Online Service A commercial service that provides access to such online features as electronic mail, news services, and the World Wide Web for a monthly fee. Examples of online services include America Online and CompuServe. Plug-in Scripts, utilities, or instructions that add to the functionality of a program without changing the program's base code. Plug-ins provide a way to add functionality, such as audio capability to a browser. Generally, POPs refer to the location where people can dial into the provider's host computer.
Most providers have several POPs to allow low-cost access via telephone lines.
Protocol A set of standards that define how traffic and communications are handled by a computer or network routers. Router A communications device designed to transmit signals via the most efficient route possible. This term refers to a program that helps users find information in text-oriented databases. Server A computer system that manages and delivers information for client computers. Socket This is a communication mechanism originally implemented on the BSD version of the UNIX operating system.