Glossary
Configured Handlers
A handler is a piece of code used to define what a program will do with a specific type of file when it is requested. Most files have implicit handlers based on file type, but if you want a different action to be taken, you can add an explicit handler.
Directory Indexing
Directory indexing is when a directory listing of files is displayed in a browser instead of an actual web page.
H: Drive
The OAL's Home (H:) drive gives authorized users personal storage space. This space can be used to store personal or academic files or files you want to make available on the web using people.tamu.edu.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
A set of markup symbols or codes inserted in a file that tell the web browser how to display words and images on a web page.
MIME Types
MIME types are used to classify the type of information that a file includes. MIME types override any other mappings that already exist for the same extension.
Open Access Labs (OAL)
OALs are computer labs located around campus where you can use computers, scanners, digital video workstations, printers and specialized software.
Provost Information Technology (PITO)
PITO is responsible for providing computing resources, services and support to Texas A&M University students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of The Texas A&M University System.
Secure Copy Protocol (SCP)
SCP is a tool used to securely copy files over the network, by means of the SSH protocol.
Secure Shell (SSH)
A network protocol that permits data to be exchanged using a protected channel between two networked devices.
U: Drive
The (U:) drive - contains your webspace files. It's only mapped on OAL computers if you have enabled your webspace and then logged off and back on.
Virtual Open Access Lab (VOAL)
The VOAL is a virtual TAMU lab that allows one to use their Open Access Lab account remotely from another computer.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.
Web server
Web servers are computers on the Internet that host websites, serving pages to viewers upon request.
Windows File Explorer
Windows File Explorer is a file manager for Windows similar to Windows Explorer, and has two fixed file views side by side that are useful when copying files from folder to folder.
WinSCP3
WinSCP3 is a program for encrypted file transfer and uses the protocols SCP and SFTP.