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TERMINOLOGY

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Accessibility
A process in which a website is developed to allow the widest possible access to the content therein, regardless of the website visitor's ability/disability. Accessibility guides include WAI WCAG and Section 508.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Broadband Internet connection who's download and upload speeds differ.
Ajax
Asynchronous JavaScript And XML. The name given to a a group of existing technologies that can be used to exchange web based data. The result can be; a webpage that behaves more like a 'desktop' application.
Apache
Web Server Software. This is the standard server application that is installed by most hosting providers. Put bluntly, it is the software management system that dealt with your 'request' to view this page.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
ASP
Active Server Pages. Propriety database technology distributed by Microsoft. Not open source.
Backbone
A high-speed line or series of connections that forms a major pathway within a network.
Bandwidth
How much data that can be sent through a network connection (usually Internet). A 56k Dial-Up Modem can send about 57,000 bits in one second. Modern DSL connections are capable of transfers of 100Mbits (100,000,000 bps)
Blog
Short for web-log. An web-based journal.
Browser
Special software designed to read web pages. Often referred to as a Web Browser. Popular browsers include Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox, Netscape's Navigator and Opera. Most browsers are offered for free.
CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A facility on your host's server for running Server-Side scripts, etc.
Client
A piece of software designed to contact and obtain data from a Web Server. An Email Client or Browser Client are examples.
Client-Side
Any requirement or procedure that relies upon and executes on the users computer. This basically means the hardware/software set-up being used by a visitor to a website. See: Server-Side.
Cold Fusion
Server-Side technology used for databases and web applications. Adobe Software Technology.
Cookie
A small file sent by a Web Server (usually through a website) to a Web Browser which is saved on the users computer. This file can then be referenced when the user revisits the same Web Sever (website).
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets. A standard for formatting the appearance of webpages, etc. In relation to 'Web Standards' and 'Semantics', it is used to separate 'meaning' from 'presentation'. Used alongside HTML, XML, XHTML, etc.
DHTML
Dynamic HyperText Markup Language. The unofficial name given to webpages that combine HTML, JavaScript, and CSS technologies.
DNS
Domain Name System. The system that translates Internet domain names into IP numbers.
Domain Name
The unique name that identifies an Internet based website. Example: www.yourdomain.com
Download
Transfer of data from another 'remote' computer (usually via the Internet or an intranet). See: Upload.
Ethernet
Common method of linking computers in a LAN (Local Area Network).
Firewall
Hardware and software systems designed to create a security barrier between networks. These can be configured to allow decisions to be made on what can and can not be accessed. Used to detect and block illegal access attempts.
Flash
Web based Multi-Media technology from Adobe. Widely used. Requires Browser Plug-In. File extension (SWF) ShockWave Flash.
Flash Plug
In allows you to view and interact with SWF flies.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Common method for transferring files between computers via the Internet.
GIF
Graphic Interchange Format. Image file format used extensively on the Web. Ideal for using with large areas of flat colour. Displays a maximum of 256 colours, file sizes are reduced by discarding colours. See: JPEG, PNG.
Homepage
The default entry page to a website. If a user only inputs a Domain Name in a Browser, the Browser will begin downloading the Homepage. The most common way to indicate which page is to be your Homepage, is to name it; index.htm.
Host
A computer that stores and serves web pages over the Web. Most people rent webspace for their website from specialist 'Hosting' providers.
HTML
Hyper Text Mark-Up Language. Standard Mark-Up coding language for creating web pages. See: HTTP
HTTP
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. Standard protocol for addressing Hyper Text web pages on the web. See: HTML
Internet
A world wide grid of inter-linked (networked) computers.
Intranet
A closed network of inter-linked computers. Often using the same technologies as the Internet. Used by organisations for sharing internal information.
IP Address or Number
Internet Protocol. Every computer that accesses the Internet must have a unique identifying number. IP numbers can be assigned temporarily only whilst a computer is 'on-line'. Each active Domain Name will have a IP number assigned to it.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. Companies that provide a means for their users to access the Internet.
Java
Sophisticated programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Used often on the Web because, unlike other languages (C++), it is not system or platform dependent. (i.e. Windows, Linux, Mac, Unix).
JavaScript
Scripting language often used on webpages. Not to be confused with Java.
JavaScript Libraries or Frameworks
Used as a way to simplify JavaScript, allowing common procedures to be easily implemented. Commonly used libraries include jQuery, MooTools, YUI, etc.
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group. Image file format used extensively on the Web. JPEG uses lossy compression (quality degrades) to reduce image file sizes allowing them to download quickly on a webpage. Best suited to images that contain colour variation and gradients, like photographs. Not suitable for flat areas of colour. See: GIF, PNG.
JSP
Java Server Pages. Server-Side technology used for databases and web applications.
Kilobyte
1,000 bytes. 1,024 to be precise. Computers use Base 16.
Keywords
Meta Tag used in HTML. Used to identify/describe the purpose of a webpage. Search Engines use this information when indexing. Sometimes used as a general term to describe words you wish to target as part of SEO.
LAN
Local Area Network. Usually a small group of inter- connected computers.
Linux
Computer operating system. An open source system developed to run on desktop PC's, servers, etc.
Local
In relation to websites this refers to the version of a website that resides on a 'local' computer within the company, office, web design studio, etc. See: Remote.
Megabyte
1,000 Kilobytes. 1,024 to be precise. Computers use Base 16.
Meta Tags
Tags used in HTML that are not displayed in the resulting webpage. Used to identify/describe the purpose of a webpage. Search Engines can use this information when indexing.
Mirror
To maintain an exact copy. Some websites offer an alternative 'mirror' site, that is used if the original fails. Also refers to 'local' and 'remote' versions of the same website.
MySQL
Open-Source sever-side database technology, often used in conjunction with PHP.
Network
Two or more computers connected together that can share information, data, software, etc.
Newsletter
A subscription service offered by some websites, usually received at regular intervals via email.
Open Source
Any kind of computer software, program, application, script, etc, who's source code can be legally viewed and modified. Software that is often developed by a community. Open Source software is usually free to use.
PDF
Portable Document Format. Popular document format designed to give complete control over layout and formatting. Files read by 'Acrobat' reader. Can be viewed in a web Browser via the Acrobat Plug-In. Adobe format.
PHP
Popular Open-Source 'middleware' scripting/programming language used to build 'web applications'. Often used as the 'application' layer between sever-side database technologies and the client-side Web Browser.
Plug-In
Software designed to add to, and work with, another piece of software. Plug-In's are often required by Web Browsers to enable them to read certain file types.
PNG
Portable Network Graphics. Image file format designed for, and used extensively on the Web. A fairly recent introduction, designed to resolve the weaknesses inherent in previous web formats. See: GIF, JPEG.
POP3 (Email)
Post Office Protocol. Common standard protocol for non-web based email communication.
Quicktime
Streaming and compression technology used mainly for web video.
Quicktime Plug
In allows you to view and interact with MOV flies.
Remote
In relation to websites this refers to the version of a website that physically resides on a 'remote' server computer. This is often your 'Host' computer and is accessible via FTP. See: Local.
Search Engine
A web based database used to find websites. Work on the basis of a websites relevance to a search phrase.
SEO
Search Engine Optimisation. A technique for making a website Search Engine 'friendly'.
Server
Generally, a computer that stores and provides access to websites. Webpages are said to be 'served' to a client application, i.e. a Web Browser.
Server-Side
Any requirement or procedure that relies upon and executes on a server computer. Many database technologies are Server-Side.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Common protocol used to send email from server to server via the Internet.
Social Networking
Phenomena in the use of Web based applications or sites, where the primary role is to facilitate communication between users. FaceBook and YouTube are examples.
Spam
An email message (usually unwanted) randomly sent to many unknown recipients. Considered very bad etiquette. Has become illegal to practice in some counties.
SQL
Structured Query Language. A language for sending queries to databases.
SSL
Secure Socket Layer. Protocol to enable encrypted communications across the Internet
Streaming
A technology that allows time-based media to be viewed whilst downloading. The beginning of a video sequence can be viewed whilst the middle and end are still downloading. Techs' include Flash, Quicktime, RealMedia, etc.
Trojan
A computer program, usually malicious, that disguises itself as something else.
Unix
Operating System often used on Server computers.
Upload
Transfer of data to another 'remote' computer. See: Download.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. At its simplest, URL can be seen to be synonymous with a 'web address'.
Virus
Any program, script, applet, etc, designed to replicate itself. Usually used to describe code that is capable of executing destructive actions - file deletion, etc.
Web 2.0
A vague term, but can be loosely defined as a 'second phase' development in how the web is being used by people, and how new design and development technologies have been implemented. 'Social Networking' and 'Blogging' are examples in usage. 'Usability', JavaScript and 'Ajax' widgets, are examples in design and Web development.
World Wide Web (www)
An international protocol (http:) used as a common means to communicate via the Internet.
Worm
Type of Virus.
XML
eXtensible Markup Language. A widely used system for defining data formats.

Web Site Design...
Needs analysis
To start, a brief discovery phase identifies the website's marketing goals, technical requirements, branding strategy and measurements of success. Careful attention is paid to market competitors, customer feedback (when available), and input from client team members.

WILSOL design then works with the client to identify a delivery date and implementation timeline, after which an extranet site for the project is established to make project deliverables available to the client.		 Architecture
Existing and proposed content, functional/navigational elements, and inter-site promotions are all factored into the site's information architecture. Ideally, the sitemap maintains a balance between breadth and depth, requiring as few clicks as possible to any given piece of content, while not overwhelming the user with too many choices at once.

Content that may be featured on the site's home page is identified, as is lead-generating "premium content" and any related forms. 		Design
Once an information architecture has been finalized, the site's page layout, look and feel, and branding are designed through a series of Photoshop screen mockups. Typically, three or four mockups are produced for a given design, including the site's home page and two or three prominent content pages.

Feedback is solicited from the client, after which one or more rounds of iteration are made to the design. Depending on the project's scope and timetable, multiple design directions may be produced.		 Production
With a final design in hand, cascading style sheets are written to define text formatting, screen layout, and navigation elements. Content pages are authored in HTML/PHP, and images are optimized for efficient download times.

Throughout production, SEO best practices are followed to ensure the site's code is optimized for search engines. WILSOL design will work with the client to identify opportunities within the site where search keywords can be applied and optimized.
QA & launch
The website is tested and debugged on the latest general-release version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari, along with any additional browsers and versions identified by the client during the needs analysis phase.

Once all revisions, additions, and testing are completed, the site is uploaded to the client's production server for public deployment. WILSOL design will then work with the client to ensure a clean site launch, identifying and correcting any issues that may arise.
Options such as an interactive database & much more...
Needs analysis
Discussions are held with the client's project managers to identify the goals, technical requirements, and measurements of success for the application's user interface. A usage model is mapped out, existing user feedback (when available) is reviewed, and navigation alternatives are considered.

WILSOL design then works with the client to identify a delivery date and implementation timeline, after which an extranet site for the project is established, though which project deliverables available to the client. 		Specification
The application's features and functionality are mapped to an information architecture, defining the navigation pathways throughout the user interface. Ideally, the architecture strikes a balance between breadth and depth, minimizing clicks to commonly-used features, without bombarding the user with too many options at once.

Where possible, redundant means of accessing commonly used features are built into the information archicture, accounting for differences in usage patterns among users.		 Design
Once an information architecture is finalized, the application's screen layout, look and feel, and navigation are designed through a series of Photoshop screen mockups. Typically, 3-4 mockups are initially produced, focusing on unique screen types or high-value functionality.

Feedback is solicited from the project team, after which one or more rounds of iteration are made to the design. Depending on the project's scope and timetable, additional screens may be mocked up prior to prototyping.		 Prototyping
With a final design in hand, a clickable model of the application's user interface is prototyped. CSS is written to define text formatting, screen layout, and navigation elements such as menus and dialogs. Key screens are authored in HTML/PHP, while custom icons are designed for inclusion in the user interface. If desired, end-user testing is conducted to validate navigation and usability.

Depending on the scope of the web application, all or some of its features and functionality may be prototyped, at the discretion of the client.
Integration
The application prototype is tested and debugged on the latest general-release version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari, along with any additional browser versions identified by the client during the needs analysis phase.

As application modules and discreet UI components are finalized, prototype code is delivered to the client's production engineers for integration. WILSOL design will then work with the client to ensure the UI is grafted onto the application framework, identifying and correcting any issues that may arise.





























































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