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This area of our site is intended for getting the best out of the Internet, your web site, your browser and other related Internet Issues including a glossary of Internet terminology.

Hints & Tips

  1. To view several pages at once, highlight a link and "right-click" - choose "Open in new window". This opens a window for that address. Do this as many times as you wish. You can then quickly switch between each web page for info in exactly the same way as you might use windows on your desktop.
  2. To save a picture (OK, pinch it) from a web page, again, right click and choose "Save Picture As". Then choose the file that you want to store the image in. You can rename it at this point.
  3. For added economy, compose your e-mail off line. Then go on-line and send and receive all of your mail in one go. Log off and read your mail.
  4. Again, for economy, instead of reading those lengthy documents/reviews etc on-line, wait for the page to finish loading (very quick for text pages) and disconnect. Right click (PC) on the modem icon on your task bar. Then take as long as you like to finish reading the document.
  5. Alternatively, if you are using IE5 or above, choose "File", "Save As", "Save as type: Web Page, complete (*.htm,*html). This saves the whole page including graphics with all the formating to be viewed later.
  6. For more accurate serching of directories/search engines, take a moment to read their instructions. Each engine uses different criteria for storing information and this will give you clues.
  7. Worried about Adult content ? Use a piece of software like "Net Nanny" that identifies Adult content and won't allow your browser to view these pages without a pin or password.
  8. Don't pass your credit/debit card details over the internet unless via a secure server.
  9. Don't worry about sending ordinary info via non-secure means. This is just ordinary e-mail. You do it all the time.
  10. Don't divulge your ISP password to anyone unless you are personally authorising them e.g. to up-load to your web site. Only do this when you know the contact to be reputable.
  11. Make sure your web site is submitted to as many search engines as possible on a regular basis. Ask about Web Site Management programs.

Glossary

Browser - Software that allows you to view web content. Converts HTML into viewable data giving you what you are seeing now - and how you are seeing it.

HTML - Hyper Text Mark-up Language. The code that sets all the formating and commands for the display of a web site to be converted by your browser.

DHTML - Dynamic Hyper Text Mark-up Language. Added interactivity between you and the web site.

HTTP - Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. Found in the opening line of your internet address. Instructs the servers where and how to direct the rest of the address.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol. The standard software for transfering data from one PC source to another. Typically used to move data from a PC to a web server.

Server - A computer at your ISP where all web sites are held for that respective Service Provider.

ISP - Internet Service Provider. They provide the link between you and the World Wide Web.

Gateway - The "door" to the World Wide Web provided by the Internet Service Provider.

WWW - OK, I know you know this. The World Wide Web.

URL - Uniform Resource Locator. Your Internet address. Text version. e.g. http://www.geminiwebdesign.co.uk.

IP Address - Every time you connect to the Internet your ISP assigns you an Internet Protocol or IP address such as 185.182.73.xxx that identifies your computer on the Internet.

Domain Name - A Domain Name converts your IP address into something more recogniseable and memorable such as geminiwebdesign.co.uk and is organised within the DNS.

DNS - Domain Name System converts and recognises Domain Names and appropriate IP numbers to make the contact between one computer and another on the Internet.

Search Engine - Also an Internet directory (like Yahoo). Software that scoures the web for web sites and makes categorised listings according to varying criteria. You ought to register with them to increase your chance of being listed. They check your Meta Tags for authenticity.

Meta Tags - Code inserted (but not displayed) in your web page that tells the Search Engine what your page is all about. Typically include Keywords for searching.

Keywords - Words entered in a search for web sites that include specific subject matter e.g. "cars, vans, motor vehicles, motors," etc. might be included in the Meta Tags for a business in the Motor Industry. The more accurate these tags are, the better your chance of being listed and indeed found in a search.

Plug-in - No, not by Johnson & Johnson. Plug-ins allow your browser to use/display another piece of software included in your web page that is not written in HTML. Examples are Flash, Real Player and QuickTime. They are usually used to enhance the mutimedia experience that standard HTML lacks.

ASP - Active Server Pages. Instructions (small programs) held on the server and called when an event takes place.

CGI - Scripts that reside on the web server and are called during an event. Much like ASP. Often used to assemble information and send it to a pre-determined location as in handling forms with data etc.

Applet - A small program that runs independently of the browser.

Java - Powerful programming language often used on the web but not used solely for Internet applications.

JavaScript - Not really programming but taken from Java - has many similarities. Strictly, it is scripting, but no less powerful on the web for all that. Look around this site. There is at least one example of JavaScript on EVERY page.