Application
An application is computer software designed to perform a particular task such as a word processor which is used for creating and editing documents.
On ourbrisbane.com the infringement payments transaction is an example of an application. In many cases, applications are like online forms.
Attachment
An attachment is a file which is attached and sent as part of an email message.
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Bookmark / Favourite
For websites or web pages that you want to visit again, most browsers allow you to make a bookmark (also called a favourite). When you want to go
back to a site or page again, you can use the bookmark instead of having to remember the website address.
Browser
A browser is a program you use to view web pages and 'browse' websites. Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer are the most commonly-used browsers.
Bug
A bug is an error in a software program, which may cause it to behave in an unintended or undesirable way. A bug is not the same thing as a virus.
Button
A button is a hyperlink that appears as an image or graphic. Buttons are used to move around a site and to activate processes or transactions in
an application.
Byte
Bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB) are used to measure amounts of computer data. One byte is roughly the same as one character
(letter). One KB is approximately 1,000 bytes. One MB is approximately 1,000 KB, and one GB is approximately 1,000 MB. Computer files are usually
measured in KB and computer memory in MB or GB.
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Cache
Your browser uses a cache to store web pages and parts of web pages you've seen already. When you go back to those pages they'll be presented more
quickly because they don't need to be downloaded over the Internet again.
CC
When you're sending an email message you can send a courtesy copy of the message to someone else by entering their address in the CC field.
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM disc looks just like a music CD but can hold software applications, data, text, pictures, sound and video. A CD-ROM disc drive is generally
a standard feature of modern computers. Most software is now supplied on CD-ROM and installed (copied to the hard disk) from the disc onto your computer.
Chat
Chat is a real time typed conversation between two or more people using their computers. There are two kinds of chat - Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
or web chat.
Client
When your computer communicates with a network in some way (such as logging on to the Internet) it becomes the 'client' of the 'server' computer
that looks after the files on that network.
Compressed
Computer files can be compressed so they take up less memory. This makes them faster to send over the Internet. There are many different file compression
file formats including GIF and JPEG.
Cookie
A cookie is used by some websites to record information about your visit to their site. The cookie is stored on your computer and holds information
about your preferences. The next time you visit the site, selections you previously made, for example weather information, can be recalled during
your current visit.
Cursor
A symbol on the computer screen that shows you where you are and where the next character you type will appear. The cursor moves automatically as
you type and may be moved around the screen using the mouse or keyboard.
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Download
Download is the term used to describe getting a file from another computer. You download when you get something - like a software program - from
the Internet. Downloading can involve the transmission of lots of data and the speed of your modem (or other connection) will determine how long
you have to wait for the file to arrive.
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E-Business
A broad term covering transactions and other business operations that use the web as a basic communication tool. A company can practice e-business
without undertaking e-commerce.
E-Commerce
This is the buying and selling of products and services over the Internet by consumers and businesses.
Email
Email is a contraction of the words 'electronic-mail'. It's a software program that allows messages to be created and sent from one person to other
people. Messages are received in the recipient's mailbox and can only be opened and read by that person. A mailbox is accessed by entering a username
and password. Email messages can also contain file attachments containing computer files such as documents or photos.
Also see WebMail.
Encryption
Encryption is when information is encoded before it is sent over the Internet so that it can't be intercepted and read by other people.
Error message
A message from your computer when something has gone wrong. It will often include some type of explanation or error code.
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Favorite
See
Bookmark.
FAQ
A Frequently Asked Question.
File
A collection of digital information stored on a disk. Different types of files include 'application files' containing instructions that make up a
software program, and 'data files' like documents and spreadsheets.
File extension
Some files have a file extension, which is the group of letters added after a full stop at the end of the file name. The extension generally indicates
what type of file it is. For example, a filename ending in .doc is a Microsoft Word document.
Firewall
A firewall is a computer program that manages the connections between a company's internal computer network and its Internet connection. A firewall
only allows specific types of data through and so protects the computer network from unwelcome visitors, hackers and viruses.
Flash
Flash is an animation format used on the Internet. To play a Flash file you will need the Flash plug-in.
Fly-out menu
A fly-out menu is a smaller group of links that 'flies-out' from a navigation bar. It offers you a more detailed view of what is inside a major section
of ourbrisbane.com. When you select a link in the left-hand navigation bar on the pages of ourbrisbane.com sometimes you will notice another, smaller
group of links 'fly-out' to the side. When you see a link that interests you slide your cursor across to the link in the fly-out menu and click once.
This will take you to your selected destination.
Folder / directory
A folder is a file where a computer stores other files and information. It's used to organise and group related items, like files that relate to
a specific topic.
At the bottom of every page of ourbrisbane.com, you will see a horizontal grouping of links. This grouping, combined with the visual design elements
(eg. logos), is commonly known as the "footer".
Frame
Frames allow several different pages to be displayed in one window at the same time. You may not notice that a website is using frames as it often
looks like a single page. Frames have some disadvantages. They make pages more difficult to print and more difficult to bookmark because the browser
may print or bookmark a frame you can see but not the one with the information you want.
Freeware
Freeware is a term used to describe software programs that are available for free.
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GIF
A GIF is a type of image file. It is the most common way to compress and store images for transfer over the Internet.
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The header is the top section of a web page. It usually includes a group of links and images that make up the design of the page.
On ourbrisbane.com the header, combined with the links at the bottom of every page, provides access to all the major sections of ourbrisbane.com.
Hyperlink or link
A hyperlink, or link, refers to a part of a document that you can click on to navigate to some other information. A link can take you to another
part of the same web page, another web page in the same website, or a page on a different website somewhere else on the Internet. Links can be text
(usually shown as underlined), icons and pictures. Your cursor changes to a hand when passing over a link to show you that it can be clicked.
History
This is a function that lets you view the addresses of websites you have visited over a period of time. The history function is useful if you want
to return to a page you visited recently when you can't remember the address and you haven't made a bookmark.
Home page
The home page usually refers to the front page of a website. It can also mean the home page in your browser. If you choose a home page in your browser,
it is the one that the browser will go to whenever you click the browser's Home button.
HTML
HTML stands for hyper text mark-up language. It is a type of coding used to create content on a web page.
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Install
Applications have to be installed on your computer before you can use them. When you download a program from the Internet, you generally have to
install it too.
Icon
An icon is a small picture. Icons are often used as hyperlinks on web pages.
Internet
The Internet consists of millions of computers (and the data stored on them) around the world connected together by telephone lines, cables or satellites.
These computers and the data stored on them can be accessed via other computers that are also linked to the Internet.
Internet address
Every resource on the Internet, including every web page, has a unique address. Internet addresses, or URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) as they are
also known, help web browsers seek out and find web pages and other resources on the Internet.
ISP
An ISP is an Internet Service Provider - a company that provides Internet connection to its customers. To connect to the Internet with an ISP you
need a modem (or other connection type) and a phone line. You then dial-up the ISP and they give you access via their computers, which are permanently
connected to the Internet.
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Java
A cross platform programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Used widely for Internet and intranet applications.
JavaScript
A popular scripting language created by Netscape. This is not based on Java, although there are some similarities. It's widely supported in web browsers.
JPG
A JPG or JPEG is a standard type of image file - a picture for example. It is a common way to compress and store images for transfer over the Internet.
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Link
A link is a part of a web page or document that you can click on to navigate to some other information.
See also
hyperlink.
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A menu bar is a group of links.
See also
navigation bars.
Modem
Your modem can be inside or outside your computer. It allows your computer to send and receive data using your telephone line.
MHz
MHz stands for megahertz - a measurement of a computer's speed. The more MHz, the faster the computer.
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Navigate
To navigate is to move around or between websites. Different sites have different styles of navigation.
Navigation bar
A navigation bar is a fixed group of links. Navigation bars tend to appear only in horizontal or vertical forms on ourbrisbane.com.
See also
menu bar.
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Online
You are online when you are connected to the Internet.
Online escrow
Funds or goods delivered by one person to another which, on the fullfilment of a certain condition, is delivered by a third party. Funds are held "in
escrow" until the buyer gets and approves the merchandise, after which the funds are released to the seller.
Offline
You are offline when you are not connected to the Internet.
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Password
A password is the electronic version of a key. When you enter your username, to log on to email for example, you will usually also have to enter
your password. This password protection prevents other people from accessing your email or running up online charges on your account.
PIN
Personal Identification Number.
PKI
(Public Key Infrastructure) A security measure that includes the use of digital certificates and signatures.
Plug-in
A plug-in is a mini program that adds extra functions to a program that is already installed on your computer. In the case of a web browser, plug-ins
enable certain kinds of downloads, or give you extra features such as the ability to play sounds or view videos.
Portal
A portal is a site that may direct you to further information. It may also give you features like searching, and general information like news and
weather. ourbrisbane.com is a portal for Brisbane.
Program
A list of instructions a computer uses when it has to do something. A program is also referred to as software, or an application.
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Search engine
A search engine enables you to find information on the Internet. It's an online database of Internet resources. Search engines often work by sending
out 'spiders', which are Internet programs that trawl the web looking for sites not yet included in the database. They send back information to the
database about each site they visit.
Search string
A search string is generally one or more related words that you type into a search engine to help it locate the information you're searching for.
Server
A server is a computer that holds data to be shared over a network.
SMS
SMS stands for Short Message Service. They are text messages that can be sent and received on mobile phones.
Software
Software can refer to computer instructions, also called programs or applications, or data that is stored electronically.
Spam
Spam is unsolicited email sent to many people at once, usually involving advertising or offering services.
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URL
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It's what we also call a web or an Internet address. The URL for ourbrisbane.com is transactions.brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Typing a URL in the address bar of your browser is the simplest way to go to a website.
Username
Your username is the series of letters and/or numbers you put into your computer, Internet account or other computer network service to tell it who
you are. Usually you have to enter a password to authenticate your identity. Often your username is also the name or nickname at the beginning of
your email address.
User guide
Instructions for users to help them to complete a task.
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Virus
A virus is software that is designed to reproduce itself and cause havoc on your computer.
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Web or WWW
The web or World Wide Web is a system of pages consisting of graphics, sound, words and user input that are linked together via the Internet. It
is part of, but by no means the only part of, the Internet.
Web page
Web pages are the basic building blocks of websites. They can contain information, words, images or sound, or a combination of all of these.
Website
A website is a collection of web pages arranged together to provide information, entertainment or advice. A website can consist of text, graphics,
sound, video or a combination of these. You find websites by using a search engine, following links or typing in a website address.
WAP
WAP stands for Wireless Application Protocol. Some mobile phones use WAP to receive selected content from the Internet such as email messages, share
prices and news bulletins.
WTM
Web to mobile (phone) communications.
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