Active Server Pages (ASP)

Abbreviated as ASP, a specification for a dynamically created Web page with a .ASP extension that utilizes ActiveX scripting -- usually VB Script or Jscript code. When a browser requests an ASP, the Web server generates a page with HTML code and sends it back to the browser. So ASPs are similar to CGI scripts, but they enable Visual Basic programmers to work with familiar tools.

Apache

One of the world's most popular Web server programs, Apache was built by a group of open-source programmers and is often used because of its outstanding performance, strong security features and the fact that it is free.

Backbone

Another term for bus, the main wire that connects nodes. The term is often used to describe the main network connections composing the Internet.

Backups

Backups are used to prevent data loss in the event of a server malfunction.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transmitted at a given moment to a server. The higher your bandwidth, the larger amount of traffic your site can handle at one time.

CGI

Short for Common Gateway Interface, a small script that processes data taken from the user (such as from a form application).

Co-located hosting

This hosting option gives webmasters complete control over their server. You are responsible for providing the physical hardware and network administration; the hosting company will provide you with the rack space and Internet connection.

Dedicated hosting

A hosting feature that allows a Web site to have its own server.

FTP

Short for File Transfer Protocol, a method of allowing remote users and Web servers to exchange files.

Managed hosting

A dedicated server that is accompanied by a full suite of technical support, maintenance and monitoring services.

Name server

A server responsible for translating domain names and IP addresses.

Propagation

The process where name servers throughout the Internet add new domains and remove expired ones from their records. This can be a lengthy process, which is why connecting to a new domain name can often take three or four days.

Reseller

A reseller operates components of a Web hosting operation using services, infrastructure and equipment provided by another Web hosting service.

Shared hosting

The most basic of Web hosting types. With shared hosting, numerous Web sites are shared on one server.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

Short for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol developed by Netscape to handle and protect confidential/sensitive information required for e-commerce transactions (like credit card numbers).

Subdomain:

Typically known as a "domain within a domain", subdomains are individual Web addresses built upon a pre-existing domain name (such as clientname.yourhostingcompany.com).

Telnet

A command-line interface that allows remote users and Web servers to communicate.

Virtual Server

A server which shares its resources with other users on the server.