TestOut - ITF+ Chapter 5: Internet Technologies

Proxy Server

A device that stands as an intermediary between an application such as a web browser and the Internet. A proxy server intercepts all requests and can use filter rules to allow or deny internet traffic.

Certificate

A digital document that contains encryption keys and is used for encryption and identification.

Pop-up Blocker

A feature of most web browsers that prevents pop-up windows such as advertisements from being displayed.

Messaging

A form of written communication similar to texting but is typically done with the use of an app like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, usually on a mobile device.

Social Media Marketing

A marketing tool used on social media to present a business and its message quickly and in the best light possible with the intent to interact with and influence potential customers and expand their business potential.

Cloud Hosting

A method of delivering applications by hosting them in the cloud.

Streaming

A method of transmitting and receiving data (especially video and audio information) over a network as a steady, continuous flow, allowing playback while the data is being transferred.

IP Address

A numerical label that is assigned to devices so they can connect and communicate on a network.

Intranet

A private network, usually hidden from the internet and protected by a security device, that uses the same technologies that are used on the internet and may or may not be connected to the internet.

Web Application

A program or app that uses the internet and a web browser to complete a task. The user's computer interacts with a remote server to access the app.

Web Search

A search of the World Wide Web using a web browser, often done by visiting a web search engine site such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP-IP)

A set of rules that facilitates internet communication.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

A set of rules that govern the transfer of files between computers.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

A set of rules that govern the transfer of web content between computers.

Cookie

A small piece of data sent from a website and stored on a user's computer by the web browser while the user is browsing. Cookies are designed to help websites remember information such as items in an online shopping cart and entries in a web form so that the website can customize a web page for the user.

On-Demand Stream

A streaming method that allows users to select and watch or listen to video or audio when they choose, rather than at a scheduled broadcast time.

Live Stream

A streaming method that transmits data in real time as it is created.

Domain Name System (DNS)

A system and set of rules that associates domain names (such as web servers) with unique IP addresses so users can find and use network resources by an easily readable name instead of by IP address.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

A technology that allows computers, smartphones, and other devices to communicate on a wireless network.

Asynchronous Technology

A technology that allows groups to communicate by taking turns, such as in emailing and text messaging.

Synchronous Technology

A technology that allows two or more groups to communicate in real time such as video conferencing, VoIP, or live streaming.

Voice over IP (VoIP)

A technology that sends voice phone calls using the TCP/IP protocol over digital data lines.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

A term associated with cloud hosting. This provides users with the applications they need to do their day-to-day work through the cloud.

Crowdsourcing

A way of reaching out to a large group for help solving a problem. It can involve collecting ideas from users or professionals, or pooling money or resources from a variety of people.

Social Media Platform

A web-based technology to distribute information and encourage people to connect with others who share a common interest. Examples of social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Web Browser

An application for accessing information on the World Wide Web.

Wiki

An online encyclopedia that uses hyperlinks to connect each entry to other relevant entries.

Online Chat

An online written form of communication that is typically web based and used by businesses as customer service tools to assist online users who visit their websites.

Downloading

Creating a copy of a file from a web or network server and saving it to your local computer. This allows a user to open the file at any time even if they don't have a network connection.

Texting

Phone communication in written form sent through SMS (Short Message Service) that can be sent over a cellular network or the internet. Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is an extension of SMS that supports picture, audio, and video messaging.

Netiquette

Rules of etiquette that should be observed while using computer networks, such as the internet.

The web

Short for World Wide Web. Digital content that is delivered over the Internet, usually through a web browser.

Digital Assistant

Software found on almost every computer or smart device that makes a variety of tasks easier, especially by allowing you to control your device with just your voice.

Browser Extension

Software that adds functionality to a web browser.

Software Subscription

Sometimes called SaaS or on-demand software, software that requires a monthly or annual fee to use the software and receive regular updates.

Buffering

The pre-loading of data from a stream into memory to help avoid interruptions while waiting for data that is received in bursts.

Client-Side Scripting

The process of transferring source code from a web server to a web browser and running that code directly in the browser.

Universal Resource Locator (URL)

The reference or address to a resource on the Internet. Example: http://www.testout.com/home/about/privacy

Caching

The storing of images, sounds, web pages, and other information associated with particular websites that allows a browser to redisplay data without having to reload it from the website.

Cloud Computing

The use of remote services hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data.

The Internet

The worldwide system of interconnected computers and public networks.

Cloud Storage

A cloud computing service that remotely maintains, manages, and backs up data and makes that data available to users over a network.

Microsoft OneDrive

A cloud storage service that is offered by Microsoft.

Internet Service Providers (ISP)

A company that provides individuals and businesses access to the internet and other related services.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

A computer language that web pages use to display content through web browsers.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A computing concept that describes the network of physical devices and everyday devices (including refrigerators, thermostats, streetlights, and environmental tracking systems) that communicate with the internet.