Active Server Pages (ASP): a Microsoft technology designed to allow easy combination of HTML, scripts (such as JavaScript) and ActiveX. It allows for more advanced webpage composition.

 

Bandwidth: a measure of a network's transmission speed or how much data a network can transfer in a given amount of time. It is usually measured in bits or kilobytes per second.

 

Broadband: high-speed data transmission in which a single cable can carry several channels of data at once.

 

Common Gateway Interface (CGI): a method or convention for passing data back and forth between the server and the application. It is used to power many on-line applications, such as guest books & web email forms. It is not a particular language but the overall description of server-side executed scripts.

 

CSA: Commercial Service Agreement.

 

Domain Name Services (DNS): the naming convention of the Internet that translates words into a machine-readable address. For example, if you type www.somewhere.com into your Web Browser, DNS translates those words into an Internet address that your computer can read (and "understand") allowing it to bring up the correct Web address. Private domain name registration or resolution is NOT available for certain tiered packages. Also, because Domain Names are subject to availability, Oceanic Time Warner Cable is not responsible for its inability to register any domain name.

 

Domain Specific Email: an e-mail address that allows you to use your company's domain name. For example, instead of yourname@hawaiibiz.rr.com, you can set up yourname@yourbusinessname.com. This may be easier for customers to memorize and projects a more professional image.

 

Download: to transfer a file from a remote computer, through a network connection or modem, to the hard drive of a user's computer. For instance, this webpage downloaded to your computer in order for you to be able to view it.

 

Dynamic IP Address: an IP Address, or numeric identification, which is assigned to a particular user for the duration of an online session rather than on a permanent basis. Because the number of IP addresses is limited, ISPs maintain a pool of available addresses that they assign to active sessions as needed. Then, when you log off, the address can be used for another user.

 

Firewall: A firewall is a product that enforces an access control policy between your computer and the Internet. The actual means by which this is accomplished varies widely, but in principle, the firewall can be thought of as a pair of mechanisms: one which stops unwanted requests to your computer, and the other which exists to permit requests. A firewall is made up either as a software or hardware product. The software is installed on your computer system and the hardware sits on the outside of your computer system.

Think of a firewall like the door on the front of your home. If you did not have a door, intruders would be allowed to come in and out of your home as it pleased. The traffic (intruders) could even steal or damage items in your home without you ever knowing. Once you purchase a door and install it, the traffic (intruders) passing by see that they can't come and go as they please and just pass on by. Sometimes, however, if the firewall is not configured correctly (imagine the locks on the door have not been fitted properly) the bad traffic may still be able to get in. You come home and see the locks to the door have been tampered with. You adjust the locks, making sure that no traffic can pass through your door. The next day traffic passes by, even the devious traffic, all trying to gain access to your home. Now that you have the front door in place and securely locked, the traffic is not successful in gaining access. This is what a firewall does for your computer and/or network.

Hub: a central connection for all the computers in a network. Information sent to the hub can flow to any other computer on the network.

 

HyperText Markup Language (HTML): the coding language used to create Hypertext documents for use on the World Wide Web. HTML files are meant to be viewed using a "Web Browser." eXtensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML) is a reformulation of HTML as an application of XML, which allows designers to create their own customized tags.

 

Internet Service Provider (ISP): a hosting company that provides end user access to such internet services as email and the World Wide Web.

 

Network Interface Card (NIC): a card that is installed into your computer that allows it to connect to a cable modem. Most recent computers come with an onboard Ethernet interface, avoiding the need of a NIC to connect to a cable modem. A dual NIC installation is one where two NICs are installed in one computer. Oceanic Time Warner Cable will NOT install Oceanic Time Warner Business Class in a dual NIC computer because (1) two NICs are never essential for the intended use of the Oceanic Time Warner Business Class service and (2) because Oceanic Time Warner Cable cannot provide effective technical support for such computers. An available Ethernet port, whether onboard or on a NIC, is usually preferrable over a USB Ethernet connection. In some cases, USB adapters may be the only available means to connect to the cable modem.

 

Peer-To-Peer (P2P) File Sharing: the act of sharing files on a peer-to-peer network. Copyright infringement and virus/worm issues aside, P2P file sharing has become popularized by users interested in sharing MP3s, videos, images, games and other software. Most P2P Client software installations default to an "always-on" configuration, where the software may continue to use upstream bandwidth, possibly causing slow browsing or latency for the user. Read about Peer 2 Peer Dangers by Time Warner Cable Security and Abuse of Austin, TX.

 

Phishing: a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information. Read a Federal Trade Commision Consumer Alert on Phishing Scams.

 

Proxy Server: a computer that sits between the workstation on your desk and the Internet. It is like a "gatekeeper" that intercepts all requests from within your local area network (LAN) to the Internet.

 

Router: a network device that links a local network to a remote network. It can be used to connect a LAN to a LAN or a LAN to the Internet.

 

Scalability: the degree to which an application or service can be expanded in size, volume or number of users served and continue to function properly. It allows for the customization of bandwidth speeds based on company needs, allowing an ISP to grow with its client.

 

Service Level Agreement (SLA): a contract between a service provider, like an ISP, and an organization. It guarantees a certain availability, or up-time, among other features.

 

Spam: a nickname for Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) or Junk Mail. Most common spam include advertisements, get rich quick schemes, chain letters, email generated by computer viruses and other nuisance messages. See also Phishing and Virus.

 

Spyware: Spyware and adware are non-viral applications (surveillance tools) that are loaded without the user's knowledge and can monitor computer activity including keystroke tracking and capture, email logging, instant message usage and snapshots. Spyware comes in many shapes and sizes: some are simply an annoyance while others threaten security.

 

Static IP Address: a type of account from an ISP in which your computer is assigned the same IP Address, or numeric identification, at all times. It is necessary in order to run a VPN or to host a website, as well as for other purposes. Please keep in mind, however, a static IP address does not mean a permanent IP address. As dictated by the needs of operating the Oceanic Time Warner Business Class service, Oceanic Time Warner Cable may need to change or renumber IP address from time to time. In these cases, Oceanic Time Warner Cable will contact static IP customers and provide ample time to make the necessary changes.

 

Upload: to transfer a file from the hard drive of a user's computer to another, usually larger computer system. For instance, if you would like to send customer data, photos or CAD files to a client or co-worker, you need to upload them.

 

Virtual Private Network (VPN): a collection of technologies that allow you to create secure private networks. You can control who can log into your network, allowing you to share business resources over a secure connection.

 

Virus: a small program that attaches itself to another program or document and replicates with the potential to cause damage. A computer virus is a form of malicious software - also referred to as malware. (Malware is a word derived from the combination of the words malicious, and software). Other common malware forms are worms, trojans and zombies.

 

Voice Over IP (VoIP): an application that encodes and digitizes a voice signal, converts the signal to data packets and transports the packets over a data network. The practice of using an Internet connection to pass voice data using IP instead of using the switched telephone network avoids standard long distance charges and delays.

 

Webmail: email that is accessible via the internet, thereby not requiring you to be at a particular computer in order to read your email.

 

Wi-Fi: (or wifi) is a trademark for sets of product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs). Common devices such as Laptop or Notebook computers, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), Voice over IP (VoIP) phones currently use these networks to access the Internet without wires.

 

Wi-Fi Hotspot: a location where users can use their Wi-Fi enabled Laptop or Notebook computers or other portable devices to access the Internet at relatively high speeds. Wi-fi Hotspots are often found near restaurants, train stations, airports, cafes, libraries and other public places.

 

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