Glossary
We have aimed to make our site as user-friendly as possible, but sometimes
we have to use internet terminology to describe things properly. If you are
new to the internet, you may find the glossary below to be a useful starting
point in understanding some of the terminology.
Adobe Acrobat Reader:
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a program or plugin used
to read PDF files.
Attachment:
A file that is sent with an email is called an attachment. These files can
be almost any kind including word processing documents, spreadsheets, sounds
or movies.
Browser:
A browser is software that allows you to use the World Wide Web. Netscape
Navigator and Internet Explorer are two of the most popular browsers. See
Centrelink Downloads for more information.
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Download:
Download means to copy something from the Internet to your computer including
files, software, movies and images. See Centrelink Downloads for more information.
Email:
Email (electronic mail) is used to send messages back and forth using your
computer by using an email program or your browser.
Email Address:
An email address is needed to send and receive email. An email address is
unique, so it works just like an electronic letterbox. This usually takes
the form xxx@xxx.com.au.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Frequently Asked Questions are questions we are commonly asked with an answer provided for each question. See Frequently
Asked Questions.
Favourites/Bookmarks:
When using a browser you can add a web page to your list of Favourites or
Bookmarks which is a very useful method of organising the sites you visit
regularly.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
This is a method of transferring files between computers.
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Home page:
This is usually the front page of a website.
Install:
When you have a new piece of software you need to load, or install, it onto
your computer before you can use it. You may need to restart your computer
before you can use the new software.
Internet:
The internet is millions of computers worldwide all joined together by a
common protocol (TCP/IP) - which means they can all talk the same computer
language.
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Internet Explorer:
Internet Explorer is a popular web browser. See Centrelink Downloads section for the latest version of
this browser.
ISP (Internet Service Provider):
Many people use an ISP to gain access to the internet.
Link:
A link is a highlighted word or phrase (often underlined) that you can click
on to go to another web page. The Centrelink website has green links (if you
haven't clicked on that link) and orange links (if you have clicked on that
link before).
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Modem:
A modem is needed by your computer for it to be able to talk to other computers
or connect to the internet via a telephone line.
Netscape Navigator:
Netscape Navigator is a popular web browser. See Centrelink Downloads section for the latest version of
this browser.
Offline:
Generally refers to not being connected to the internet.
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Online:
Means that you are currently connected to the internet or refers to material
that is located on the internet as in "You can get that information online."
PDF (Portable Document Format):
A useful method of ensuring that a document prints well from any kind of
computer. A PDF file will always have a filename ending in .pdf
Plugins:
Are small programs that add extra features to your web browser. They can
usually be downloaded for free.
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Refresh/Reload:
When using a browser you sometimes need to click on the Refresh or Reload
button to ensure that you are viewing the most current version of a web page.
RTF (Rich Text Format):
A format for text documents that ensures it can be opened and used by most
word processing programs.
Search Engine:
A program or web site that enables users to search for keywords on web pages
throughout the World Wide Web. You can search the Centrelink website.
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Site:
The short name for a website.
Subscribe:
Means to join a mailing list, or other online information service, which
will deliver a regular email to your email address.
TCP/IP (Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol):
This is a set of protocols which allow computers to share information. TCP/IP transfers 'packets' of information which are delivered separately, then put back together to provide the full set of information. This happens very quickly and without you needing to be aware of it. You may notice when you open a new web page it doesn't always load all at once, this is because not all of the packets have arrived at your computer.
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URL (Uniform Resource Locator):
This is the address of a website. For example, the Centrelink URL is http://www.centrelink.gov.au/
Website:
A website is a group of pages on the internet. It can be compared to a book
- short or long with lots of pages that you can flick through in page order
or randomly. You can even use a virtual bookmark as a placeholder.
WWW (World Wide Web):
The web is millions of websites all linked together that you can use to search
for information, chat online, internet banking, research and many other purposes.
Sort of like one big library full of every bit of information you can think
of.
