Access profile: information stored by an AAA (Authentication and Access) server. An access profile stores data that relates to user's access rights, accounting and authentication details.
ACTIVEX - A new programming standard proposed by Microsoft Corporation which would increase the functionality of webpages. Similar in nature to Java and Javascripts.
Affiliate  An affiliate is a Web site that partners with an online merchant. The affiliate places links on its site to promote the merchant's products. In exchange, the affiliate receives a commission for all valid transactions it has referred.
Anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol) The procedure of connecting to a remote computer, as an anonymous or guest user, in order to transfer public files back to your local computer. 
APPLET - The name given to a small binary file which is executed on your computer as part of a Web Page loading. Applets are created by JAVA. Applets should not be confused with pages which have JAVASCRIPT in them.
Approval Many online merchants will review the sites of potential affiliates before agreeing to partner with them. After applying to a particular merchant's affiliate program, potential affiliates must await the approval of that merchant. Once a merchant approves an affiliate, that merchant's name appears on the affiliate's home page in the "Links" box. Then the affiliate can go ahead and begin making links to that merchant's site.
ARCHIVE - (1) A term used to describe a server containing a large amount of publicly accessible software. (2) A term used to describe a file which contains one or more files that have been compressed and stored.
Authorisation: A formal clearance from a credit card or bank company, indicating that there are sufficient funds for a transaction to be processed.
Automatic Approval Some merchants allow all potential affiliates to participate in their programs without reviewing the potential affiliates' sites first.
Banner A banner is a hot-linked image on a Web page designed to invite the user to click. Some banners are animated, while others are static. Banners come in a variety of sizes and shapes. While other types of links that are more integrated into the content of a page have tended to lead to more sales, banners provide a splash of color on a Web page.
Banner Rotation Affiliates can choose to rotate the images or banners that appear on their Web pages so visitors to their site don't see the same banner over and over. You can choose to rotate among all of the banners provided by a given merchant, or you can select the banners you want to include. You can also choose to have a general rotation of all of the banners provided by all of your merchants. Click on "Banners/Images" in the Links section of this site to activate this feature.
BAUD - A term used to refer to the transmission speed of a modem. The higher the value, the faster the modem. The value is usually measured in Bits Per Second.
Bricks and mortar: A term used to refer to traditional offline businesses
B2B: Business to business ecommerce. This refers to the increasing number of web sites designed to trade with each other over the internet. these are usually industry specific.
B2C: Business to customer or client ecommerce. This refers to web sites designed to allow customers to buy goods and services over the internet.
BBS: Bulletin Board Service - a dial-up service independent of the internet. A Bulletin Board can be used within B2B and B2C to publish information, distribute files and conduct electronic conferences.
BIN: Bank Identification Number - a code that dictates numbers that are owned by credit and bank card issuers or companies.
BITNET A cooperative computer network interconnecting over 2,300 academic and research institutions in 32 countries. Originally based on IBM's RSCS networking protocol, BITNET supports mail, mailing lists, and file transfer. Now merging with CSNET and running the RSCS protocol over TCP/IP protocol (BITNET II), the network will be called Computer Research and Education Network (CREN). 
C - A programming language used to code server based applications.
C/I Ratio Click-through to impression ratio: This shows the ratio of the number of actual clicks (click-throughs) to the number times a link is shown to a user (impressions). This is a good measure of the effectiveness of a link.
CGI - Common Gateway Interface. This is a programming standard which defines how a Web Page can interact with a user, i.e. fill out a form. Typically CGI applications are written in either PERL or C, both are computer languages of varying complexity. CGI applications run on the server, not on the visiting client.
CIAC - Computer Incident Advisory Center. A US Government sponsored group charged with diseminating information concerning computer security and viruses to other government agencies and the public. A working group of the US Department of Energy.
Click-through A click-through is an instance where a user clicks on a particular link.
CLIENT - There are multiple meanings for this word in computer technology, however in the context being presented here, a client typically refers to a computer which is temporarily connected to the Internet via a modem connection.
Client-Server Interface A program that provides an interface to remote programs (called clients), most commonly across a network, in order to provide these clients with access to some service such as databases, printing, etc. In general, the clients act on behalf of a human end-user (perhaps indirectly). 
Code Generally when we talk about code, we mean HTML code. Provides affiliates with the lines of code they need to put links on their Web pages. Affiliates can simply copy the appropriate code and paste it into their own HTML pages.
Co-Brand Occasionally, affiliates are able to include their own logo and branding on the pages to which they send visitors by putting a frame at the top of the page
Commission Commission refers to the amount of compensation paid to affiliates for participation in a merchant's Affiliate program. Affiliates generally earn a percentage of each sale made on a merchant site to a visitor referred by a link on that affiliate's site. Commissions may also be a flat fee for each purchase or action. This commission varies from merchant to merchant.
COOKIE - A small file on your computer in which a web site may write data. The data may be used by that web site only, to track your choices and custom tailor its responses. Simple electronic coded file sent to a Web browser every time you visit a site. Cookies allow Web sites to and online businesses to identify users and customize information based on previous visits.
CREN    (Computer Research and Education Network) 
Computer Research and Education Network is the new name for the merged computer networks, BITNET and Computer Science Network (CSNET). It supports electronic mail and file transfer. 
DNS - Domain Name Server. This is a program running on a server which automatically translates domain names into their correct TCP/IP addresses. A busy DNS server is the most common reason for Navigator's frequent "Unable to find Domain Name or invalid entry in the DNS" error.
DNS (Domain Name System) The Internet naming scheme which consists of a hierarchical sequence of names, from the most specific to the most general (left to right), separated by dots, for example nic.ddn.mil. (See also: IP address) 
DOMAIN NAME - An English language equivalent of a computer systems TCP/IP address.
DOWNLOADING - The process of transferring a file or program from some source computer to your computer. Downloading is a controlled process using a protocol to move the file in such a way as to insure it remains intact and undamaged. The electronic transfer of information from one computer to another, generally from a larger computer to a smaller one, such as a microcomputer. 
Electronic Bulletin Board A shared file where users can enter information for other users to read or download. Many bulletin boards are set up according to general topics and are accessable throughout a network. 
E-MAIL - A method by which one person can send messages to another. Distance and location are not relevant to email.
E-mail Alias an e-mail alias is a forwarding e-mail address
E-mail Link Affiliates who send out e-mail such as newsletters or other correspondence to their users can place a link to a merchant site in this e-mail that will send users straight to the products they want. E-mail links have proven to be a highly effective way to generate sales.
FTP File Transfer Protocol allows a user to transfer files electronically from remote computers back to the user's computer. Part of the TCP/IP/TELNET software suite. File Transfer Protocol. A software method by which files are moved from one computer on the Internet to another. Term used to describe a program capable of downloading and uploading files from the internet. It also describes the lower level protocol used by such a program. File Transfer Protocol.
FINGER - Finger is a program which shows you information about your account or other accounts, not all Internet users have access to finger.
Gateway Used in different senses (e.g., Mail Gateway, IP Gateway), but most generally, a computer that forwards and routes data between two or more networks of any size. 
GIF - A graphic format commonly found on web pages. Its main claim to fame is its ability to handle artwork very well.
GRQ (Get Rich Quick) garbage that circulates everywhere.
HITS - A term used by people with web pages. Used to describe the volume of traffic a particular web site may be receiving.
Hosting / Hosted Whenever a user clicks on a link and goes to a new page of a website, the images and HTML documents on that page are provided by a Web server. Until they are called, these images and other components are stored or "hosted" by a web server.
HTML - Hyper Text Markup Language, this is the computer layout script used to design the look of each Web page.
HTML File. e.g. http://www.yahoo.com  
HTTP - Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. This is the protocal used by most browsers when reading a web page.
Host Computer In the context of networks, a computer that directly provides service to a user. In contrast to a network server, which provides services to a user through an intermediary host computer.
IETF - Internet Engineering Task Force. This is a working group charged with developing new standards and technologies for adoption on the internet.
Impression An impression is any instance where a link is shown to a user.
INDEX - (Multiple meanings) (a) A term used to describe a web page which contains links to other webpages of a specific category. (b) Another term used to describe the means by which a search engine catalogs a web site. (c) Most commonly, the main or starting page of a website.
INTERNIC - The main source of all domain names issued within the United States. InterNIC is the controlling agency which handles all of the domain names, and domain disputes within the United States.
IRC - Internet Relay Chat. Both a protocol and a program type. IRC allows someone on one to talk in real time to someone else, anywhere in the world.
ISP - This is a company through which you can access the Internet.
Internet The series of interconnected networks that includes local area, regional, and national backbone networks. Networks in the Internet use the same telecommunications protocol (TCP/IP) and provide electronic mail, remote login, and file transfer services. 
IP (Internet protocol) The Internet standard protocol that provides a common layer over dissimilar networks, used to move packets among host computers and through gateways if necessary. 
IP Address The numeric address of a computer connected to the Internet; also called Internet address. 
JARGON - A general term used to talk about the many abbreviations used on the net. Here are some of those terms and their meanings;
LOL - Laughing Out Loud
ROFL - Rolling on the Floor Laughing
FYI - For your Information
IMO - In My Opinion
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion
TTYL - Talk To You Later
BBL - Be Back Later
PKOL - Passionate Kiss On the Lips
JAVA - An object oriented computer language which was developed by SUN Microsystems for the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of Web pages. At the time of this writing the only browsers which support JAVA are Sun's HotJava and Navigator 2.0 or higher and Explorer 3.0. JAVA programs are called Applets
JAVASCRIPT - Formerly called LiveScript, this language was developed by Netscape. Patterned after JAVA, it's primary difference is that the program is embedded into an HTML file instead of being an executable which loads when you load a web page.
JPEG - Another commonly found graphic format on web pages. JPEG formatted graphics are especially good at handling photographs.
Listserv Lists (or listservers) Electronic discussion of technical and non-technical issues conducted by electronic mail over BITNET using LISTSERV protocols. Similar lists, often using the UNIX readnews or rn facility, are available exclusively on the Internet. Internet users may subscribe to BITNET listservers. Participants subscribe via a central service, and lists often have a moderator who manages the information flow and content. 
LYNX - A UNIX program which allows character based terminals to access websites. Lynx users do not ordinarily see the graphics on a web page.
Merchant A merchant is someone who sells products or services on the Web.
MODEM - A device which translates computer signals into acceptable format and then transmits those signals over a phone line to another computer. Bidirectional, capable of sending and receiving data via the telephone line.
MOSAIC - The name given to the first web browser ever made available. MOSAIC is free, and available from NCSA.
NEWBIE - A term used to describe someone who is new. New to the Internet, or new to a particular aspect of the internet.
NEWSGROUPS - A general name given to a vast collection of public access bulletin boards.
NIC (Network Information Center) A NIC provides administrative support, user support, and information services for a network. 
NNTP - NNTP - Network News Transfer Protocol. The server you connect to for newsgroups would be your NNTP server.
O/C Ratio Click-through to Order ratio: This shows the ratio of the number of actual clicks (click-throughs) to the number times an order is placed on a merchant site.
Offer Different merchants offer different types of commission for affiliates. These can include commissions based on a set percentage of sales, on the number of impressions or click-throughs, or on a combination of these. Once an affiliate is approved into a merchant's program, the details of that merchant's offer can be found in the "Join" section of this Web site.
Orders Orders are the number of purchases made.
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) A term used to describe any type of computerized library catalog. 
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) This is the evolving international standard under development at ISO (International Standards Organization) for the interconnection of cooperative computer systems. An open system is one that conforms to OSI standards in its communications with other systems. 
PAGE - A web page is not comparable to a real page of printed material, such as a brochure or a page from this document. Web pages can be nearly any length, although for practical reasons most people limit them to less than 400 lines of 80 column text or less. A Web Page is a computer file written in the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML).
Payment Terms The terms arranged between affiliates and merchants for merchants to compensate affiliates, such as flat fee, per click rate, percentage, etc.
PERL - Another commonly used programming language used to code server based web applications.
PPP - Point to Point Protocol. PPP is a superset of the TCP/IP protocols. Built upon that foundation, but instead of allowing one computer to be able to talk to many, it relies on the fact that the other computer it's linked with has that ability and therefore does not need it.
Private Offer An offer from a merchant that is only made to a particular affiliate or group of affiliates.
Program Level After a merchant has accepted an affiliate into its program, the merchant may offer various types of commissions or compensation models. These are known as program levels.
PING - A unix command which allows you to verify a connection from the machine you are on, to another machine on the internet.
Protocol A mutually determined set of formats and procedures governing the exchange of information between systems. 
Remote Access The ability to access a computer from outside a building in which it is housed, or outside the library. Remote access requires communications hardware, software, and actual physical links, although this can be as simple as common carrier (telephone) lines or as complex as Telnet login to another computer across the Internet. 
Report inbuilt tools that allow affiliates to generate a wide variety of reports. Affiliates can use these reports to track their earnings, to identify trends and patterns, and to learn how to improve their performance.
Search Box A Search Box as a link that allows visitors to an affiliate site to conduct a search of the entire inventory of a merchant's site. The visitor types a keyword into the text box provided and clicks "Go." The visitor is taken to a search results page with links to the appropriate places on the merchant's site. This is a good way to send visitors directly to what they want, thereby increasing the likelihood that they will make a purchase.
SEARCH ENGINES - A Search Engine is a piece of software, available to all users on the Web which allows the user to locate all related sites using a keyword search. For example a user may search for all sites with the words IDAHO and REALTY in their description. The Search Engine will return a list of all the sites that match those words.
SERVER - A Host machine. A server provides two roles, those are; a) Providing connectivity to the Internet, and b) Passing files from it's hard drive to someone requesting them. In effect, serving files.
Shareware Microcomputer software, distributed through public domain channels, for which the author expects to receive compensation. 
SIGNATURE - A small piece of text which is automatically appended to an email. (Also called a Sig or a Tag file)
SLIP - Serial Link Internet Protocol. SLIP is a simulation of TCP/IP, except that instead of actual computer networking hardware on one of the computers, it connects to the network via a serial link, typically using a modem.
SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. One of the protocols used by your server to send/receive email.
Special Offers Special Offers can be public or private offers that are available for a limited time, or at increased commission, or for a particular product, or some combination of these.
Storefront Storefronts are prefabricated pages that display new or specialized products in an appealing way. LinkShare dynamically updates each storefront, so affiliates don't have to change the code on their pages to make sure that they are linking to an up-to-date storefront.
Sub-Affiliates  Affiliates with more than one Web site can maintain all of their sites from one centralized account. The primary site is known as the affiliate site, and all of the other sites are known as Sub-affiliates.
SURFING - The process of reading web pages and moving from one web site to another.
Terms of Agreement The terms between a merchant and its affiliates will differ from merchant to merchant . Affiliates are bound by each merchant's terms when they enter into the agreement, so its important to review these terms in each instance when joining a merchant's program.
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is a combined set of protocols that performs the transfer of data between two computers. TCP monitors and ensures correct transfer of data. IP receives the data from TCP, breaks it up into packets, and ships it off to a network within the Internet. TCP/IP is also used as a name for a protocol suite that incorporates these functions and others. This term actually describes two software mechanisms used to allow multiple computers to talk to each other in an error free fashion.
TELNET A portion of the TCP/IP suite of software protocols that handles terminals. Among other functions, it allows a user to log in to a remote computer from the user's local computer. 
Terminal Emulation Most communications software packages will permit your personal computer or workstation to communicate with another computer or network as if it were a specific type of terminal directly connected to that computer or network. 
Terminal Server A machine that connects terminals to a network by providing host TELNET service. 
Text Link  A text link is a hot link that is not accompanied by a graphical image. Affiliates can use text links rather than graphical links on their sites. They are easy to use, they save download time, and they are the most clicked-on types of links available.
TN3270 A version of TELNET providing IBM full-screen support. 
UNIX - One of the most popular disk operating systems for the internet hosts.
URL - Universal Resource Locator. This is a Internet address which tells a user where to locate a specific Web 
Vanity Page - A vanity page is a website placed on-line by an individual, not for commercial purposes, or as an informational resource, but simple because it tells something about the person that put the page up.
WEB SITE - The Web Site is a location on the Internet, specifically it refers to the POP location in which it resides. All Web Sites are referenced using a special addressing scheme called a URL. A Web Site can mean a single HTML file put up by an individual (called a personal page or vanity page) or hundreds of files placed on the net by a commercial venture.
W3 - W3 is a group of networking professionals, academia, scientists and corporations who have been charged with maintaining and developing the emerging internet technologies which apply to the web. W3 is also in charge of any new standards for HTML.
ZIP - One of the most commonly used compression formats for PC and UNIX based computers.