Nomenclature of the Web

Nomenclature is defined as: a system or set of terms or symbols especially in a particular science, discipline, or art. In the realm of Geekdom, many terms are used on a daily basis that are not understood by many people. Someone might have misconceptions regarding the nature of the internet. Is it really a bunch of pipes that connect to each other and get overloaded and clogged? If it gets clogged, is there an Internet Draino?

In a quest to simplify Geekdom, lets define "a few terms" we might hear but not totally understand. Internet is the connection of computers and networks so they can (with permission) communicate with one another. The World Wide Web is a system of hyper text documents that have been linked together. These linked documents can be accessed by using the Internet. Pages on the World Wide Web are written in Hyper Text Markup Language (html). Browsers are software that is used to view web pages. Web 2.0 is the second generation of things web. It appears to me that most of this development has been geared toward socialization. There is even a social web browser named Flock.

Let's define a few of the terms used to describe software written for sharing, and collaboration.
A blog is a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, it refers to a special type of website. In a blog, the writer posts articles or thoughts on a regular basis. This article is written in a blog. The act of writing it is refered to as blogging. Blog is also used as a verb. (i.e. I will blog later.) A wiki is a group of websites that are used for a community or group of people to colloborate on a project or subject of interest. Authorized participants can change, edit, delete, update, etc. A Podcast is created by a podcaster. The podcast is usually in audio and is made available to podcatchers by web syndication. A regular podcast is much like a radio broadcast. The I-pod or computer replaces the radio. Flickr is an example of a photo sharing site.

Some Web 2.0 sites you might want to try out are:

WIX - Wix is a flash website builder. Basic use is free.

RockYou - Takes photo sharing to a new level with the creation of flash slideshows. (free)

Wetpaint - Create your own wiki free. Invite friends and family to participate (colloborate).

Photobucket - A free site to share and store images and videos.

Flickr - A free site to share and store your photos. (free)

Twitter - A free social messaging utility.

We learn by doing. We improve by practice. Do not be afraid to set up an account at one or more of these sites and try them out. You may find something new that you enjoy. Don't let fear hold you back.