Internet Terminology |
Published: October, 2001
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W
Authentication
The process of identifying someone, using an ID, password, and/or web ID or username. Authentication ensures that the individual is who he or she states they are. In secured environments, authentication is distinct from authorization.
Authorization
The process of giving individuals access to a system substance based on their identity. Authentication ensures that the individual is who he or she claims to be and determines the access rights of that individual.
Browser
Short for web browser. Web browsers are software used to find web addresses and display web pages. These programs allow display of text as well as graphics and other multimedia files.
Download
Process of copying data from one source to a new source or device. Often used to describe the process of copying a file from an online source such as a website to a computer.
Encryption
Data encryption is the translation of data into a form that is unintelligible to one who may intercept the data. To read such data requires a deciphering mechanism.
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Firewall
A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network. Firewalls can consist of both hardware and software. All messages passing through the firewall are examined to check that they meet specifications for accessibility.
Internet
A global network of connected computers in which users exceed 200 million in over 100 countries.
Login/Logon
Procedure in which users enter data in order to make a computer or network system recognize you so that protected data can be accessed.
Lookup/Inquiry
As opposed to a transaction in which a logged in user may actually send or interact with data, lookups or information inquiries allow the logged in user to view information in the PacifiCare Behavioral Health systems that may otherwise require a telephone call or paper-based correspondence.
Network
A group of two or more computer systems linked together.
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Online Form
An electronic equivalent of a business process or paper-based form.
Online Agreement/Contract Amendment
The amendment to the PacifiCare Behavioral Health provider contract that is required to obtain a web ID (username).
Transaction, Online
Processing in which a computer responds immediately to requests by a user to complete an operation. An example is the completion of a claim transaction online versus completing the paper form.
Transaction, Secure
Transaction that occurs in an environment that requires a user to be logged into a secured area in order to access and send confidential information.
Username (Web ID)/Password
Name and/or password helps ensure that unauthorized users do not access a computer or electronic system. At PacifiCare Behavioral Health, usernames (web IDs) are assigned. The individual logging in chooses a permanent password at the time of first login.
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Virus
A virus is a man-made program that is loaded onto your computer and runs without your permission. Viruses can bring your system to a halt, request your system to complete actions without your permission and can spread itself to files on your computer and to others with whom you share data. Due to the level of destruction that viruses can cause, anti-virus software is an absolute necessity when connecting to other computers and systems via networks and the Internet.
Virus Software
Software designed to detect and contain viruses so that they do not impede computer function or spread themselves to other computers via a network, a shared file or the Internet.
Website
A location or site on the World Wide Web that contains a home page which acts as the main point of entry into the site. Sites are made up of electronic files or documents.
World Wide Web
A system of computers/servers that support documents that are formatted using a language that your browser can display as web pages. This language is HTML, or HyperText Markup Language. This type of formatting helps to support the jumping from one document to another simply by clicking on hyperlinks.
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