Cookies: Since web pages have "no memory", a mechanism is required to store information required for more that one web page. Cookies are used to store small amounts of information on the user's computer and allow browsers to "remember" information such as items in a shopping cart, a username, or the current score in an online game.

Domain name: A domain name, or web address, represents your company's "address" on the Internet (e.g. www.yourcompanyname.com). To have a web site your web address has to be registered.

Flash: Flash is a web development solution used to create highly visual and interactive web sites. One of the most popular uses of flash is to incorporate animations and movies in web sites. Flash sites usually include visual effects and interactivity features that would not be possible in standard web pages.

Merchant accounts: You will need a merchant account to accept credit card orders on the net. Many existing businesses will already have a merchant account from an established banking relationship.

Order forms: Order forms can be used to present your products, prices and options in a clean way to your customers. Before requesting credit card information you need to automatically subtotal the order, add shipping and handling and calculate sales tax if appropriate.

Secure server: Software capable of establishing a "secure" connection with your customer's Internet browser using SSL (secure socket layers) technology to encrypt all transmitted information. Most net buyers insist on this connection before entering credit card information. You can choose to purchase a secure certificate from an authorized third party or to use a shared certificate from your web hosting provider.

SKU: Stock keeping unit. Term used to identify a unique product. For example a red pen and a blue pen would be two SKU's.

Web site hosting: A hosting company leases you space on the world wide web so that visitors around the world can view your site.