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Glossary
A record
"A" records map a host name to an IP address.
alias
An alias is another name assigned to a host name that can be used in place of the host name (plus domain name). Aliases are often used to shorten long host names for convenience.
client
A client is a program running on a networked computer that requests services from a server program, which is usually running on another networked computer. The client communicates with the server using a protocol. For example, a mail client communicates with a mail server using the POP3 or IMAP4 protocol.
domain
A term that refers to the subdivisions of the Internet network. Domain can mean the major subdivision of which your network is a part (for example, .com, .edu, .gov, .net, .us, .uk) or it can refer to your part of the network (for example, ipswitch.com). See also Domain Name System.
Domain Name System (DNS)
A distributed database system that translates host names (for example, tortoise.ipswitch.com) to IP addresses (for example, 156.21.50.10). All hosts on the Internet are named using the conventions specified by the Domain Name System. Host Names are used because they are easier to remember than numerical addresses (IP addresses). An example host and domain name is tortoise.ipswitch.com, where tortoise is the host name, and ipswitch.com is the domain name. The domain represents the network where the host is located.
domain name server
A host that keeps a table of host names and IP addresses and provides the lookup service for client programs. A domain name server is used by client programs to look up the IP address of a host. A domain name server provides host name to IP address mapping for the local network and provides access to the Domain Name System to look up hosts in other domains.
A primary name server contains all the information for the domain in its database files. If you add a second name server for backup or to off-load the primary server, you can set it up as a secondary server. A secondary name server obtains its domain information by copying the database files from the name server that is primary for that domain. The advantage of using secondary servers is that you can maintain the domain information on one name server (the primary).
Finger
The Finger protocol is a common Internet language that allows remote users to see information about users registered on a system. This includes the last time a user read their mail and a "plan" file provide by the user that contains any additional information the user wishes to provide in response to Finger requests.
gate host
A Gate Host is the name of another host to send mail to for further delivery when the mail cannot be delivered directly to the destination host.
IMAP4
Internet Message Access Protocol version 4 (IMAP4) is a method of accessing electronic mail messages that are kept on a (possibly shared) mail server. It permits a client e-mail application to access remote message stores as if they were local.
in-addr.arpa domain
A special domain on the Internet that maps IP addresses to domain names. This domain is used to do reverse lookups, where the IP address is known and the application is querying for the host name.
IP
Internet Protocol; the protocol that determines how packets (bundles of data) traverse the Internet network to find their destination. See also TCP.
IP address
All hosts on the Internet are identified by a unique numeric code, called the IP address. 156.21.50.1 is an IP address. The Domain Name System is used to map the IP address to a name.
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a method of accessing directory information stored on a server. It permits an LDAP-enabled client to search for and view user information stored in an LDAP directory.
list server
A List server provides an automated way to manage mail discussion groups. All messages for a mail discussion group received by a List server are sent to all the members of that mail discussion group.
The List server manages the adding and removing of users from the subscriber list as well as the distribution of messages to all subscribed users. Users subscribe to a list by mailing a subscription request to the List server, which automatically adds them to the list.
Mailing lists
MX record
The MX record identifies the host name of the computer running the mail server (in this case, the IMail Server computer).
name server
namespace
ODBC
Open DataBase Connectivity is a standard database access method that makes it possible to access data from any application, regardless of which database management system (DBMS) is handling the data. ODBC inserts a layer, called a database driver, between an application and the DBMS. This layer translates the application's data queries into commands that the DBMS understands.
POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is the most common protocol for communicating with a mail server (otherwise known as a post office) to retrieve messages for a user. Since POP3 servers are always available to receive incoming mail, individual users do not have to have their PCs turned on at all times. POP3 servers hold mail for users until they connect to download their messages. IMail Server is a POP3 mail server.
protocol
A set of rules that define how computers will exchange information.
PTR record
The PTR record maps an IP address to the host name and is used for reverse lookups.
reverse lookups
When the client program requests the host name of a given IP address, the DNS server does a reverse lookup. This is the reverse of the normal DNS lookup procedure, where the IP address for a given host name is sought. Reverse lookups use a special domain, the in-addr.arpa domain, which maps IP addresses to domain names.
server
A server is a program running on a networked computer that processes requests for services from a client program, which is usually running on another networked computer. The client and server communicate using a protocol. For example, an FTP client communicates with an FTP server using the FTP protocol.
service
"Service" is a formal Windows NT term for an executable object that is installed in a registry database maintained by Windows NT's Service Control Manager. A service is a program that can be automatically started when the system is booted and will continue to run until the system is shut down. The service will continue to run even when no one is logged on the system.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is used for communications between a browser and the server. SSL encrypts your mail communications so they can be read only by the intended recipients. SSL is a protocol that uses "certificates" to authenticate the client and server and uses a public/private key "pair" to encrypt and decrypt communications. All of the major browsers are SSL enabled.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is designed to efficiently and reliably transfer mail across TCP/IP networks, including the Internet. SMTP defines the interaction between mail systems to facilitate the transfer of electronic mail even when the mail systems are on different types of computers or running different operating systems. SMTP is required to send or receive mail over the Internet. IMail Server is an SMTP server.
Spamming
When a bulk mailer sends unsolicited mail to thousands of other people, it is known as "spamming." Spam mailers may try to use your system to relay their messages to other Internet mail users, tying up your valuable system resources. IMail Server provides anti-spamming features.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol; the protocol that controls how data is assembled and disassembled in packets. See also IP.
Web Messaging
A browser-based application that provides e-mail client functionality for users and remote access to mail server administration functions for administrators.
Whois
The Whois protocol is a common Internet language that allows remote users to search for mail addresses of users.
 Ipswitch, Inc. http://www.ipswitch.com |
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