Jargon Buster - M

Mailbot- An e-mail server that automatically responds to requests for information. Also called an autoresponder.

Message Boards- An alternate term for forums. Please see “forum” entry.

Meta Tags- Meta tags are part of the HTML code that makes up what you see on a website. When webmasters create web pages, meta tags are used to provide structured information about a web page. These tags are placed in between the <head> and </head> sections of an HTML document.

However, the meta tags are not visible to the person looking at the website through an Internet browser. Meta tags are part of the hidden code of the web page that is recognizable to the web browser only. Meta tags are used by search engines (like Google or Yahoo) to generate and display a list of search results based on what a user enters into the search engine. Tags do the same thing, however Meta Tags refer to the overall keywords for the entire website, while tags refer to the specific web page.

Meta tags have been used as a key component of a technique called search engine optimization. Historically, websites were listed based on their meta tags, so it was commercially advantageous to pick the right meta tags to drive traffic to a website. These days, they are not so important, but should not be ignored.

MSN- This stands for MicroSoft Network. MSN offers a wide variety of programs and features to Internet users. The main website, www.msn.com, is a site that many people use as their homepage. MSN offers news and information on the main site, as well as search engine functions. MSN also offers MSN Instant Messaging, which is a downloadable program that allows real time text messaging between members. MSN’s e-mail service “Hotmail” is another popular service. Most MSN services are free of charge.

Mod- An abbreviation for “moderator.” A moderator is a volunteer who screens messages for a moderated mailing list, newsgroup or a forum. A moderator’s main job is to make sure that conversation on the group flows freely, and within the site or list guidelines. They watch for inappropriate language, “flaming” and off topic messages. Depending on the site or list, moderators may have the ability to change the look and style of the main page.

Mouse- A device that connects to your computer and is used to move the pointer or cursor on your screen. A standard mouse is equipped with two or more control buttons. A mouse is used to highlight text, open menu items and launch programs.