Web Hosting Glossary

A glossary of definitions for Web Hosting and related terms and phrases. Other definitions may apply in different circumstances but are not included.

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Term Definition
Common Gateway Interface

A server side program or script that acts as a translator for the data flowing from your web server, turning it into a readable and interactive web page.

Abbreviation(s): CGI

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Content Delivery Network

A globally distributed network of proxy servers deployed in multiple data centers. The goal of a CDN is to serve content to end-users with high availability and high performance.

Abbreviation(s): CDN

Synonym(s): Content Distribution Network

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Content Management System

A software system that provides website authoring, collaboration, and administration tools designed to allow users with little knowledge of web programming languages or markup languages to create and manage website content with relative ease.

Popular CMS include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

Abbreviation(s): CMS

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Control Panel
Refers to the interface provided by the hosting company for the maintenance and monitoring of the hosted website.
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cPanel

A Linux-based web hosting control panel that provides a graphical interface and automation tools designed to simplify the process of hosting a web site.

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