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compress To compact a file or group of files so that they occupy less disk space. See also decompress.
confidence scores The numerical indicators that rate how close the search engine results match the text you typed.
cookies Pieces of information sent from a Web site and stored on your computer to customize your visit to the site.
copy To duplicate information and reproduce it.
crawler A special program that searches Internet database indexes for information. Also referred to as a spider.
database A collection of data related to a particular topic or purpose, such as a database of customer information. Can also refer to a type of program, such as Microsoft Access, you can use to organize and manipulate detailed lists of information.
decompress To expand a compressed file or group of files so that the file or files can be opened. See also compress.
default A predefined setting built into a program and used when you do not specify an alternative setting. For example, a document might have a default setting of 1-inch page margins unless you specify another value for the margin settings.
destination A document or program receiving information that was originally generated in another program. See also source.
dial-up connection A connection between two computers using software, a modem, and a phone line. When you start Internet Explorer and use your modem to call your service provider, you are establishing a dial-up connection. See also network connection.
digital signature An electronically transmitted signature that guarantees the identity of the sender Also referred to as a digital ID.
DNS (Domain Name System) A network service that converts raw numeric names for Internet addresses to readable hierarchical Internet addresses. For example, DNS converts 207.68.137.42 to www.microsoft.com.
document Any independent unit of information, such as a text file, worksheet, or graphic object, that is created with a program. A unique filename can be used for saving and later retrieving the document.
download The action of transferring a file from the Internet to your hard drive.
drag-and-drop A mouse technique for directly moving or copying a set of information from one location to another. To drag an object, position the pointer over the object, hold down the mouse button while you move the mouse, and then release the mouse button when the object is positioned where you want it.
edit To add, delete, or change information, such as text or graphics.
e-mail Notes, messages, and files sent between computers using telecommunication or network services. Also referred to as electronic mail.
emoticon A group of characters, including punctuation, used to add expression or humor to Internet communication. The most common is the smiley face, which when viewed sideways looks like a smiling face. :-)
encode To translate a binary file into another format, such as ASCII.
encrypted Describes data that has been coded to prevent unauthorized use. You cannot read encrypted data until you decode it with the correct key.
file A collection of information identified by a unique file name. A file might be text, binary code, a graphic element, or a combination of these. A file format is the way in which data is stored in a file. Usually, different programs, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, have different file formats.
flame To insult another person in an e-mail message, chat session, or in a reply to a newsgroup article. An extended series of insulting e-mail exchanges between two or more individuals is called a flame war.
font A family of type styles, such as Times or Helvetica. Various effects, such as bold or italic, are possible within one font, and various point sizes can be applied to a font.
frame Division on a Web page in which other Web pages can be viewed.
freeware Free software distributed by the creator, who retains all copyright privileges.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A communications standard that makes it possible for a user to transfer files from one location to another over the Internet.