Essential Internet Terminology and Networking Definitions

Essential Internet and Networking Concepts

Defining the Internet and Web 2.0

The **Internet** is the transport mechanism for the World Wide Web, offering services like email, P2P networks, FTP services, games, radio, and TV. It is a **Global Computer Network (WAN)** that uses TCP/IP to connect computers and smaller networks located anywhere in the world. It is fundamentally a network of interconnected networks.

**Web 2.0** refers to the evolution of traditional Internet services and applications toward greater user interactivity. Many older applications are replaced by newer ones that operate directly on the Internet platform.

Network Protocols Explained

A **Network Protocol** is a set of rules followed by a communication system, enabling terminals on the network to share information effectively.

TCP, UDP, and IP Addressing

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Facilitates the reliable transfer of information over the network, used for sending and receiving data.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Transmits data faster but offers less quality and reliability compared to TCP.
• IP Protocol (Internet Protocol): Conveys information between computers. IP addresses are categorized as follows:
  • Private IP: The address assigned to the computer within its local network.
  • Public IP: The IP assigned to a computer or router when connecting to the Internet.
  • Static IP: An IP address permanently assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  • Dynamic IP: The IP address assigned to your computer or router each time it starts a connection.

Understanding Computer Ports

A **Computer Port** is a numerical value between 0 and 65535 (a 16-bit binary value). Ports function as a buffer between the network and a specific application.

Virtual Communities and Online Interaction

A **Virtual Community** is an Internet-based computing environment where individuals share common interests and maintain relationships by communicating through virtual channels (e.g., forums, blogs, chats).

Chat Services and Terminology

**Chat** is an Internet service allowing instant written discussions with other network users (e.g., X-Chat, MIRC, ChatZilla). Key terminology includes:

• Operator (Op): The administrative user of the channel.
• Half-op: A semi-administrator user with fewer privileges than an Operator.
• Flood: An operation intended to disrupt or block the chat by repeatedly entering excessive information.
• Banning: The expulsion of a user by an administrator for disregarding the rules.

Forums: Discussion Spaces

**Forums** are Internet sites, often linked to webpages, designed to create a space for discussing issues related to the website's subject matter. Forum terminology includes:

• Login: User authentication required to access the forum.
• Moderators: Forum administrators who oversee compliance with the rules and may expel non-compliant users.
• Post: A message submitted to the forum.
• Signature: Text automatically affixed by the user to the end of every message body they write.
• Thread: A sequence of written responses to an initial question or topic raised by a user.

Blogs and the Blogosphere

• Blogs: Websites formally designed for the periodic publication of news or comments by an administrator.
• Blogger: A user who writes blog entries.
• Permalink: The URL link to an individual blog entry.
• Blogosphere: The collective set of blogs associated with a common theme or topic.

Wikis and Social Networks

• Wiki: Collaborative production spaces where users altruistically contribute text to enhance and improve shared knowledge.
• Social Networks: Websites where people worldwide connect, share friendships, and pursue similar interests.