Web glossary

Domain name - A unique name that is used to identify an internet site. This name is rented for a period of on average 2 years. Whilst you are renting the domain name, no else can use the name on the internet and you own all the email addresses at that domain name. 
After the 2 years is up the original owner has a chance of renewing the name or letting it expire. If the domain name expires it is eventually placed "back in the hat" and someone else can then rent the name.
Domain names are normally set to point at your hosting/webspace so that when someone types it into the address bar of their browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) the pages and files within your site are made viewable.

Website - A group of pages or files that are linked together with a menu/navigation system and are made available for viewing on the internet. Websites can either be for companies, organisations or individuals.

Hosting/web space - The hard drive storage space of a computer that is linked to the internet 24/7 that is normally rented to allow for the publication of websites and the hosting of domain names and email.

IP Address - A unique number that is used to identify every computer on a network or the internet.

Domain name server (DNS) - An internet database that resolves domain names to IP Addresses. When you type in a domain name address the DNS is looked up and then mapped to a corresponding IP Address. Without a domain name server we would all have to remember the IP Addresses of every web site.

Browser - A program that is installed on a computer to allow the user to find, view and interact with website content. Types of browser include Internet Explorer and Netscape.

Content Management System (CMS) - A user friendly system to allow a company, organisation or individual to manage and update their own website content through a browser.