Questgems' Glossary of Email Terms
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | ||
| Term | Definition | |
| A | ||
@ |
Symbol for the word "at" and is pronounced as "at." In an email address, it separates the user's name from the domain name (for example: marydoe@isp.com). | |
| Access | Database program, a part of Microsoft Office. | |
Ad Swap |
Also known as sponsorship swap. An exchange between two companies or groups in which each agrees to run the other's ad at no charge. | |
Adapter card |
A general term to describe a hardware device that enables a personal computer to use, or expand the use of, peripheral hardware, such as the monitor, speakers, printer, etc. Some adapter cards are the graphics card, sound card, TV card, etc. Each card fits into a slot on the motherboard of the computer. The back end of the cards are visible at the rear of the computer. The monitor, printer, speakers, etc. are plugged into their respective cards. | |
Address Book |
A file in your email program in which to store email contacts' email addresses and other information such as physical address, phone numbers, business and family information, etc. Even contacts without email addresses can be stored. Contacts can be stored as individuals or in groups or both. Examples of groups are your Christmas card list, Bible study class, a business sales force or any group to which you may wish to send email at the same time. | |
Affiliate |
A marketing partner who promotes another's products or services based on a payment-on-results agreement. | |
Alert |
Email message notifying subscribers of an event or special price. | |
Alias |
A URL leading to the same web page as the normal URL. Companies may use this to determine which ads/messages led viewers to click the link. | |
Anonymous e-mail |
An email message sent through a third-party server, perhaps a re-mailer, that does not identify the sender of the message. | |
AOL |
America Online | |
API |
Application Program Interface. Interface between programs and the computer's operating system. | |
ASCII |
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The world-wide standard for code numbers computers use to represent text characters. This includes the upper and lower-case letters of the Roman alphabet and typographic characters. The ASCII standard consists of 128 codes. Each of them consists of a 7 digit binary number, 0000000 through 1111111. There is a second set of 128 characters that technically are not ASCII but consist mainly of foreign language and math symbols. | |
ASP |
Application Service Provider. Provider of a service for the use of program applications over the Internet. | |
Atom |
A protocol for the syndication and sharing of news content and blogs. This newer, more complex protocol is gradually overtaking the RSS protocol. | |
Attachment |
A file attached to an email message. | |
Autoresponder |
Same as mail bot. A program that automatically responds to an email by sending a form letter to the sender. | |
Authentication |
Determines that an email you send or receive is actually from the sender listed. | |
| B | ||
B2B |
Business to Business | |
B2C |
Business to Consumer | |
Bad netiquette |
Bad etiquette on the Internet. For example, SHOUTING, which is demonstrated by writing all in capital letters is bad netiquette. Posting the same message on numerous newsgroups is another example. Flame, also is bad netiquette. Flame is sending an angry or insulting message on a newsgroup or list, directed at one person. | |
Bandwidth |
The amount of data, measured in bits per second (bps), that can be sent through a connection. A telephone modem can transfer a maximum of about 56,000 bps. A broadband connection (cable TV, DSL, Satellite) can transfer many times as much data per second as a telephone line | |
Bayesian filter |
spam filter. It examines various aspects of an e-mail message to determine the probability of it being spam. | |
BBS |
Bulletin Board Service. A computerized system in which people can carry on discussions, upload and download files, and make announcements without others being connected to the computer at the time. In the early 1990's there were perhaps millions of electronic bulletin boards around the world. | |
BCC |
Blind Carbon Copy. A BCC space is available in the New Message window for you to enter the email addresses of those persons who are to receive the message but whose names and addresses you do not want to be visible. All of the names can be entered in this space separated by a semicolon. You can enter any addresses you wish to be visible in the Address space and the others in the BCC space. If this space is not visible in the New Message window, you can change that. In Outlook Express, open the New Message window (Create Mail icon) and from the View menu put a checkmark (click) on "All headers." Outlook should already have this space available. | |
Binary |
Means two. This is the principle behind digital computers. Input to a computer is converted into binary numbers consisting only of the two digits 0 and 1, referred to as bits. For instance, the capital "R" in binary code is 01010010. Pressing the "Back Space" key on the computer produces the 00001000 binary code. The code is produced in the computer's memory as a series of pulses with different voltages. The bits are stored as microscopic magnets, charged and uncharged memory cells, on the disk. The display screen and printer converts the binary numbers into visual characters. ASCII uses a 7-bit format while binary uses an 8-bit format | |
Binhex |
BINary HEXadecimal A method for converting non-text files, non-ASCII, into ASCII. Internet e-mail can only handle ASCII. After the email is received, the email program can convert the ASCII (text) file back to a binary one. | |
BIOS |
Basic Input/Output System. A set of routines that tests the computer, starts the operating system and communicates with the various devices in the system. | |
Bit |
Binary digIT. The smallest unit of computerized data. It is a single digit in base-2 (1 or 0). An "R" in base 2 is 01010010. | |
Blacklist |
A list of email or IP addresses suspected of spam. Blacklists are also used to reject incoming mail at the server level before the email reaches the recipient. This can also relate to websites. For instance a company or parent may create a list of prohibited websites. | |
Block |
An action either by an Internet Service Provider or a setting in an email program to prevent certain email messages from entering the recipient's Inbox. | |
Blog |
weB LOG. Basically, a blog is a running account, or journal, on the web. Blogging is the act of updating a blog. A blogger is the host of a blog. Normally blogs are updated daily. Software for blogs allows people with little technical background to maintain them. Postings are normally kept in chronological order. | |
Bonded Sender |
An email registration service owned by Ironport, for bonded bulk emailers, that allows the bonded emailer's mail to bypass email filters of the Bonder Sender's clients. The bulk emailer must agree to follow strict email practices and to post a bond. The bond is debited for spam or other complaints from recipients. | |
Bounce |
Return of email to the sender because the address of the recipient is invalid or currently not working. | |
Broadband |
Internet connections to the Internet with a much greater bandwidth than is a telephone line using a modem. | |
Broadcast |
The process of sending an email message to multiple recipients. | |
Browser |
Software that is used to access the Internet and view web pages. Internet Explorer and Netscape are the most popular ones. | |
Byte |
A set of bits that represent a single character. Normally, there are 8 bits in a byte. (See Bit) | |
| C | ||
CAN-SPAM |
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing. This is the name of an act of Congress passed in 2003 to regulate commercial email. | |
CC |
Carbon Copy. This is a space in your email New Message window to enter the addresses of persons to whom you wish to send "carbon" copies. The message may be directed to one or more persons, but you wish to send copies to certain other people. | |
CD |
Compact disk. A flat, round disk on which computer data, sound and images can be stored. | |
Certificate |
Also called "digital ID." A digital certificate is the equivalent of an ID card used in conjunction with a public key encryption system. These certificates are issued by a trusted third party known as a "certification authority" (CA). Two of those are VeriSign (www.verisign.com) and Thawte (www.thawte.com). | |
Certificate Authority |
A trusted third party, such as VeriSign (www.verisign.com) and Thawte (www.thawte.com), that issues Security Certificates used in SSL connections. | |
CGI |
Common Gateway Interface. File(s) placed on the server to interact with CGI programs, allowing them to function properly. | |
Client |
An application that runs on a local computer but depends on a server for some of its functions. | |
Confirmation |
An acknowledgment that it is you who subscribed to a newsletter, service, requested for information or made some other commitment. | |
Cookie |
A small text file placed on the computer's hard drive, usually by a website. A cookie might contain registration information, user preferences or other information. When a browser accesses a web site that has previously issued a cookie, the server is able to use the information stored in the cookie. Cookies do not read the hard drive. The browser offers the cookie to the site that issued it. Usually cookies are set to expire after a given amount of time. Some cookies may contain more information about the user that the user wishes. The browser can be set to limit or exclude the receiving of cookies and to delete them. Individual cookies can be read by using Notepad. | |
CPA |
Cost per Action (also can be Acquisition). A method of paying for advertising, or calculating results from non-CPA marketing. | |
CPM |
1. Copies Per Minute. The rated output of a computer printer or copy machine. 2. Control Program Module. This was an early operating system for computers. |
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Cross-campaign profiling |
A means of determining the actions of email respondents through a series of marketing campaigns. | |
Cyberspace |
A term used to describe the entire space, or scope, of the Internet. | |
| D | ||
Dedicated Server |
Email server used by only one sender | |
Deduplication |
Also known as deduping. Removing duplicated entries from email lists or other sets of data. | |
Deleted Items |
The name of the folder in your email program into which messages are transferred when you delete them. They are not actually deleted until you delete them again from the Deleted Items folder. If you decide you want to keep messages you had deleted, just move them from the Deleted Items folder to another folder. You can completely empty the Deleted Items folder (delete all of its files at once) by right-clicking on the folder and choosing "Empty 'Deleted Items' Folder." | |
Delivered email |
The total number of emails sent less the number of those that bounced or were filtered. | |
Denial-of-service attack (DOS) |
An unscrupulous effort to block email service or shut down a website by flooding an address or with more traffic than the server can handle. The shutdown continues until the flow of messages cease. | |
Deploy |
To send an email campaign after completion of the testing. | |
DHTML |
Dynamic HyperText Markup Language. DHTML A combination of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, used to create dynamic features on a web page, such as allowing the user move items around on the web page, and more. | |
Dialog box |
A special window that is displayed by an application program, providing options from which to choose, or allowing you to provide instructions to the program. | |
Discussion group |
An email list group in which members can write to the list and receive the message other members have submitted to the list. | |
Diskette |
also called floppy disk. A flexible plastic disk for recording computer data. The disk has a magnetic coating and a protective cover. It is manually placed into the floppy disk drive. Data can be read from or written to the floppy disk. The term originally applied to 5¼ inch disks. A smaller 3½ inch disk that holds more data (generally 1.44 MB) replaced it. | |
DNS |
(Domain Name Server). Converts domain names into IP addresses. | |
Domain name |
Address of a computer or other entity on a TCP/IP network such as the Internet. Normally, domain names consist of three parts or levels. The top level specifies the type of organization (.com, .edu, .gov, .org, etc.). There are also top level names for countries, such as .us, .se, .fr, etc. The second level of a domain is the name represents the organization. This appears just before the .com or other top level domain name. The third level identifies a specific host. For instance www represents the World Wide Web, example: www.questgems.com. Another third level example is ftp which stands for File Transfer protocol. It is used for uploading and downloading files. The format is ftp.webserver.com. A domain name must be unique and assigned by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). A domain name is translated into a numerical IP address. | |
Double opt-in |
A means for subscribing to a list or newsletter. A person submits a request to join the list or subscribe to a newsletter. A confirmation email is automatically sent to the subscriber who is requested to reply, confirming that he/she had indeed subscribed. | |
Download |
Transfer a file copy from the Internet to a local computer. | |
Drag and drop |
The action created by placing the mouse arrow on a file or object, holding down the left mouse button, dragging the file or object to another location and dropping it by releasing the mouse button. | |
DSL |
A method for using regular phone lines to move data much faster than with a regular phoneline modem. A typical DSL connection, called ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line), will allow downloads up to 1.544 megabits (not megabytes) per second, and uploads of 128 kilobits per second. The symmetrical configuration allows 384 kilobits per second both directions. | |
DVD |
Digital Video Disk and Digital Versatile Disk. A high density compact disk that can store large amounts of data, high-resolution sound and images. | |
Dynamic content |
Newsletter content that varies from one recipient to the next, usually based on expressed interests of the subscriber or purchasing habits. | |
| E | ||
ECOA |
Email Change of Address. A service for tracking and updating email address changes. | |
| Electronic mail. A method of sending and receiving messages using the Internet. The messages sent and received are also referred to as emails. Originally the correct spelling was e-mail. Now the hyphen (-) is often eliminated. | ||
Email address |
An address to which electronic mail can be sent and received in a local computer. It takes the form of billydoe@isp, where billydoe is your name and isp is the name of your Internet service provider or domain. | |
Email client |
The software program that enables you to send, receive and work with emails. | |
Email Domain |
The email address portion that appears to the right of the @ sign. Email filter. A software tool, located at the ISP or other server or at the user's computer, that sorts or blocks incoming email. The filter's action is triggered by words in the From name, the email header or message content. | |
Email Friendly Name |
Also known as Display Name. The name that is often displayed in the From or To address line in most email programs instead of, or in addition to, the email address. | |
Email harvesting |
The use of automated program by unscrupulous persons/groups to search websites for email addresses and collect them for spammers. | |
Email header |
The text at the beginning of a received email message. It is generated by the sender's mail program and by the mail servers en route to the destination. This information includes from and to addresses, the subject, content type, a time stamp and other identification information. By accessing the header text, you can trace the path of the message from its source to your computer. | |
Email marketing |
The use of email to market a product or service. | |
Email newsletter |
Also called ezine. Periodical email content, sent on a regular basis, to subscribers. | |
Email Prefix |
The email address portion that appears to the left of the @ sign. | |
Emoticon |
Emotional icons. Often referred to as smilies, although many emotions can be expressed by them. They can be produced from the keyboard or inserted as ready-made icons. For instance, a statement may be made in an email that sounds serious on the surface, but by inserting a smiling emoticon at the end of the sentence, you let the recipient know that you are merely joking. | |
Encryption |
A method of converting a file into a code that protects its security. Transmission of an encrypted file by email provides security for sensitive data. | |
Event triggered email |
Email messages that are pre-programmed to be automatically sent based on an event. Event examples are birthday, anniversary, a holiday, etc. | |
Excel |
A spreadsheet program which is part of the Microsoft Office Suite. Can be used to convert data into CSV format. | |
Export |
In mail programs this is the process of moving files from one program to another. | |
Ezine |
Electronic magazine. Basically, an email newsletter sent on a regular basis. | |
| F | ||
False positive |
The mistake of a spam filter in rejecting a legitimate message as spam. | |
FAQ |
(Frequently Asked Questions). Documents, usually on a web site or in a manual, that list common questions about a particular subject and provide answers. | |
Firewall |
Hardware and/or software that uses a security scheme to prevent unauthorized access to a computer or network, or monitors the transfers of information on a network. | |
Filter |
A program that allows the user so set certain email addresses or words as flags for screening his/her email. The purpose can either be to delete the email or to route it to different email boxes. Filters are regularly used for spam control. | |
Flame mail |
A hot-tempered or impolite email message. Flame is sending an angry or insulting message on a newsgroup or list, directed at one person. | |
Floppy disk |
Also called diskette. A flexible plastic disk for recording computer data. The disk has a magnetic coating and a protective cover. It is manually placed into the floppy disk drive. Data can be read from or written to the floppy disk. The term originally applied to 5¼ inch disks. A smaller 3½ inch disk that holds more data (generally 1.44 MB) replaced it. | |
Folder |
A place to store files. In Outlook and Outlook Express, several standard folders are provided, such as the Inbox, Sent Items, and Deleted Item. Others are provided for organizing mail received. In addition, Outlook has folders for working with contacts and scheduling. You can add your own sub-folders under the standard ones. | |
Footer |
Information at the end of an email message or newsletter that does not change from one issue to the next. This may be contact information, unsubscribe instructions or other. | |
Forward |
This function allows you to forward a received message to other people. Click the Forward button and a window will open with the message and you can added the addresses of those to whom you wish to send it. You can edit the original message and/or add your comments. | |
Freeware |
A free software program, often found on the Internet. This is not be confused with shareware that provides a free trial period before registering. Freeware is free for use as long as you want it. | |
From Line |
(1) When sending an email, it is the space for you to place your email address to show the recipient who the message is from. (2) On received emails, a From column shows you who the email is from. A space on a If you are sending it, enter your email address in the "From" space in the New Message window. If you are receiving the email, the sender's name will be in the "From" column in the header of the message. | |
FTP |
File Transfer Protocol. A protocol for uploading or downloading files to and from remote computer systems. Specialized FTP programs are often used by webmasters to transfer files to and from the server hosting their websites. | |
| G | ||
Gateway |
A device, either hardware or software, that enables communication among computers or networks. Also called router. | |
GIF |
Graphic Interchange File format. A graphics format that supports animation. | |
Gigabyte |
Accurately, it is 1024 megabytes. But sometimes it is rounded off at 1000 megabytes. | |
Good netiquette |
Good etiquette on the Internet. Consideration of others. Not shouting (not writing in all capital letters). Not forwarding email with everyone's names/addresses displayed, etc. | |
| H | ||
Header |
An email header shows the routing of a piece of email between the sender to the recipient. The abbreviated header on the message page shows the sender and subject of the email, among a few other items, depending on how the mail program is set up. The full header has routing information necessary to trace a piece of mail, step by step back to the sender. That is helpful in reporting spam. The full header can be accessed in Outlook by right-clicking on the abbreviated header and selecting "Options." In Outlook Express the full header is found by right-clicking on the abbreviated header, selecting "Properties" and then the Details tab. | |
Home Page |
Or Homepage. Generally, from the user's standpoint, the web page that your browser is set to use when it starts up. You can change your home page in the Internet Options in the Control Panel. The term is also used for the main web page of any web site. | |
Host |
A Server allowing other computers use software installed on it or to allow others to store their data on it. For instance, I am preparing this item on my home computer but the Questgems website is hosted by a server in another state. When completed, I will transfer this file to that server using FTP. Also some services exist that will allow you, for a fee, to store your data on the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. | |
HTML |
HyperText Markup Language. A coding language used to create Web pages, such as the one you are now viewing. It can also be used to create email messages. | |
HTTP |
HyperText Transfer Protocol. The standard used to move files around on the Internet. It is the World Wide Web's most important protocol. | |
HTML message |
Email message that contains any formatting other than plain text. If formatting, such as multiple fonts or font sizes, colors, tables, columns, bold type, images or non-text symbols are used, it is an HTML message. | |
Hypertext |
(1) Any text containing links to other documents. (2) Words or phrases in a document that can be used, usually by a left click of the mouse, to access another document. | |
| I | ||
IE |
Internet Explorer, Microsoft's Internet browser. It is used for accessing the Internet and browsing the web sites. | |
IMAP |
Internet Message Access Protocol. One of the protocols used for receiving email messages. You can access the server and work with your emails there. The other protocol commonly used to receive messages is POP (Post Office Protocol). | |
Import |
In mail programs this is the process of moving files into one program from another. | |
Inbox |
A folder in your email program that receives your incoming mail. These messages can be moved to other folders in order to organize your emails, or deleted. | |
Internet |
The largest network. It spans the whole world and includes the World Wide Web. | |
Intranet |
A Company's or organization's private network.. | |
IP address |
Internet Protocol address. This is a unique identifier for a computer connected to the Internet. It has four numbers, each from 0 to 255, separated by periods. When you connect to the Internet, a Domain Name Server will translate the domain name (ex.: questgems.com) into its corresponding IP address (ex.: 12.167.158.11). | |
IRC |
Internet Relay Chat. A large multi-user live chat setup. Many IRC servers are linked together, creating many channels. Anything typed in one channel is seen by all channels. Private channels can be created for multi-person conference calls. | |
ISDN |
Integrated Services Digital Network. a system that, like DSL, can transfer more data over a regular phone line than the use of a basic phone modem. It is capable of speeds of about 128,000 bps but generally is limited to not much more than about 56,000 bps. ISDN can be used to connect to several locations at one time, if those locations also have ISDN. DSL cannot do that. | |
ISP |
Internet Service Provider. A company that provides access to the Internet. If you are reading this definition from the Questgems website, you are now connected through your ISP to the Internet. | |
IT |
Information Technology. The term refers to the complete field of Information Technology, including computer hardware, programming, network management and other related areas.. Many companies have IT departments. | |
| J | ||
Java |
A portable standard programming language supported by Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers | |
Javascript |
A scripting program language extension to HTML, supported by Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers. | |
JPEG |
(also JPG) Joint Photography Experts Group. A compressed graphics file format. | |
| K | ||
Keyboard shortcut |
A combination of keys you can press to produce an action. An example of a built-in shortcut is Ctrl-A (hold down the Ctrl key and press the A key to select the whole document. Another is Ctrl-E to center text. You can also create your own keyboard shortcuts. Those that are built-in and instructions for creating your own can be found by pressing the F1 key and typing in "keyboard shortcuts." The right panel will have the information. | |
Kilobyte |
Precisely, a kilobyte is 1024 (2 to the 10th power) bytes. However it is sometimes rounded off to 1000 bytes. | |
| L | ||
LAN |
Local Area Network. A computer network for home or business that is normally confined to the same building or group of geographically confined offices. | |
Linux |
An Open Source operating system similar to Unix . Versions of Linux exist for most types of computer hardware, whether laptop, desktop or mainframe. The source code is available to anyone and can be changed as a person wishes, as long as the changed code is made available to the public without charge. | |
List |
List of email addresses to which messages are sent. | |
List broker |
A source for renting or buying lists of email addresses. | |
List management |
The administering and maintaining of an email list. | |
List owner |
The owner of an email establishes the purpose and rules for the list and administers it. Questions about the list are normally directed to the list owner. | |
Listserv |
A commercial mailing list manager. | |
List server |
A program, such as listserv or Majordomo, that automatically redistributes mail on a mailing list. | |
Login |
As a noun it is the account name (not a password) used to gain access to a computer system. As a verb it is the act of entering the computer system, which may require entering a password. | |
LSMTP |
L-Soft's SMTP mail server. | |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | ||
| M | ||
Macro |
A miniature program you can create, by a series of mouse clicks and keyboard actions and save for later use. For instance, such a macro could insert your signature and email address at the bottom of your correspondence with just a keystroke combination. A macro can also be used for larger repetitive actions. | |
Mailbox |
The primary folders or directories in the email program for organizing email. There will normally be an least an Inbox, Outbox, Deleted Items and Sent folder. Others may be there by default. In addition, most email programs allow the used to create additional boxes for organizing his/her mail. | |
Mail-merge |
A method of sending personalized messages to many recipients. Codes are placed in the message at appropriate places that insert personalized information (name, first name, address, etc) from a database. Mail-merge is available in many word processor and spreadsheet programs. | |
Mailer daemon |
A Unix program in a mail server that delivers messages to recipients. If you receive a MAILER-DAEMON@anycompany.com message, that company's server is letting you know that it is returning your message because of some failure. | |
Mailing list |
Maillist. A collection of email addresses for a group of people who have requested to receive mail discussions on a given topic. It has the ability to submit mail on the topic for the whole group. | |
Maillist |
Mailing list. One of many thousands of automated systems on the Internet that is maintained based on the subject matter. The list allows people to send email to a single address. The mail is opened and sent to all of the other subscribers to the list. This allows people with different kinds of email access to participate together in a discussion. | |
mailto |
A code used to make either a text or HTML email address clickable. Clicking the link will generally open a New Message page in the user's email program with the email address automatically inserted in the To space. Example: mailto:marydoe@thatplace.com | |
Mainframe |
A powerful computer usually shared by many users connected by individual terminals. Generally used by large companies and organizations. | |
Majordomo |
A Majordomo is a free mailing list server that runs under UNIX. E-mail addressed to a Majordomo mailing list is automatically broadcast to everyone on the list, except for emails requesting to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the list. These are sent to a special address. | |
MAPI |
Mail Application Program Interface. A Microsoft programming interface that enables the user's email program to send mail to and receive mail from Exchange Server or a Microsoft Mail messaging system | |
Memory |
A computer device that holds data for retrieval. RAM (random access memory) is temporary memory that can be refreshed with new information. It resides in memory chips plugged into a memory bank inside your computer. Virtual memory is provided by designating a portion of the hard drive as working memory to be used for supplementing RAM when the memory chips are full. Virtual memory is much slower that the RAM from the chips. Also storage space on a hard drive, in a sense, is memory because it holds your programs and date for retrieval. However, with storage space, you determine how long that information remains available. | |
Message Rules |
Rules the user can set in a mail program for blocking, redirecting, or approving mail received, based on the sender, words contained in the subject or message or other criteria. In Outlook the tool is called Rules Wizard. | |
MIME |
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension. Microsoft's definition: "It provides a way to format messages so that they can be sent over the Internet to people using all kinds of e-mail clients, protocols, and text editors." | |
Modem |
MOdulator DEModulator. A piece of hardware connected to the computer and the telephone line to allow the computer to talk to other computers over the telephone line. For instance, a local computer can talk to the server of a web page to view the website. Cable modems serve the same purpose using the television cable. | |
Moderated list |
A list in which moderators must approve all messages posted to an email list. The moderator (generally the list owner) may also edit or delete messages. | |
Multipart/alternative |
A format that provides both text and HTML versions of the message. The recipient can open either format of the message. | |
Multi-threading |
A process by which the server can simultaneously mail multiple messages to different recipients. | |
MX |
Mail Exchange Record. A Mail exchanger record is a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) that specifies how Internet email should be routed. MX records point to the servers that should receive an e-mail, and their priority relative to each other. | |
| N | ||
Netiquette |
An informal code of manners for use in electronic communication over a computer network, including email over the Internet. For instance, it is poor netiquette to forward email messages with all of the recipients' email addresses visible, or to send a message in all CAPITALl letters, as this is considered shouting. | |
Netscape |
(1) The name of a software company. (2) A WWW Browser developed and sold by the company with the same name. | |
Network |
The connection of two or more computers together so they can share resources forms a network. An Intranet may connect two or more sub-networks within a company. The Internet is the world's largest network, connecting computers all over the world. | |
Newsgroup |
Similar to an electronic bulletin board, a newsgroup is designated area on a network, usually the Internet, for the discussion of specific topics. Members of the newsgroup can post their comments or ask questions. Often non-members can view the comments but cannot post their own. Some newsgroups are moderated. The moderator sets the rules determining who can view or post and the rules members must follow. | |
NIC |
Network Information Center. (1) An office that handles information for a network. InterNIC was a well-known NIC that held the information on new domain names that were registered. However, that process was decentralized. (2) Network Interface card, which is installed in a computer slot, providing an interface for a network cable. | |
Node |
An individual computer on a network. | |
NS |
Netscape web browser. | |
| O | ||
ODBC |
Open DataBase Connectivity. A Microsoft standard for interfacing with different database systems from Windows. | |
Open rate |
The number of HTML message recipients (not text message recipients) who opened the email of a sender. This is based on the total number of emails sent, without subtracting those that were not delivered. This is used to help measure the success of a mail campaign. | |
Open-relay |
The relaying of email messages though a third party SMTP server. Spammers often use this message to hide the source of large mailings. Some servers with open-relay vulnerabilities invite this business. | |
Open Source Software |
Software in which the author(s) permit users/programmers to read, make changes or even build new versions of it. The licensing terms for many open source programs also allow, or require, the changed copies of the source code to be redistributed. | |
Open-up tracking |
A tracking method to determine how many recipients opened their email messages. This is only possible through the use of HTML email. | |
Operating system |
Software, such as Windows or Unix, that controls the computer's hardware to allow users and application programs to use it. | |
Opt-in |
To purposely accept on offer. To opt-in to an email campaign means that you want to receive emails from that company or group. This may include newsletters or information such as advertising from that group or third parties, perhaps associated in some way with that company or group | |
Opt-out |
An approach (perhaps illegal) in marketing that includes a recipient on its email list until that person intentionally opts out. | |
Outbox |
A folder in your email program in which the mail you are sending to others resides until you actually send it | |
Outsourcing |
One company employing another company to provide services that it would otherwise do in-house. | |
| P | ||
Pass-along |
An email message forwarded by a list subscriber to a non-subscriber. | |
Password |
A series of characters that must be entered to access a file or computer system. This is not the username. | |
PC Card |
Also known as PCMCIA card. A removable card, about the size of a credit card, that can be inserted in an external slot of a portable computer. Among other uses, PC cards are used to connect portable computers to local networks and the Internet. They also are used to wirelessly connect desktop computers to a wireless network. PC cards have a 68 pin connector on one end. Type I cards are 3.3 mm thick; Type II cards are 5 mm thick and Type III cards are 10.5 mm thick. Type II cards and type II slots are the most common. | |
PCMCIA |
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. This group was formed in 1989 to establish a standard for connecting peripherals to portable computers. The PCMCIA card is normally referred to as a PC card. It is about the size of a credit card and can be inserted in an external slot of a portable computer. Among other uses, PCMCIA cards are used to connect portable computers to local networks and the Internet. They also are used to connect desktop computers to a wireless network, by incertion into a wireless network adapter card. PCMCIA cards have a 68 pin connector on one end. Type I cards are 3.3 mm thick; Type II cards are 5 mm thick and Type III cards are 10.5 mm thick. Type II cards and type II slots are the most common. | |
| Portable Document Format. A file format in which all of the formatting -- typefaces, images, layout, etc., is retained no matter what operating system is used. For instance, PDF documents viewed or printed under a Microsoft OS should look the same as if it were viewed or printed under a Macintosh or other OS. The PDF format and Postscript, on which it is based, were developed by Adobe Corporation. | ||
Permission |
Approval given by a list manager to someone who requests their own email address be added to the list. | |
PGP |
Pretty Good Privacy. Encryption for email | |
Phishing |
Pronounced "fishing." A scam designed to steal valuable personal information such as credit card, social security and bank account numbers. They may look very official and appear to be from a well known bank, the IRS or some other institution with which you might have an account. It may state that there have been attempts to access your bank account by unknown people and the account will be frozen until ownership is cleared up, or that you have a refund coming from the IRS and they need your bank account number or social security number to verify that you are the owner of the account or the person to receive the refund. Banks and IRS do not ask for this type of information by email. Another form of phishing, with the some goal in mind - to steal your ID and money, comes from someone in Nigeria or other location who claims that an Immediate family member who was a high official in the government died and left millions of dollars of private money in a bank account in that country. To keep the government from claiming it, this person needs an American (often specifying a Christian) to open an American Bank Account for it and you will get 20%, or so many million dollars for the service. You can report phishing emails you receive to an Anti-Phishing Working Group at http://www.antiphishing.org. |
|
PIN |
Personal Identification Number. | |
Plain text |
Unencrypted form of an email message It is text that contains no formatting elements. | |
Plug-in |
A piece of software, usually small, that adds features to a larger piece of software. Plug-ins are often added to browsers to add features such as search or pop-up window blocking. However, plug-ins are not limited to browsers. | |
.PNG |
Portable Network Graphics. A bitmapped graphics file format. It likely will eventually replace the GIF format. This is because of the continuing legal problems with GIFs. The format owned by CompuServe but Unisys owns the compression method. Also, GIF is limited to 8-bit color (256 colors). .PNG is much more advanced. It providesfor 48-bit color, including an alpha channel, built-in gamma and color correction and tight compression. It can also display at one resolution and print at another. | |
POP |
Post Office Protocol. A protocol used for retrieving email from a mail server. POP1 is ancient. POP isn't used much anymore. POP3 is the commonly used version. | |
Port |
(1) a location where information is transferred out of and into a computer. Some of these are ports for connecting the display, printer, modem, keyboard, mouse and network, among others. (2) a number which is the portion of a URL that appears after a colon following the domain name. Each services on an Internet server listens on its assigned port number on the server. A services can listen on non-standard ports provided the port number is specified in a URL. (3) translating a piece of software in order to transfer it from one type of computer system to another, such as re-working a Windows program to run on a Macintosh. | |
Posting |
(1) As a noun, a message uploaded to and appearing on a network communications system. (2) As a verb, the process of uploading a message to appear on a network communications system. | |
Postmaster |
The person at a mail server site (perhaps at your ISP or web site host) to contact for registering email complaints or other discussions about your email service. You may contact the postmaster about spammers you wish to be added to a black list (so you will not receive their mail) or persons you wish to add to the white list (to bypass filtering). | |
PPP |
Point to Point Protocol. The prominent protocol for connecting home computers to the Internet through regular phone lines, making TCPIP connections using a modem. | |
Preferences (for email) |
Options that can set to in an email program to allow one to determine how the program works. The user can determine the layout of the opening window and set some of the program functions to work as he/she wishes. | |
Privacy |
A major concern of Internet users for the protection of personally identifiable information such as name, birth date, Social Security number and bank account information. | |
Protocol |
A standard procedure regulating the transmission of data between computers. | |
Proxy |
Server A proxy server is located between a client (local computer) and the server that a client is trying to reach.. Some email accounts must be configured to use a proxy server. The client makes it's requests from the proxy server, which makes requests of the end server. The proxy server passes the result back to the client. | |
| Q | ||
Query |
A subset of records in a database to divide the data into specified parts. In an email marketing campaign Queries can be employed to produce a set of demographics. | |
Queue |
The place an email to a list is stored after it is sent but prior the list owner's approval or before the list server actually sends it. | |
| R | ||
RAM |
Random Access Memory. This memory can randomly access programs and information in any order. It is the temporary memory into which open programs are loaded and which hold your unsaved data, as well as many background programs and processes that allow your computer to function. When your computer is turned off the RAM is emptied. This memory resides in memory chips that are plugged into memory slots inside your computer. Some adapter cards also have RAM built into them. | |
RAS |
Remote access server. This is a windows device that allows two computers to communicate remotely. | |
Redirect |
The use of a third party sender to relay message that appears to come from the original sender instead of the one who passed it along. | |
Remailer |
An anonymous mailer. It is an Internet site that allows one to conceal their identity when sending email messages. When you receive such a message the From field of the message is a computer generated, made up address. It ma have some numbers and other characters with.com at the end. | |
Reply |
A reply to the person who sent an email. When using the Reply function (click on the Reply icon) the new message window will open already addressed to the person whose message header was highlighted. Generally, there will also be a copy of the message sent to you. Just add your response at the top to keep related correspondence together. If you wish, you can delete the message received from that window. | |
Reply to all |
A provision in an email program to send a reply message to the sender and also to all other recipients listed in the "To" or "Cc" lists. Generally, this is not a recommended practice, as your comments go to unintended recipients. | |
Reverse DNS Lookup |
Also called inverse DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name Server. The translation of an IP address into the Domain name. Usually a person quires the DNS by entering a domain name to determine the host's IP address. In reverse DNS lookup, an IP address is sent to the DNS system and the domain name is returned. Among other uses, this method can help to prevent spam by allowing the user to verify that the email message is from the domain indicated in the message header. | |
Rich Media |
A format that supports a wide range of formatting including the use of images, video, animation, and sound. Email messages using Rich-media take longer to send because of the extra bandwidth required. Also, they are less compatible with different operating systems than regular HTML messages. | |
Router |
A device, either hardware or software, that enables communication among computers or networks. Also called gateway. | |
RSS |
Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication). A syndication and sharing protocol originally developed for syndication of news articles. It now is also used to share blogs. | |
RTSP |
Real Time Streaming Protocol. An official Internet standard for delivering and receiving streams of data such as audio and video. | |
| S | ||
SDSL |
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line. (See DSL) | |
Search Engine |
A program or service used to search for information, generally on the web. However a search engine can target a local internet or computer. | |
Security Certificate |
A piece of information used by the SSL protocol to create a secure connection. | |
Segment |
As a verb, to divide a list into various segments, or parts, based on their attributes, such as name source or other criteria. | |
Sender ID |
An email authentication protocol that uses Microsoft's proprietary Purported Responsible Address method to check email message headers to verify that the originating IP address is authorized to send mail for the name that appears in the "From" or "Sender" lines of the message. | |
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) |
A protocol for eliminating email forgeries. Before allowing a message to clear, the incoming mail server can verify a sender by checking the SPF record, which is produced by code placed in the sender's Domain Name Server information. | |
Sent Items |
The name of the folder in your email program that holds copies of the email messages you have sent to others. These messages can be moved to other folders for organizing your email messages, or you can delete them.. | |
Server |
A computer that serves as an information source or connectivity vehicle for a network, whether local, wide-area or Internet. Web pages are hosted on a server, so others connecting to the Internet can access them. | |
SGML |
Standard Generalized Markup Language.. It is an International Standards Organization (ISO) standard. This markup language, developed in 1986, provides a set of rules for defining new data formats. XML is a subset of SGML and it is SGML less a number of items. | |
Shareware |
Software available for free trial before deciding if you wish to register it for continued use. Normally shareware is found on the Internet. | |
Shortcut menu |
The menu that pops up when you right-click with the mouse. It contains a number of options from which you can select an action by clicking on it. | |
Shouting |
A message that seems to yell at the recipient, usually by using all CAPITAL letters. | |
Signature file |
A brief prewritten text file that users can append to the end of their email messages. Normally it contains the sender's name and address, but can contain other information. | |
Slot |
(Or card slot) One of multiple elongated sockets on the motherboard of a computer. It is used for plugging in adapter cards. The contacts on the adapter cards match those in the slots and allow data exchange. The data processed and exchanged through a card depends on the type of adapter card in the slot. (See adapter card) | |
S/MIME |
Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. It is a standard for public key encryption and signing of email encapsulated in MIME. Microsoft says it "supports encrypted (secret-coded) messages -- that's what Outlook uses when it's used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange Server." | |
SMTP |
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol for sending email. It regulates interaction between the sending and receiving email programs. | |
Snail mail |
Mail sent through the traditional mail services, such as the United States Postal Service. | |
Sniffing |
A less-than-dependable method to determine if email recipients are able to receive HTML-formatted messages. | |
Spam |
Usually thought of as unsolicited commercial email. However, it can consist of any unwanted, unsolicited junk email sent to many recipients. | |
Spamcop |
A blacklist and IP-address database. It is a maintained by the email vendor, Ironport.. The filters of many ISPs check the IP address of each incoming email against Spamcop's database to see if it has been blacklisted because of to spam complaints. | |
Spell-check |
A feature in an email program that checks an email message for misspelled words before sending, allowing you to correct errors. | |
SPF |
Sender Policy Framework. An authentication protocol. It is used to verify that the sender's IP address is authorized to send email for the domain name shown in the "From" line of the header. | |
Spider |
Automated software tool (robot) that can search many thousands of websites per minute and harvest email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses and other information. Spammers often use spiders to collect information. Also, search engine owners use spiders, or robots, to record all text of the page, or perhaps all headings, or the key words of a meta tag in the unseen header of a web page to store in a database. This information is used to rank the sites for about every possible search term. | |
Sponsorship Swap |
Also known as Ad Swap. An exchange between two companies or groups in which each agrees to run the other's ad at no charge. | |
Spoofing |
Unauthorized, and generally illegal, use of a third party's domain name to make it appear that the email is from that third party. Phishing often uses the name of a bank, credit card company or other financial institution to entice you to furnish personal information to them. See "Phishing" in this document. | |
Spyware |
A term that refers to software that is usually secretly installed on a computer and monitors the computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Spyware usually attempts to get the user to view advertising or certain web pages. It send personal information about the user to another location over the Internet. as music sharing software obtained via download. | |
SSL |
Secure Socket layer. A Netscape protocol to enable encrypted, authenticated communications across the Internet. | |
Storage Limit |
Most web-based free email providers limit to the amount of disk space your emails can take up on their computer, normally between ½MB and 10MB. | |
Streaming media |
Audio or video files that can be played while they download to a computer (in a stream). | |
Subject line |
(1) The space on an email New Message window for the sender to enter the subject of the email. (2) For a received email, it (actually subject column) is the column that lists the subject of the email. | |
Subscribe |
To join a mailing list. This can be done by email or by filling out a Web form. | |
| T | ||
TCP/IP |
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). A standard for transmitting data over networks. It also defines the Internet by providing the basis for its protocols. | |
Terabyte |
1000 gigabytes | |
Text Newsletter |
Newsletter with words only | |
Thread |
A series of email messages or postings on a newsgroup that relate to the same topic, or thread relating to a question or posting of an individual. | |
Throttling |
Regulation of the number of emails a broadcaster can send through an ISP or mail server at a time. Many ISPs place a limit. All over the amount are bounced. | |
TIFF |
Tagged image file format. File format for storing bit-mapped graphic images, represented as rows and columns of dots. TIFF file names end with the .TIF extension. TIFFs can store images in many resolutions, and colors, as well as grayscale. TIFF is the most commonly used format for scanned images. | |
TLD |
Top Level Domain. The last segment of a domain name. Questgems' domain name is www.questgems.com. ".com" is the top level domain. Some other TLDs are .net, .gov, .edu, .org. There are many more. Also, there are a number of two-letter TLDs which are country codes, such as .us, .au, .de, .jp, .il. | |
To |
The email address to whom the email is sent. If you are sending the message, enter the intended recipient's email address in the "To" space of the New Message window. | |
Toolbar |
A strip across the top of a program's window that displays various buttons that serve as shortcuts for actions you could select from a menu. Just click on the button to produce the action. | |
Tracking |
In an email transfer, tracking records the route of an email from sender to recipient and is displayed in the full header. In Internet marketing, tracking records the actions of email recipients and website viewers. It keeps track those who open the company's emails and the clicks on links contained in them. Tracking can also track the IP addresses of those clicking on ads on a website. | |
Transactional email |
A format that allows the recipient to enter information directly on the email without having to go to a website first. The transaction may be answering a survey, confirming an agreement, making a purchase, etc. | |
Trojan Horse |
A computer program that masquerades as something it is not, perhaps by hiding itself inside another program or otherwise, in order to trick potential users into running it. Is the game, image or music file really what it appears to be? If it is a Trojan Horse, it is probably doing something else while you are enjoying the program. The term comes from an account, mythical or otherwise, of a trick the Greeks used in a war to get its army inside the city gates of its enemy sometime between 1500 and 1200 B.C. | |
| U | ||
UCE |
Unsolicited Commercial Email (spam). | |
Unique Reference Number |
Reference Number. A unique number assigned to a list member. | |
Unix |
A Multitasking Operating System developed in 1969. Because it was written in the C Programming Language, it can run on a number of different computers. Unix is the main operating system used by Internet host computers. | |
Unsubscribe |
To remove oneself from an email list. | |
Upload |
Transferring data, perhaps a file, from one computer to another one. The transfer may take place within a local network or it could be the transferring of Internet web page files to the server for that site. It is the opposite of download. | |
URL |
Uniform Resource Locator. An Internet address. For example, http:;//www.questgems.com is the URL for the opening page of this website. | |
USENET |
A world-wide system of discussion groups consisting of hundreds of thousands of machines, including some that are not on the Internet, as USENET is decentralized. There are many thousands of discussion areas, called newsgroups. | |
User Interface |
A set of controls such as buttons, commands and other devices that allow a user to operate a computer program. | |
Username |
The name by which you wish to be identified and must enter when accessing certain technical help websites, your mail server and other computer related entities. It is not your password. Of course your mail program has probably been set up with your username, so you do not have to enter it every time you check your mail. It is sometimes referred to as your user ID. | |
UUENCODE |
Unix to Unix Encoding. A method to convert binary files into ASCII (text) so they can be sent through the Internet by email. | |
| V | ||
Vacation Reply |
An autoresponder with which you can automatically reply out to the sender of an email you have received. You can include a message about another email address they should use until you return, that you will be away for a time, or any other message or purpose. It will automatically respond, with the same message, to each email received. | |
Verification |
A program designed to block email from forged senders. | |
Video email |
An email message that contains a video. The video can be inserted in the body of the message or a link can be included, by which the recipient can access a web-based video. | |
Viral marketing |
A marketing strategy that urges email recipients forward messages to others for greater exposure. The messages may, or may not, contain viruses. | |
Virtual hosting |
Hosting of a website by a hosting server. In using a hosting server, a company does not have to maintain its own web server and Internet connections. | |
Virus |
A computer program or fragment that copies itself into other programs on the computer, usually with a negative effect such as corrupting programs, data or memory. The virus can be transmitted through email or web sites. Viruses and worms are often spread through email attachments. | |
VOIP |
Voice Over IP. A specification along with various technologies to allow making telephone calls over IP networks, such as the Internet. The cost can be much less that hardwire telephone calls. | |
VPN |
Virtual Private Network. A network that uses the Internet, perhaps along with some who are not connected to the Internet, but the data encrypted so network is "virtually" private. | |
| W | ||
WAN |
Wide Area Network. Any network covering an area larger than a single building or campus. This includes the Internet. | |
Web |
World Wide Web, as found on the Internet. | |
Web page |
A document designed to be viewed using a web browser. The basic markup language for writing a web page is HTML. A website on the internet consists of one or more web pages. Web pages can also be stored on a computer in the same was as other files. | |
Web-Based Email |
An email account that is accessed on the worldwide web. Examples are Hotmail and Yahoo mail. | |
Website or Web site |
A set of web pages, perhaps with other entities such as images, sound, and video files. The website is hosted on a web server and made available by way of the Internet. | |
White list |
A list of email addresses that have been preauthorized by a email recipient to bypass email filters. In other words the recipient has indicated that he/she wants to receive all mail from those senders regardless of content. A white list can also relate to websites, perhaps by a company or parent, to allow only certain websites to be accessed. This is the opposite of "black list." | |
WY-Fi |
Wireless Fidelity. A form of wireless data communication, normally using "Wireless Ethernet". | |
Worm |
Much like a virus, but it does not infect other programs. It is a malicious program or code that replicates itself to occupy all of the storage space on the computer's hard drive or even a network. Worms and viruses are often spread through email attachments. | |
WWW |
World Wide Web. The world of hypertext servers that allow text, graphics and sound files to be mixed together as you find on the Internet. The network of web sites are a part of the World Wide Web. | |
WYSIWYG |
What you see is what you get (pronounced wiziwig). For example there are some web page development programs that do not require a person to know HTML. The developer just enters the text and images where they want them and the program writes the code. What you see on the application page is what you get on the web page. | |
| X | ||
XHTML |
eXtensible HyperText Markup Language. HTML expressed as XML. Also, XHTML, like HTML is used for creating web pages, but it is more strictly defined. Therefore it is easier for programmers to write software that can read it, edit it and check it for errors. It may replace HTML sometime in the future. | |
XML |
Extensible Markup Language. A meta language used to create standard formats for sharing information or documents on the World Wide Web. | |
| Y | ||
Y2K |
Short for year 2000. This was originally used to describe the Y2K bug. As the year 2000 approached, people supposed that computer systems would interpret the year 2000 as 1900. Using only the last two digits for the year had been interpreted as being in the 20th century (1900s). It was thought there would be massive errors and many shutdowns relating to financial and other areas. A Y2K bug fix was developed and made available, as well as downloaded in program updates. The massive problems that were feared did not occur. Now, however one should always use all four diigits for the year, as in 5-26-2007. | |
Z |
||
ZIP or .zip |
A Windows-based compressed file. Zip is the industry standard for data compression. It can preserve directory structures as well as files. Graphics and programs are often compressed as ZIP files for faster download. You must use a decompression program to "unzip" or decompress a Zip file, but that is easy. Likely such a program is already installed on your computer, if so, all you need to do is double-click the file to start decompression. You can recognize a zip file by its .zip extension. | |
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