Computer Networks

Extranet
An Extranet works the same way as the Internet, but is more private. It is only open to members of the business, and is more or less an extended Intranet.

These are typical of press sections of company websites, so that only members of the press and shareholders could visit this site. They aren't available to the general public.

Intranet
Uses the same technologies as the Internet, but is usually on a private network.

These are usually internal inside the company, and are mainly for use with employees in their day-to-day duties.

LAN/WAN/MAN
All three terms refer to Area Networks. A Local Area Network (LAN) is a small network usually contained in one building, a Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network contained over a wide area (a common example being the Internet) and a Metropolis Area Network (MAN) is a network that is larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN.

Protocol
The "proper" word to describe the language that computers use to communicate between each other, usually in a set of rules that both computers have to follow to be able to communicate properly.

Server
A computer that delivers information and software to other computers through a network. The term is commonly used for web authoring, as you require a web server to publish pages to the Internet.

Topology
The "shape" of the network that is set up. This can sometimes mean the physical appearance of a network, such as a star or ring topology, but can also mean the electrical set up of a network.