variables and views

Is there a way to give with the url that calls a view a variable that filter the records that will be needed ?

At the moment when I call a view I will get all records and then I can use by hand the filter as a dropdown list. What I like is that I give a parameter at the end of the url and then the filtered records get presented and visible.

What is the syntax to get this done? if at all possible.

thanks for your time
Hans van Hal