Webspace F.A.Q.

We know this area can be complex, we have assembled below some information about this area of web development.

1. What is a Domain Name?
A unique name that represents each computer on the Internet. (Some machines do have more than one domain name.) The Domain Name System or "DNS" converts the domain name requested by an Internet user into an IP address, for example reversedelta.com.

2. What is a URL?
Uniform Resource Locator - The address of a file or Web page accessible on the Internet (for example, http://www.reversedelta.com).

3. What is Webspace?
Hard drive space on a server that contains webpages and web sites.  Webspace needs to be accessible to the public, so webspace is "hosted" on servers that are connected to public networks.

4. What is Hosting?
Your web site must physically reside on a computer that's connected to the internet. Web hosting companies provide the equipment, a high-speed connection to the internet and monitor your site to make sure it is always available. Hosting companies typically charge a one-time setup fee in addition to the monthly hosting fee.

5. What is "Domain Name System" or DNS?
The Domain Name System is a system of mapping names to IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier for humans to remember. The Internet, however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, DNS translates the name into the corresponding IP address. It is similar to a phonebook for the Internet.

6. What is a Dedicated Server?
A server which is dedicated to one application or website. If your website has advanced size, security, or application needs, you might want to consider a dedicated server.  You can provide your own server ("co-location") and have it linked to the internet, or rent or buy a server. 

7. What is a Managed Service?
A "Managed Service" typically strives to meet performance objectives reached by consensus between the user and the provider of a service, or between an outsourcer and an organization. A service level agreement specifies a variety of performance standards that may or may not include "service" level, including any penalty or remuneration for failure to meet agreed service levels.

8. What is Virus Protection?
A program that runs in the background and scans all incoming emails for possible viruses and removes them.

9. What is Spam Protection?
Spam is the slang/now accepted term for unsolicited "junk" e-mail sent to large numbers of people to promote products or services. Often sexually explicit, fraudulent and usually unethical.

10. What is a Control Panel?
A Web site Control Panel provides a simple user interface for maintaining and monitoring your Web site. Features of the Control Panel vary among providers, but most include site administration, design, statistical reporting, and account maintenance tools.

11. What is POP?
Post Office Protocol is the most common protocol used to retrieve e-mail from a mail server. Most e-mail applications (sometimes called an e-mail client) use the POP protocol, although some can use the newer IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).

12. What is SMTP?
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - a standard protocol used to handle outbound e-mail functions.

13. What is Webmail?
The ability to access email from a web browser by typing the webmail URL into the address bar on a web browser anywhere in the world.

14. What is a Secure Server or SSL Certificate?
Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a technology used on the Internet to secure web pages and transactions by means of public key cryptography. A digitally secure communications channel is established between the server and the client after which all data is encrypted. Message integrity is provided by the use of digital signatures, and trust in an individual or a website is ascertained by using digital certificates which are signed by a Certificate Authority acting as a "trusted third party". The encryption strength used in SSL is 40-bit and 128 bit. Cryptomathic offers a toolbox that supports both SSL and TLS. For more information, see Primeink Internet Protocols (SSL/TLS).

A server with an SSL certificate installed is often referred to as a "secure server".Many web browsers display a padlock icon when accessing a secure server, to give the consumer confidence before parting with their credit card details.