facilitated chat --
In a facilitated chat, a host or facilitator controls the messages that appear on the chat screen. Usually used when there is a guest speaker. Facilitated chats provide an orderly environment for the guest speaker and ensure that she is not overwhelmed with dozens of questions all being asked at once. See also chat.
FAQ --
Acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. A reference document created for particular topic or group that answers to common beginners' questions. It is considered poor Netiquette to ask a question without first reading the FAQ.
FidoNet --
A worldwide hobbyist network of personal computers started in 1984 that exchanges mail, discussion groups, and files.
file compression --
Reducing the size of files for ease of storage and transfer. WinZip is an example of an application that compresses files; the UNIX compress utility is another.
file transfer --
The process of moving or transmitting a file from one location to another, as between two programs or from one computer to another.
File Transfer Protocol --
(abbreviation: FTP)
An Internet protocol that enables you to transfer files between computers on the Internet. See also anonymous FTP.
finger --
A UNIX utility that reports information about other users who have UNIX accounts. Finger can tell you, for example, where and when a person last logged in to the system. It can also be used on a single host or across the Internet.
firewall --
A set of security procedures that separates and protects data on a LAN from crackers who might access the LAN from the Internet.
flame --
A public post or email message that expresses a strong opinion or criticism. Flames can be fun when they allow people to vent their feelings, then return to the topic at hand. Others are simply insulting and can lead to flame wars.
flame bait --
An inflammatory post that is designed to provoke a flame war or flame responses.
flame on/flame off --
Notifiers that surround a flame message and let readers know that the message they are reading is a flame. Although you don't see these as much as you used to, they would most commonly be used by an individual known to a particular online group who wishes to do a little ranting and then return to the topic at hand. Note that the original usage of "flame on" was derived from Marvel Comics' Human Torch character.
flame war --
A series of public posts in which people flame one another rather than contribute useful information.
flash session --
A feature of America Online that automatically performs online tasks at a designated time. Flash sessions are often used to send/receive email and download large files.
flat-file --
1. As a noun, an ASCII text file consisting of records of a single type, in which there is no embedded structure information governing relationships between records.
2. As an adjective, describes a flattened representation of a database as single file from which the structure could implicitly be rebuilt.
font --
A typographic style used to display or print characters. Times Roman, Courier, and Helvetica are three examples.
forum --
A topically-focused discussion group or area. From the traditional Roman forum -- a community area where ideas and proposals are discussed.
forwarding --
Sending an email message or post from one person to a third party.
frame --
1. An HTML feature that allows web designers to segment the window of a web browser into distinct sections.
2. A single complete picture in a moving picture sequence.
freenet --
A community-based bulletin board system that serves a local geographic community on a non-profit basis.
freeware --
Shareware that is openly available to the public without the requirement of user registration fee.
fried --
To be totally destroyed or otherwise unusable, as in "my hard drive is fried" or "the network is totally fried."
FTP --
See File Transfer Protocol.
FUD --
Abbreviation for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. A set of sales tactics employed by market leaders to cast aspersion on competing products. Computer products are often purchased on the basis of perceived market leadership because no one wants to get stuck with a losing product that might not be supported in the near future. The usefulness of using FUD to confuse a market is epitomized by the apocryphal saying, "No one ever got fired for buying IBM." A good example of FUD is Microsoft's tactic of pre-announcing products far in advance of their actual availability. All of a sudden the market for competing products evaporates as customers await a dominating Microsoft product.
FWIW --
Abbreviation of For What It's Worth.
FYI --
Abbreviation of For Your Information.