Jargon translation
We try to avoid using jargon as much as possible, but sometimes it’s unavoidable so here’s a translation of some phrases you may hear us use.
Accessibility
Accessibility means that a web page can be viewed and used by everyone, no matter what browser, platform, computer or disability. Accessibility takes into account people who are blind, have poor vision, are colour blind, deaf, have language impairments or restricted mobility and aims to make their use of the internet as easy as possible. It’s not just about making pages accessible to people with disabilities — it’s making websites easier to use for everyone.
Blog
‘Blog’ is an amalgamation and abbreviation of the words Web Log. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, links to other blogs, web pages and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments is an important part of many blogs.
Browser
A browser is a software application used to find and display web pages. The two most popular browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox. We recommend using Mozilla Firefox as it allows you to browse faster, more safely, and more efficiently than with any other browser (www.getfirefox.com).
EPS
Encapsulated PostScript, or EPS is a type of file format that can contain either vector or bitmap information.
This is one of the most accurate ways to define a font or image, but can sometimes create much larger file sizes.
Flash
Flash is animation software which can be used to create animated graphics or some websites.
FTP
FTP is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. This is a format for transmitting data between two devices. For example, it provides a standard method for moving files from your desktop computer to a web server.
High res / low res
The resolution of an image indicates the number of dots per inch (dpi).
High resolution files are usually anywhere from 300 dpi to 2,500dpi and are generally used for print files.
Low resolution files are usually anywhere from 72 dpi to 250 dpi and are generally used for computer graphics.
Hyperlink
A hyperlink is text, which is usually underlined, that links to another part of the website, or a different website. Usually just referred to as a ‘link’.
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group, or JPEG is a file format that is widely used for the internet, video and print production.
The JPEG format will support the RGB, CMYK, and grayscale colour spaces but does not not support transparency.
Portable Document Format, or PDF is a file which allows you to distribute compact, platform-independent documents which are self-contained – packing text, graphics, and fonts into a single file.
You can view PDF files with either the Adobe Acrobat Reader or via a web browser with the PDF Viewer plug-in. To download these programmes go the the Adobe website.
PNG
Portable Network Graphic, or PNG is a file format used on the internet and in computer graphics.The main benefit of using PNG files is that this format supports transparencies.
PNGs are solely RGB friendly and do not support CMYK so cannot be used for print.
RGB / CMYK
RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue colours which are used on computers to create all other colours. Computer monitors display colour in RGB so this mode of colour is used for all graphics which are viewed on a computer or television.
CMYK stands for the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key. The key colour is almost always black. In print design, colours are defined as a percentage of each of these 4 colours. Often referred to as 4-colour process, this mode of colour is used for print.