Apache:
One of the world's most popular Web server programs, Apache was built by a group of open-source programmers and is often used because of its outstanding performance, strong security features and the fact that it is free.
Bandwidth:
The amount of data that can be transmitted at a given moment to a server. The higher your bandwidth, the larger amount of traffic your site can handle at one time.
CGI:
Short for Common Gateway Interface, a small script that processes data taken from the user (such as from a form application).
Co-located hosting:
This hosting option gives webmasters complete control over their server. You are responsible for providing the physical hardware and network administration; the hosting company will provide you with the rack space and Internet connection.
Dedicated hosting:
A hosting feature that allows a Web site to have its own server.
FTP:
Short for File Transfer Protocol, a method of allowing remote users and Web servers to exchange files.
Managed hosting:
A dedicated server that is accompanied by a full suite of technical support, maintenance and monitoring services.
Name server:
A server responsible for translating domain names and IP addresses.
Propagation:
The process where name servers throughout the Internet add new domains and remove expired ones from their records. This can be a lengthy process, which is why connecting to a new domain name can often take three or four days.
Reseller:
A reseller operates components of a Web hosting operation using services, infrastructure and equipment provided by another Web hosting service.
Shared hosting:
The most basic of Web hosting types. With shared hosting, numerous Web sites are shared on one server.
SSL:
Short for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol developed by Netscape to handle and protect confidential/sensitive information required for e-commerce transactions (like credit card numbers).
Subdomain:
Typically known as a "domain within a domain", subdomains are individual Web addresses built upon a pre-existing domain name (such as clientname.yourhostingcompany.com).
Telnet:
A command-line interface that allows remote users and Web servers to communicate.