Glossary of Web Design Terms (M-R)
Mailing List
A mailing list provides the opportunity to inform or update subscribers about a given subject via email. Mailing lists are commonly used for direct marketing purposes.
Meta tags
Meta tags are special HTML tags which provide information with regards to a given website. However unlike other HTML tags, Meta tags don’t affect the display of the page.
Mouse over
Mouse over refers to an element created with JavaScript which allows for an item to change when a mouse is pointed or passed over it. A mouse over is commonly used to make an image or hyperlink appear on a website.
MP3
A popular format for storing digital audio tunes, MP3 files may be embedded within a website to play music while visitors view the site. MP3 files are comparatively smaller than other audio files and are thus better suited for use over the internet.
PageRank
PageRank refers to renowned search engine Google’s ranking software. PageRank calculate the relevance of a given webpage to the keywords entered within a search.
PDF
PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is software which has been developed by Adobe. PDF allows for documents to be electronically distributed whilst continuing to maintain the proper layout of the document. PDF files are ideal for large quantities of information, but a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to access to view the document. Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded at no cost from the Adobe website. However to create a PDF file Adobe Acrobat software will need to be purchased.
PHP
PHP is an HTML embedded scripting language which enables the creation of dynamic websites. PHP may be utilised with Windows and Unix.
Pixel
A pixel is a dot on the computer. In order to display an image the monitor divides the display screen into thousands or millions of dots or pixels. Thus the resolution of a computer screen is commonly measure in pixels per inch.
PNG
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics and is a graphic format for compressed images which are lossless.
Pop up
A pop up refers to a new window which is launched either automatically when accessing a website or by clicking on a particular link or image.
QuickTime
QuickTime is a plug in which enables browsers to display content saved in a QuickTime format. QuickTime plug ins may include audio as well as imagery such as video.
Referrer
A referrer is the location or website from which a user has linked to another webpage. For example when your webpage is accessed via a search result, the search engine is called the referrer.
Resolution
The resolution of a graphic image explains how fine the dots are which combine to create the image. Thus the greater the resolution, the greater the amount of dots in an image. For example a 640x 480.