Apache Apache is the most popular Web server software. It enables a computer to host one or more websites that can be accessed over the Internet using a Web browser. The first version of Apache was released in 1995 by the Apache Group. In 1999, the Apache Group became the Apache Software Foundation, a non-profit …
Applet An applet is a small application designed to run within another application. While the term “applet” is sometimes used to describe small programs included with a computer’s operating system, it usually refers to Java applets, or small applications written in the Java programming language. Unlike ordinary applications, Java applets cannot be run directly by …
Application Server An application server is a server specifically designed to run applications. The “server” includes both the hardware and software that provide an environment for programs to run. Application servers are used for many purposes. Several examples are listed below: running web applications hosting a hypervisor that manages virtual machines distributing and monitoring software …
Archie Archie is a program that allows you to search for files available on one or more FTP servers. It was commonly used in the early 1990s, but has been replaced by standard web-based search engines and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing services. In the early days of the Internet, large files were often available only …
ASP.NET ASP.NET is a set of Web development tools offered by Microsoft. Programs like Visual Studio .NET and Visual Web Developer allow Web developers to create dynamic websites using a visual interface. Of course, programmers can write their own code and scripts and incorporate it into ASP.NET websites as well. Though it often seen as …
Attachment An attachment, or email attachment, is a file sent with an email message. It may be an image, video, text document, or any other type of file. Most email clients and webmail systems allow you to send and receive attachments. To send an attachment along with your email, you can use the “Attach” command, …
Autoresponder An autoresponder is a script that automatically replies to emails sent to a specific email address. It may be used for away messages, email confirmations, or for several other purposes. Autoresponders can be configured on a mail server or using an email client. When configured on a mail server, the server automatically sends response …
Avatar Generally speaking, an avatar is the embodiment of a person or idea. However, in the computer world, an avatar specifically refers to a character that represents an online user. Avatars are commonly used in multiplayer gaming, online communities, and web forums. Online multiplayer role-playing games (MMORPGs) such as World of Warcraft and EverQuest allow …
Azure Azure is a cloud computing platform built and operated by Microsoft. It allows companies to run applications and host content in the cloud. While Microsoft designed Azure to support enterprise computing requirements, the service is also available to small businesses and individuals. The Azure infrastructure consists of multiple data centers distributed around the world. …
Backbone A backbone network is a robust, high-speed network that links multiple local networks into a single wide-area network. Similar to how a person’s backbone carries signals to and from smaller groups of nerves in their nervous system, a backbone network forms the central communications infrastructure that transmits data between networks. The largest backbone network …