W

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local area networks (LANs) connected by a high-speed line.

Web browser

Software used to view the World Wide Web, a graphically rich presentation of information on the Internet. The most popular Web browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but other browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Opera are available. To find specific sites on the Web, you enter a URL in your Web browser.

Web page

A single HTML-formatted file posted where it can be accessed via the World Wide Web.

Web site

A collection of affiliated Web pages.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

The security aspects of 802.11b, a standard that enables wireless devices such as PDAs and laptop computers to access a network via radio frequencies instead of physical wiring. WEP has three tasks: 1) to authenticate clients to access points; 2) to encrypt the data exchanged between the clients and access points; and 3) to include an integrity check with every packet exchanged. The initial implementation of WEP provides weak security. While it is not completely useless, it is best used as another layer of security in conjunction with stronger measures.

WINS (Windows Internet Name Service)

WINS provides name resolution for computers running Windows NT, Windows 98, and earlier versions of Microsoft operating systems. With name resolution, users access servers by name rather than needing to use IP addresses.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A computer network that spans a relatively small area, generally confined to a single building or group of buildings. In a wireless network, devices connect through high-frequency radio waves using IEEE standard 802.11.

World Wide Web Consortium

An international industry consortium founded in 1994 to develop common protocols for the evolution of the World Wide Web. W3C has around 450 member organizations from around the world.

WPA (WiFi Protected Access)

A data encryption specification for 802.11 wireless networks. Wireless networks rely on radio waves, which broadcast in all directions. Any device within range of a wireless access point could eavesdrop upon its transmissions. WPA encrypts wireless data so that an eavesdropper intercepts gibberish, while authorized endpoints receive clear, decrypted data. WPA replaces WEP, a weaker wireless encryption standard that attackers can readily break.

worm

A self-replicating program that seeks access into other computers by exploiting security flaws. After a worm penetrates another computer, it continues seeking access to other areas. Worms often steal or vandalize computer data. Many viruses are more accurately termed worms, and use e-mail or database systems to propagate themselves to their victims.