back Office, Front Office is part of the Web site visible to visitors.
    Go top
  • FTP (File Transfert Protocol)
    FTP is a standard network protocol used to copy a file from one host to another over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP clients (using FTP software) can deposit or retrieve files from a remote Web server.
    Go top
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
    A standard digital image format limited to 256 color values and transparency. It also supports animation (animated GIF). The file will then contain several images, each displayed for a defined time.
    Go top
  • Gigabyte (GB)
    Unit of measure of computer data. 1 GB = 1024 MB.
    Go top
  • GNU/Linux
    Just as Windows or Mac OS, GNU/Linux is an operating system (OS). It was born of the association between the GNU project, founded by Richard Stallman, and the Linux kernel started by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It is generally simply referred to as "Linux". GNU/Linux is developed by thousands of volunteer programmers and employees from around the world. The majority of Web sites are hosted on servers using Linux.
    Go top
  • Hacker

    In the medias and popular culture, the term hacker is wrongly attributed to crackers (black hat). In fact, Hackers tend to be virtuoso programmers who are fond of problem-solving. Computers are very flexible machines constrained by software to operate in very specific ways. Hackers are individuals who come up with novel, complex, simple or elegant ways of writing new software that restates or replaces the existing constraints thereby exposing either some new functionality or some of the original flexibility of the underlying machine.

    The term appears for the first time in the late '50s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). We can consider co-founder of Apple Steve Wozniak, the creator of the C language Dennis Ritchie, and Richard Stallman who initiated the GNU project, as part of the elite hackers.

    Go top
  • HD (High-definition)
    Usually used to describe any device capable of generating or displaying a signal with a resolution of at least 720 vertical lines (i.e. 720p). Another accepted definition is any signal containing at least one million pixels of video data in a single frame (vertical resolution x horizontal resolution). A video is called HD when the format is 1280 x 720 pixels and "full HD" when the format is 1920 x 1080 pixels.
    Go top
  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
    The standard markup language designed to structure the semantic content of the pages on the Internet, including multimedia resources and entry forms. HTML is often used in conjunction with programming languages (JavaScript / PHP) and presentation formats (CSS).
    Go top
  • HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)

    HTTP is the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web. HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions Web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands. For example, when you enter a URL in your browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested Web page.

    HTTP is called a stateless protocol because each command is executed independently, without any knowledge of the commands that came before it. This is the main reason that it is difficult to implement Web sites that react intelligently to user input. This shortcoming of HTTP is being addressed in a number of new technologies, including ActiveX, Java, JavaScript and cookies.

    Go top
  • ICT
    ICTs (Information Technology and Communication) include techniques used in the processing and transmission of information, mainly information technology, Internet and telecommunications.
    Go top
  • IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
    Protocol to access emails through an email client (email reader) or Web mail. Unlike POP3, which downloads the emails and deletes them from the mail server, IMAP allows you to view emails directly on the mail server and enjoy advanced features such as creating folders on the server, and archiving.
    Go top
  • Instant messaging (IM)
    Instant messaging (IM) allows the instant exchange of text messages between multiple computers connected to the Internet or to the same network. For example, Windows Live, Google Talk and XMPP technologies are enabling instant messaging.
    Go top
  • Intranet
    Internal computer network that uses Internet protocol technologies without being connected to it. Widely used in businesses and universities.
    Go top
  • IP Address
    An IP address (IP for Internet Protocol) is the number that identifies each computer on the Internet (e.g. 80.62.62.80). Just like a phone number, an IP address is unique and is used by the device to communicate.
    Go top
  • ISP (Internet Service Provider)
    An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that collects a monthly or yearly fee in exchange for providing the subscriber with Internet access.
    Go top
  • JavaScript
    JavaScript is a programming language created by Netscape. JavaScript programs are loaded and executed during the display of the page that contains them. There are many libraries to facilitate the use of JavaScript. The best known are: jQuery, Prototype, MooTools. Not to confuse JavaScript with Java. The latter is an object oriented computer programming language.
    Go top
  • JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
    A commonly used method of lossy compression for photographic images. The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality.
    Go top
  • JQuery
    JQuery is a JavaScript library that can be used to create rich and dynamic Web applications using Web 2.0 technology.
    Go top
  • Kilobyte
    Unit of measure of computer data. 1K = 1024 bytes.
    Go top
  • LAN (Local Area Network)
    Small-scale computer network connecting computers within the same building.
    Go top
  • Login
    Login is the name that identifies a user who connects to a computer or Web site. It is always accompanied by a password.
    Go top
  • Megabyte (MB)
    Unit of measure of computer data. 1 MB = 1024 KB
    Go top
  • Micro-blogging
    Halfway between instant messaging and blogging, micro-blogging limits the size of posts to 140 characters. As the blog, it keeps a permanent Web archive and, as instant messaging, it allows real-time dissemination of information deemed relevant by its publisher. Twitter is the micro-blogging platform the most widely used. As for StatusNet, it is a free software, made in Montréal micro-blogging software, that can be set on a public Web server, or an Intranet.
    Go top
  • Moderator
    On a blog: person in charge of validating the comments posted on the blog. On a forum: person in charge of enforcing the rules of the forum and ensuring the discussion runs smootly.
    Go top
  • MP3
    MP3 is a popular digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression and is compatible with most personal music players (such as the iPod). It allows for a smaller file size (a few megabyte) with similar sound quality to a normal CD you would buy in a store.
    Go top
  • MySQL
    MySQL is a compact and easy to use database management system (DBMS). It is ideal for small and medium applications. On the Web, it is generally used with a server side language such as PHP.
    Go top
  • Netlinking
    See Cross-linking.
    Go top
  • Octet
    See Byte.
    Go top
  • Open Source software
    An Open Source software (Free software, software libre or libre software) is a software whose use, study, modification, copying and dissemination are universally allowed without consideration. The legal status of such computer programs is guaranteed by licenses like the GPL (GNU General Public License). Open Source softwares can be sold or free.
    Go top
  • PDF (Portable Document Format)
    File format for transporting and reading documents. The formatting of documents is preserved regardless of the application or platform used. Format developed by Adobe.
    Go top
  • PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)
    PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a powerful, dynamic, cross-platform language. It is widely used by hosters and within the Linux Apache MySQL Php (lamp) development platform.
    Go top
  • Plugin
    Program that complements another program in order to provide further functionality. Browser plug-ins allow them to read certain formats of image, video or animation. For example, to view a Flash animation, you must install the Flash Player plugin.
    Go top
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
    Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is a bitmapped image format that employs lossless data compression. PNG was created by the W3C to improve upon and replace GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), which was a proprietary format at the time.
    Go top
  • POP3 (Post Office Protocol)
    Communication protocol used by mail servers for receiving email. Mainly used in version 3 (POP3). The equivalent protocol for sending email is SMTP.
    Go top
  • Popup
    A small window that usually appears in front of the main browser window to display additional information or unsolicited commercial content.
    Go top
  • PPC (Pay Per Click)
    Pay Per Click (PPC) is an Internet advertising model used on Web sites, in which advertisers pay their host only when their ad is clicked. With search engines, advertisers typically bid on keyword phrases relevant to their target market. Content sites commonly charge a fixed price per click rather than use a bidding system.
    Go top
  • QR Code (Quick Response)
    See the French definition
    Go top
  • Quicktime
    Audio and/or video format developed by Apple and compatible with both Mac OS and Windows platforms. Quicktime files have the .mov extension.
    Go top
  • RAR (Roshal ARchive)
    Like ZIP, RAR is a file format for archiving (several files in a single RAR file) and data compression. It requires a software for encoding and decoding.
    Go top
  • Router
    Electronic device providing the physical connection between two networks, servers, or computers. The router manages the transmission of data packets between the transmitter and receiver.
    Go top
  • RSS (RDF Site Summary)
    RSS (most commonly expanded as Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works-such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video-in a standardized XML format. In this form, the data can easily be exploited by other sites. It is also possible for users to subscribe to feeds via an aggregator of content (RSS reader).
    Go top
  • Search Engine Optimization
    Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the visibility of a Web site or a Web page in search engines via the "natural" or un-paid search results. Optimizing a Web site may involve editing its content and HTML and associated coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines. Promoting a site to increase the number of backlinks, or inbound links, is another SEO tactic.
    Go top
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
    See Search Engine Optimization.
    Go top
  • Server
    Machine (or software) providing services to other client machines that connect to it. For example, Web sites are hosted on servers connected to the Internet.
    Go top
  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
    Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a communication protocol used by mail servers for sending email. The equivalent protocol for receiving email is POP3 or IMAP.
    Go top
  • Spam
    Unsolicited electronic communications (usually email) addressed to a large number of Internet users for advertising.
    Go top
  • Spyware
    Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on computers and collects little bits of information, at a time, about users (password, credit card number, etc.) without their knowledge and transmits it to a remote computer. Some spyware force the display of unsolicited Web pages or automatically redirect the user to an advertising Website. Anti-Spyware softwares can get rid of spyware.
    Go top
  • SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
    Secure Sockets Layer are cryptographic protocols which provide secure communications on the Internet.
    Go top
  • Streaming
    A technique for transferring audio or video data such that it can be processed as a steady and continuous stream without having to download the file previously. Platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion use this technique to distribute their videos.
    Go top
  • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
    Standard protocol used to exchange data over the Internet.
    Go top
  • Twitter
    See micro-blogging.
    Go top
  • URL (Uniform Ressource Locator)
    String of characters to access a document on the Internet (e.g. www.kryzalid.net/lexique.html). Commonly called "Internet address" or "Web address".
    Go top
  • W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
    See World Wide Web Consortium.
    Go top
  • Web Browser

    Program to access the Internet and view Web sites. Among the most common browsers are:

    Go top
  • Web Host
    Entity whose mission is to provide servers connected to the Internet to host Web sites. The Web hosting companies usually offer additional services to hosting, such as the registration of domain names, e-mail servers, online payment, etc.
    Go top
  • Webmaster
    Person in charge of administering a Web site or server.
    Go top
  • World Wide Web Consortium
    The World Wide Web Consortium (commonly know as W3C) is the main non-profit international standards organization founded in October 1994 as a consortium charged with promoting the compatibility of technologies on the World Wide Web.
    Go top
  • XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language)
    XHTML is a language for publishing Web pages on the Internet. XHTML offers the same possibilities as HTML, while being consistent with XML standards. XHTML is a standard proposed by the W3C.
    Go top
  • XML (Extended Markup Language)
    XML is a textual data format with strong support via Unicode for the languages of the worlds, proposed by the W3C, for encoding documents that allows the use of custom tags and data exchange.
    Go top
  • ZIP
    ZIP is a file format for archiving (several files in a single ZIP file) and data compression. It requires a software for encoding and decoding.
    Go top