Glossary of Terms

Web Host A "Web Host" is an internet provider that supplies you with the disk space, Web address, and Web Page tools necessary for you to have your own home page on the internet.

ISP Internet Service Provider.  This is the company that gives your home (or work) computer connection to the internet.  This company may or may not be your local telephone or cable provider.  There are literally thousands of providers, from global companies like AOL (America OnLine) with millions of subscribers, to local companies with a few hundred subscribers.

Domain A "domain" or a "domain name" is a unique name assigned to you.  This name is registered with a company called InterNIC.  This name is the familar "anyname.com", or "anyname.net", etc.  Most companies get a domain name for their company's Web site, but it is not a requirement to have a Web site.  The reasons for getting the name are many fold, but the primary reason is that any site you create under your domain name may be easily transported from one provider to the next, and your users do not have to learn a new site address for you.

Sub-domain A "sub-domain" is simply your site name attached to someone else's domain name.  You do not need to register this type of Web Site name, you get your Web Host to set you up as a sub-domain of theirs.  Your site name (address) would then look like this:  "mugweb.com/anyname", or "anyname.mugweb.com".

CookiesA "cookie" is a named bit of text that is stored on your computer by your web browser. It is like a programming variable that a web site can set and then read later. Usually the cookie contains an ID number.

Site A "site" is the location of your Web Page.  This is not a physical site, but rather a unique address or name that the internet can locate.