Safety Terms: Glossary
of Technology Terms and Slangs
AUP:
(Acceptable Use Policy) policy created by
the school that outlines rules for internet users to follow and
the consequences for violating them. AUP's must be signed by students,
parents, and staff members.
cyber
bully: like
traditional schoolyard bullying, this form of bullying is done
to mock, intimidate or humiliate the target in order to give the
bully a sense of power. It is not done in person, but over a digital
medium (e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, text messages,
social networks, etc.)
e-mail:
(electronic mail) method of communication that allows users to
send text based messages via computer or cell phone (e.g., G-Mail,
Yahoo, MSN).
friending:
a term /slang often used by teens to describe the action of adding
someone as a friend to your Facebook or MySpace page.
hacking:
the unauthorized and unlawful access to a computer and its data
with the intention to do harm. A hacker is the individual who
hacks into the computer.
internet
filter: security
software used by schools to block students from sites containing
lewd, malicious, or other inappropriate content.
MMORPG:
(massively-multiplayer online role playing game) a game where
players can interact and play with other people around the world.
Often requires the players to complete missions/quests in order
to level up their character (become stronger). Most MMORPGs require
a monthly subscription fee.
phishing:
a scam in which a website or e-mail appears to be authentic and
reliable in order to acquire credit card or bank information.
E-mails often appear to be from a bank asking for verification
of user information.
proxy:
websites that allow network users to bypass the internet filter
in order to gain access to blocked sites.
server:
computer in a network with the sole purpose of storing data and
programs to be accessed by other computers.
social
networking:
online sites (e.g., Facebook and MySpace) that allow users to
connect with other users around the globe and allow them to send
messages, share photos, build a profile (includes personal information),
and play video games.
text message:
form of text based messaging that can be sent from one cell phone
to another.
Twitter: a form of
micro-blogging that allows users to post short (one to two sentences)
status messages (called twittering). People often comment on what
they are currently doing or thinking. Users can sign up to follow
someone's Twitter.
video
game addiction: a
psychological disorder in which an individual becomes addicted
to the rewards received in video games. The individual often shows
signs of depression and can be belligerent when someone attempts
to stop them from playing. Children often exhibit a decline in
academic achievement.
World
of War Craft:
created by Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and is currently the most
popular MMORPG with over 11 million players as of 2010. Players
create their characters and join up with other players to complete
quests and gain levels and items as a reward.
YouTube:
a website developed
by Google that allows users to upload video for public viewing.