Hosting Glossary

Hosting Glossary & Terminology

  1. Anonymous FTP: Allows the transfer of files via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) without an account.
  2. ASP (Active Server Pages): A server-side scripting language developed by Microsoft that provides for dynamic database driven pages.
  3. Auto responder: A simple software that generates an automatic reply to any incoming emails.
  4. CGI (Common Gateway Interface): A communications protocol that allows for interaction between HTTP servers and other server based applications
  5. CGI-BIN: The most common directory name for storing CGI files on a server
  6. Control Panel: A back-end, web based interface provided by your hosting company that allows you to manage domains, email, applications and other website details.
  7. Database: An interactive storage and organization system for information. Databases are used with a scripting language to generate dynamic pages and help increase user experience and functionality.
  8. Dedicated Server: A server that services only one account meaning you rent or own the entire machine as opposed to sharing server space with others
  9. Disk Storage Space: Hard drive space on a webserver or web hosting account.
  10. Domain Name: The name that labels your site. Such as www.ebay.com, or www.roarhosting.com. A domain name is the unique identity that people can use to find your website
  11. E-Commerce: Electronic shopping. The act of sales transactions via a website.
  12. Email Forwarding: Sending an email to a different address once it’s received at a designated address. Automatic or manual forwarding simply resends the email received to the intended destination.
  13. Firewall: A security software or hardware that helps protect computers from unwanted intrusions
  14. FrontPage: A website editor created by Microsoft.
  15. FrontPage extensions: A collection of server-side applications that allow for the use of advanced features offered by the FrontPage software
  16. FTP: A system for transferring files to and from your web server
  17. GB (gigabyte): A unit of measurement for hard drive and memory capacity. 1 GB = 1024 megabytes
  18. IMAP (Instant Message Access Protocol): Allows for user access to remotely stored emails
  19. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address): A series of numbers separated by periods, given to computers and servers on the internet.
  20. Kilobyte (KB): A unit of measurement for hard drive and memory capacity. 1 KB = 1024 bytes
  21. Linux: An open source operating system
  22. Managed Hosting: A hosting service where your servers are maintained by a 3rd party (hosting company)
  23. Megabyte (MB): A unit of measurement for hard drive and memory capacity. 1 MB = 1024 kilobytes
  24. Merchant Account: A bank account that allows for credit card processing. A merchant account is required for independent processing of cards via the web or otherwise.
  25. Microsoft Access: database creation software from Microsoft
  26. Miva Empressa: An XML scripting language developed by Miva.
  27. Miva Merchant: An Ecommerce storefront software and business management system for online merchants
  28. MS SQL: Database management protocol from Microsoft
  29. MySQL: Open source database management system. Probably the most commonly used method of database integration
  30. Payment Gateway: An e-commerce application service provider service that authorizes payments for e-businesses and online retailers.
  31. Perl: A CGI coding language for creating web based apps.
  32. PHP: Open source scripting language for dynamic site creation
  33. POP (Post Office Protocol): A method of email transferring. Allows users to download email messages from a server to a local computer.
  34. POP3 Email: An email account that utilizes the POP transfer system.
  35. Server: A computer that holds all files related to your website and serves them to your visitors when they request.
  36. Setup Fee: A one-time charge for setting up a hosting account.
  37. Shared Hosting: A basic webhosting package. Your server space is shared with other sites making it much more affordable.
  38. Shopping Cart: A software that manages products and handles transactions making it possible for customers to purchase directly from your website.
  39. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Another method of transferring email. SMTP is usually used to send mail where POP is used to receive.
  40. SQL (Structured Query Language): The most popular standard language for accessing databases.
  41. SSI (Server Side Includes): Included information assigned by the server before a document is retrieved in a browser
  42. SSL (Secure Socket Layer): A secure connection protocol that allows for increased security and privacy when connected via HTTP
  43. Static IP Address: A dedicated IP address assigned to a computer that never changes.
  44. Subdomain: A separate area of a master domain that divides sites into sections for example mail.yahoo.com
  45. Uptime: The amount of time a server is online and working properly.
  46. UNIX: First developed in the 1970′s, UNIX is a multi user operating system used by many web hosts.
  47. VPS (Virtual Private Server): A shared server hosting plan that allows for more freedom and is managed by the customer. Gives the feeling of dedicated server without the cost.
  48. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol): A system for linking mobile phones and other components to the internet.
  49. Web-Based Email: Email that you can access from any computer via the World Wide Web.