Glossary of Terms

Browser – A browser is an interface that allows you to view pages on the World Wide Web.  The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and (Microsoft’s) Internet Explorer.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) – A graphical user interface allows users to interact with the program via a mouse pointer, icons and other supported graphics.  Text-based interfaces, that prompt you to enter information as text only, are not considered GUIs.  An example of a GUI program is Windows 2000.

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) – A publishing language used to develop pages on the World Wide Web. 

Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) – IMAP is a special set of rules that govern the communication between an e-mail client and a mail server.  When using IMAP, e-mail messages remain on the server, which allows you to access them from any mail client.

Post Office Protocol (POP) – POP is a special set of rules that govern the communication between an e-mail client and a mail server.  When using POP, e-mail messages are downloaded to the personal computer that runs your e-mail client.  You can only access your e-mail messages on the personal computer you downloaded your messages to, unless you specify to keep a copy of your e-mail messages on the mail server.  (Keeping e-mail messages on the mail server allows you to access your messages from other e-mail clients).

---

Mail Client Comparison Page