| Glossary |
A- Record
Tells visitors where to find your website. Every domain name will contain an A-Record (in a DNS database). This A-Record will point to the IP Address of the web server (eg. 83.156.29.4). An IP Address is just like a telephone number and identifies all servers on the web. (Sister of the MX Record)
Alias
A name that refers to another name. For example and email alias might be info @ company.com which points to john @ company.com. An alias of a web page might be www. company .com/john which points to www. company .com/default.asp?page=q1nk2434joi&j=5
Bandwidth
How much data is transferred from your website. For example if a movie is 2megabytes and is downloaded 100 times then the total bandwidth used will be 200mb (0.2gb). A typical web page is about 10kb.
Browser
Software on your computer that is used to look at websites. The most popular browsers are Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Cache
Your computer will store copies of web pages, images and files within it’s web browser. This saves time because you do not have to download the company logo on every page of a website for example. If you need to refresh the latest version of a page from the server then on windows hit CTRL-F5 or Apple-R on a mac.
CMS – Content Management System
Web-based software used to edit web pages, images and files.
The design of a website will be the same on all pages but the content can be changed by the user. Our easy-to-use CMS is called The Toolkit.
Cookie
Cookies are created by some websites that you visit to help remember details about you. They are stored in your web Browser. Cookies contain information such as login or registration details, shopping carts or user preferences. Cookies are normally set to expire after a certain time. A cookie can also be a tasty biscuit!
CSS – Cascading Style Sheets
The design elements of your website are stored in a CSS file. This sets the default font size, colour, rollover colour, and many other styles. Also much of the layout of your website is set in the CSS file.
DNS – Domain Name System
This system provides the foundation of the internet. Every Domain Name points to an IP Address which is just like a phone number and points to an individual computer. A Domain Name is much easier to remember than an IP Address. The DNS tells website visitors which computer to request the web pages from.
Domain Name
Each Domain Name is unique and can be registered if available. For example: www.toolkitwebsites.co.uk . You can also have other suffixes such as .com, .net or .eu.
Ethernet
A cable network in your home or office that links up many computers. Sometimes replaced by a WiFi network.
Firewall
A solution to stop people hacking in to your computer. Most broadband modems include a hardware firewall. Many PC’s also come with a software firewall included.
Hosting
The process of housing a website or email on a server that is always connected to the internet.
HTML – Hyper Text Markup Language
The coding language used to create pages on the web. Based on old typesetting code, where you surround a block of text with codes that indicate how it should appear.
HTTP – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
The protocol for moving web pages around the Internet. Requires a web Browser to interpret pages.
IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol
Second generation email service which includes integrated spam and virus filters and the ability to manipulate message stored on the server, without having to actually retrieve the messages.
IP Address
The telephone numbers of the internet (eg. 89.399.5.92). They are concealed from most users by Domain Names which are translated into IP Addresses.
IPS TAG
Identifies the company in control of your co.uk Domain Name. If you move your website or email then the old company will need to change the IPS TAG to your new provider.
ISP – Internet Service Provider
The company that provides your dialup or broadband connection to the Internet. If you are on a network then the administrator is responsible for your connection.
JavaScript
Programming language used widely within websites. Allows websites to offer extra functionality in a robust way.
JPEG
The most common form of web image. This is now also the default file format for most digital cameras. If you have files in other formats you can use software to convert them to JPEG.
Mail Server
The computer that is connected to the Internet and hosts your emails. When you send/receive your computer will connect to the Mail Server. You will need to enter the Mail Server address into your email account settings (often in the format: pop.emailsrvr.com)
Meta Tag (Title, Keywords, Description)
Invisible comments for every web page. These are used by search engines to categorise your website. It is important to ensure that every page has individual Meta Tags that are related to the content of the page.
MX Record – Mail Server Exchanger
Tells other computers where to find your email server. Every domain name will contain an MX-Record (in a DNS database). This MX-Record will point to the IP Address of the web server (eg. 83.156.29.4). An IP Address is just like a telephone number and identifies all servers on the web. (Sister of the A-Record)
Name Server
Part of the DNS system. The Name Servers are assigned to your Domain Name. The Name Servers are where the A-Record and MX Record are set up.
Nominet
The organisation that controls all .co.uk and .org.uk domain names in the UK.
Operating System
The type of software your computer is running. Normally either: Windows, Mac or Linux.
Password
Used to access secure websites. If you forget your password then go to the website and click on ‘Forgot Password’ and your password will be emailed to you.
PDF – Portable Document Format
A file format designed to enable printing of documents with all their design (fonts, images, layout) appearing the same regardless of what computer is used.
POP Email
Standard email format for storing your messages on the server.
Registrant
The person or company who owns a domain name
Registrar
The company who the domain name is registered through.
Search Engines
A website that has indexed the entire web and gives results based on a keyword search. The most popular search engines are Google, Yahoo and MSN.
SEO – Search Engine Optimisation
The process of trying to reach the top of the results page for a keyword search. For example coming up under ‘Plumber in Bristol’ might be the goal of a Bristol based plumber. SEO is achieved by 1. Adding lots of content to your website with relevant keywords, 2. Ensuring your website is search engine friendly, 3. Getting lots of quality links into your website.
Server
A computer that is always connected to the Internet and stores your website and email. Servers can also provide other services.
SMTP – Sending Emails
The system used to send emails from your computer (eg. Smtp.emailsrvr.com).
SQL - Structured Query Language
The database that your website uses is SQL. It is a cutting-edge scaleable system used by many of the worlds largest companies.
The Toolkit
A system designed by Toolkit Websites Ltd to provide access to clients to edit their websites directly from any computer worldwide.
URL
Another name for a website address
(eg. http://www.toolkitwebsites.co.uk )
Whois
The worldwide system for checking who is the owner (Registrant) of a Domain Name.
WiFi
A wireless network that allows computers to connect to the Internet.
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View our short introductory movie on how to use the Toolkit