blog/blogging: This term is derived from Web log and is an increasingly popular type of website. Most take the form of journal entries and allow readers to post comments. |
bookmark(s): This browser feature stores a Web address in memory and allows the user to link quickly to the site. |
chat rooms: These websites or online services facilitate electronic discussions by quickly posting the comments and responses of multiple users. |
circumventor sites: These parallel websites allow children to get around some filtering software and access sites that have been blocked. |
cyberbullies/cyberbullying: This refers to any online threats by one student toward another, typically through emails or on websites (e.g., blogs, social networking sites). |
cybercrime: This refers to any Internet-related illegal activity. |
cybersecurity (sometimes cyber security): This refers to any technique, software, etc., used to protect computers and prevent online crime. |
cyberstalking: This refers to a number of methods individuals use to track, lure, or harass another person online. |
electronic footprints: Computers maintain a record of all website visits and email messages, leaving a trail of the user's activity in cyberspace. These data can still exist even after the browser history has been cleared and email messages have been deleted. |
favorite(s): This is the name for bookmarks (see above) used by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser. |
file sharing: This software enables multiple users to access the same computer file simultaneously. File sharing sometimes is used illegally to download music or software. |
filter/filtering: This refers to different types of software that screen and block online content. |
gaming: This term describes Internet games, which can be played either individually or by multiple online users at the same time. |
griefers: These Internet users intentionally cause problems for other gamers. |
grooming: This refers to the techniques sexual predators use to get to know their victims in preparation for sexual abuse. |
history: This is a tracking feature of Internet browsers that shows all the recent websites visited. |
identity theft: In this crime, someone obtains the vital information (e.g., credit card, Social Security, bank account numbers) of another person, usually to steal money. email scams, spyware, and viruses are among the most typical methods for stealing someone’s identity. |
instant message/messaging: Known by the acronym IM, this is a variation of chat rooms that allows users to communicate through text messages. |
malicious code: This refers to any computer code that is intentionally introduced into a system to damage or destroy files or disrupt the operation of a computer. |
monitoring: This refers generally to the technique of tracking where people have been on the Internet by looking at the history of the browser. It also refers to software used for the same purpose. |
P2P (see peer-to-peer computing) |
peer-to-peer (P2P) computing: This is a popular way for Internet users to share one another’s computer files—usually music, game, or software files. |
phishing: This scam involves sending a fraudulent email soliciting credit card, Social Security, or other personal information from an unsuspecting user. |
social networking: This refers broadly to online communities where people share information about themselves, music files, photos, etc. There are many social networking websites (e.g., MySpace, Facebook, or Friendster). |
spam: This refers to any unsolicited email, or junk mail. Most spam is either a money scam or sexual in nature. Internet Service Providers, email software, and other software can help block some, but not all, spam. |
spyware: This refers to a wide-variety of software installed on people’s computers without their knowledge. The programs typically will track computer use and create numerous pop-up ads. In some instances, the spyware can damage the computer and facilitate identity theft. |
viruses: These are software programs that typically arrive through email attachments and multiply on the hard drive, quickly exhausting the computer’s memory. A trojan is a variation that allows unauthorized users access to the computer, from which they can send infected emails or spam. |
wireless computers: Many networks now allow computers access to the Internet without being connected with wires. These networks are becoming increasingly more popular and powerful, allowing people to access the Internet using cell phones and other devices. |
