Glossary


 

Internet

A global web connecting more than a million computers. Currently, the Internet has more than 50 million users worldwide, and that number is growing rapidly. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design. Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to provide to its local users and which local services to make available to the global Internet community. Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well.


Intranets

A Web site or group of Web sites belonging to an organization, usually a corporation, accessible only by the organization's members, employees, or others with authorization. An intranet's Web sites look and act just like any other Web sites, but the firewall surrounding an intranet fends off unauthorized access.

Like the Internet itself, intranets are used to share information. Secure intranets are now the fastest-growing segment of the Internet because they are much less expensive to build and manage than private networks based on proprietary protocols.


First Class

FirstClass is a high performance e-mail , conference and collaboration system that's easier and more fun to use than traditional groupware or intranet software.


NetNanny

Net Nanny is the only software program that allows YOU to monitor, screen and block access to anything residing on, or running in, out or through your PC, online or off. It's two-way screening in real-time and only YOU determine what is screened with the help of our site list which can be downloaded free from this site. Net Nanny allows you to deal with: WWW URLs, News Groups, IRC Channels, FTPs, E-mail, Non-Internet BBSs, Words, Phrases, Personal Information (address, credit card no. etc.) It's a complete Internet and PC management tool. Runs with all the major online providers too! 


Push technologies

In client/server applications, to send data to a client without the client requesting it. The World Wide Web is based on a pull technology where the client browser must request a Web page before it is sent. Broadcast media, on the other hand, are push technologies because they send information out regardless of whether anyone is tuned in. Increasingly, companies are using the Internet to deliver information push-style. One of the most successful examples of this is PointCast, which delivers customized news to users' desktops. Probably the oldest and most widely used push technology is e-mail. This is a push technology because you receive mail whether you ask for it or not -- that is, the sender pushes the message to the receiver.


Pointcast.com

PointCast is the Internet news network that appears instantly on your computer screen. Gone are the days of surfing the net for the news and information important to you. Headlines move dynamically across the screen, the colors pop and all you have to do is keep your eyes open. Effortless. No surfing required.

PointCast broadcasts national and international news, stock information, industry updates, weather from around the globe, sports scores and more from sources like CNN, CNNfn, Time, People and Money Magazines, Reuters, PR Newswire, BusinessWire, Sportsticker and Accuweather! Even your local newspaper will be on PointCast--LA Times, New York Times, Boston Globe, San Jose Mercury News and more.


Educast.com

Educast is an new educational broadcast network delivering personalized, up-to-the-minute information to teachers, administrators, and parents via the Internet. Configure a profile of your interests, and the customized information is automatically delivered to your computer screen in an easy-to-use format.


Proxies

A proxy is a server dedicated to chosen materials drawn from the Web. Being located at a closer distance from the user, it increases both speed and control.