Internet Terms, A Whole New Language Quiz

Answer: Declare e-mail bankruptcy

E-mail bankruptcy is, in a way, similar to financial bankruptcy - a way of starting over with a clean slate. A tactful way to deal with a similar situation, would be to make a note of all the addresses of the mails awaiting a response, and send a note explaining your situation, apologise for not responding, and assure the sender that you will give it your full attention as soon as you possibly can.

Answer: A domain name profiteer

Cybersquatters in the early 1990s recognised the potential to make a fortune in years to come by registering many domain names containing popular words or phrases. This is done by either selling the names to interested buyers for a premium, or generating "advertising clicks" on websites.

In 1999, a law was passed giving the owners of trademarked entities the legal right to own the domain name. This law is the "Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act" or ACPA.

Answer: Cyberbully

Cyberbullying is one of the darker sides of social networking sites, instant text messaging, chat rooms and e-mailing. Cyberbullying can cause low self esteem and suicidal tendencies in adolescents, due to the numbers of people who have access to the technology.

It is, however, not limited to the youth. Adults and even companies have reported incidents of cyberbullying. In cases where an adult is the individual being bullied, it is referred to as cyberstalking or cyber-harassment.

Answer: Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

Developed by Martin Dougiamas, "Moodle" is an acronym for "Modular Object-Orientated Dynamic Learning Environments", used by educational institutions around the world for e-learning.

"Moodle" enables learning institutions to create online courses, which students can access as a virtual classroom in their own time, which makes it an attractive alternative to full time studying.

Answer: Refers to etiquette on the Internet

"Netiquette" is a term referring to good or bad etiquette on the Internet. For example, respecting another's privacy and not doing anything that would hurt or anger anyone. "Netiquette" is mostly observed in e-mails, online chat rooms and news groups. An example of bad "netiquette" would be sending spam.

Answer: A person/s who try to gain access to your personal information

"Phishing" is a con game used to trick unsuspecting users to divulge their personal information over the internet. It usually involves an email supposedly from a bank or trusted outlet (such as PayPal), asking them to confirm their personal details, including bank account numbers, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers, used when swiping a debit or credit card) etc., for validation and record purposes. If ever you receive such an email, do NOT co-operate. If in doubt, call the customer care center or call in at the closest office in person to verify the validity of the request.

Answer: A micro-blog on the social network site Twitter (X)

Twitter was the name of a social network site, since renamed X, where an individual can post information, limited to 140 characters per entry. These entries are known as "tweets". The number of posts, however, is not limited. "Tweets" can be likened to having a conversation, only in cyberspace as opposed to verbally!

Answer: Remove them from your list of friends on a social network site

To allow people to have access to the personal information on your profile page, you need to allow them "friend" status. These may be people that you have never met. If the relationship with a person ends, or if they begin to harass you or your other "friends" on your page, you may need to "unfriend" them.

In a nutshell, to "unfriend" someone means to remove them from the list of people who have access to your page.

Answer: A sort of calling card, found on your hard drive

Each time you visit a website, a small amount of data is generated and saved on your hard drive. The most common purpose of a "cookie", is to remember login information for that specific site. You may be asked to check a box that says "Remember me on this computer". If you do, a cookie is generated, and you will be allowed direct access to the site when next visiting it, without having to log in. Cookies can be deleted under "Internet Options" in your Control Panel.

It is not always recommended, as many websites require "cookies" to function correctly.

Answer: Similar to "phishing", but pertaining to fraudulent messages sent via sms as opposed to email

"Smishing" is another form of "phishing", but refers to a text message sent to a cellphone. The text message requests the same information as an email would, by requesting that you click on a link. Since smartphones have become more widely used, clicking on a link in a text message will allow you to view the website in your phones browser.

It is advisable to never visit website links sent by unknown sources.