English for
Computers, Computer Science Language
application
|
noun a program dedicated to a specific
task [eg: word processing, graphics etc]
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Bandwidth
|
The
range of frequencies, expressed in Kilobits per second, that can pass over a
given data transmission channel within a frame relay network. The bandwidth
determines the rate at which information can be sent through a channel - the
greater the bandwidth, the more information that can be sent in a given
amount of time. Usually measured in bits-per-second. A full page of English
text is about 16,000 bits. A 56Kbs modem can easily move 16,000 bits in less
than one second.
|
Beta
Software
|
Beta
versions of commercial software are work-in-progress test copies released
prior to the full version. They're used to put the product through real-world
tests and to ferret out bugs before the finished software hits the shelves.
Betas often expire after a period of time, usually when the full version or
the next beta is released.
|
Bluetooth
|
Chip
technology enabling seamless voice and data connections between a wide range
of devices through short-range digital two-way radio. It is an open
specification for short-range communications of data and voice between both
mobile and stationary devices. For instance, it specifies how mobile phones,
WIDs, computers and PDAs interconnect with each other, with computers, and
with office or home phones.
|
Bookmark
|
1)
When you "bookmark" a page, you tell your Web browser to remember
that page's address (URL), so that you can go back to it easily, without
having to type in the URL again. Bookmarks are called "favorites"
in Microsoft Internet Explorer. It keeps your place, much like a bookmark in
a book does. Most browsers have an easy method of saving the URL to create a
bookmark. 2) Microsoft Web editors use the term bookmark to refer to a location
within a hyperlink destination within a Web page, referred to elsewhere as an
anchor.
|
Broadband
|
A
transmission facility having a bandwidth sufficient to carry multiple voice,
video or data channels simultaneously. Each channel occupies (is modulated
to) a different frequency bandwidth on the transmission medium and is
demodulated to its original frequency at the receiving end. Channels are
separated by ģguardbandsī (empty spaces) to ensure that each channel won't
interfere with its neighboring channels. This technique is used to provide 50
CATV channels on one coaxial cable.
|
Browser
|
A
program that allows a user to find, view, hear, and interact with material on
the World Wide Web. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are
examples of popular browsers.
|
Burn
|
To
write data or files onto a recordable CD using a hardware device called a CD
Burner. Generally, you create either an audio or a data disc when you burn a
CD. If you create an audio disc, you will be able to play that CD in any
standard audio CD player. A data disc contains computer files and can only be
read on computers. If you want to create an audio CD you must use software
such as our RipEditBurn - simply copying wave (.wav) audio files onto a CD
will produce a data CD, not an audio CD. On this site, "burn"
refers to recording audio CDs that will be playable in your stereo.
|
Blog
|
A
blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of
updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a
"blogger." Blogs are typically updated daily using software that
allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain
the blog. Postings on a blog are almost always arranged in cronological order
with the most recent additions featured most prominantly.
|
bit
|
noun binary digit, the basic binary unit
for storing data, either 0 or 1 - see byte
|
buffer
|
noun an area in memory used for temporary
storage [eg: rapid input from keyboard]
|
byte
|
noun 8 bits - kilobyte (approx.
1,000 bytes), megabyte (1 million), gigabyte (1 billion)
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Chipset
|
The
chipset controls the system and its capabilities. All components communicate
with the processor through the chipset - it is the hub of all data transfer.
The chipset uses the DMA controller and the bus controller to organize the
steady flow of data that it controls. The chipset is a series of chips
attached directly to the motherboard, and is usually second in size only to
the processor. Chipsets are integrated (soldered onto the motherboard) and
are not upgradeable without a new motherboard.
|
Codec
|
Short
for compressor/decompressor, a codec is any technology for compressing and
decompressing data. Codecs can be implemented in software, hardware, or a
combination of both. Some popular codecs for computer video include MPEG,
Indeo and Cinepak. In telecommunications, (short for coder/decoder) a device
that encodes or decodes a signal. For example, telephone companies use codecs
to convert binary signals transmitted on their digital networks to analog
signals converted on their analog networks. The translation of a binary value
into a voltage that can be transmitted over a wire.
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Configuration
|
This
is a general-purpose computer term that can refer to the way you have your
computer set up. It is also used to describe the total combination of
hardware components that make up a computer system and the software settings
that allow various hardware components of a computer system to communicate
with one another.
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Cookie
|
A
piece of information sent by a Web server to a user's browser. (A Web server
is the computer that "hosts" a Web site, and responds to requests
from a user's browser.) Cookies may include information such as login or
registration identification, user preferences, online "shopping
cart" information, etc. The browser saves the information, and sends it
back to the Web server whenever the browser returns to the Web site. The Web
server may use the cookie to customize the display it sends to the user, or
it may keep track of the different pages within the site that the user
accesses. Browsers may be configured to alert the user when a cookie is being
sent, or to refuse to accept cookies. Some sites, however, cannot be accessed
unless the browser accepts cookies.
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CPU
|
Central
Processing Unit. The main processing chip of a computer.
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DNS
|
(Domain
Name Server) – Used to map names to IP addresses and vice versa. Domain Name
Servers maintain central lists of domain name/IP addresses and map the domain
names in your Internet requests to other servers on the Internet until the
specified web site is found.
|
Domain
Name
|
The
unique name that identifies an Internet site. Domain Names always have 2 or
more parts, separated by dots. The part on the left is the most specific, and
the part on the right is the most general. A given machine may have more than
one Domain Name but a given Domain Name points to only one machine. For
example, the domain names: matisse.net mail.matisse.net workshop.matisse.net
can all refer to the same machine, but each domain name can refer to no more
than one machine. Usually, all of the machines on a given Network will have
the same thing as the right-hand portion of their Domain Names (matisse.net
in the examples above). It is also possible for a Domain Name to exist but
not be connected to an actual machine. This is often done so that a group or
business can have an Internet e-mail address without having to establish a
real Internet site. In these cases, some real Internet machine must handle
the mail on behalf of the listed Domain Name.
|
Driver
|
A
piece of software that tells the computer how to operate an external device,
such as a printer, hard disk, CD-ROM drive, or scanner. For instance, you
can't print unless you have a printer driver. Hard disk drivers are invisible
files that are loaded into memory when you start the computer, while scanner
drivers are usually plug-ins accessed from within a particular application.
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DSL
|
A
method for moving data over regular phone lines. A DSL circuit is much faster
than a regular phone connection, and the wires coming into the subscriber's
premises are the same (copper) wires used for regular phone service. A DSL
circuit must be configured to connect two specific locations, similar to a
leased line (howeverr a DSL circuit is not a leased line. A common
configuration of DSL allows downloads at speeds of up to 1.544 megabits (not
megabytes) per second, and uploads at speeds of 128 kilobits per second. This
arrangement is called ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Another
common configuration is symmetrical: 384 Kilobits per second in both
directions. In theory ADSL allows download speeds of up to 9 megabits per
second and upload speeds of up to 640 kilobits per second. DSL is now a
popular alternative to Leased Lines and ISDN, being faster than ISDN and less
costly than traditional Leased Lines.
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DVD
|
Digital
video disk; a type of compact disc that holds far more information than the
CD-ROMs that are used for storing music files. A DVD can hold a minimum of
4.7 GB, enough for a full-length movie. MPEG-2 is used to compress video data
for storage on a DVD. DVD drives are backward-compatible and can play
CD-ROMs.
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Database
|
A
collection of information organized and presented to serve a specific
purpose. (A telephone book is a common database.) A computerized database is
an updated, organized file of machine readable information that is rapidly
searched and retrieved by computer.
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Email
|
noun electronic mail; system of sending
messages through the internet; e-mail
|
Firewall
|
A
firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server,
that protects the resources of a private network from users from other
networks. Basically, a firewall, working closely with a router program,
filters all network packets to determine whether to forward them toward their
destination. A firewall is often installed away from the rest of the network
so that no incoming request can get directly at private network resources.
There are a number of firewall screening methods. A simple one is to screen
requests to make sure they come from acceptable (previously identified)
domain names and IP addresses. For mobile users, firewalls allow remote
access in to the private network by the use of secure logon procedures and
authentication certificates.
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Firewire
|
A
type of cabling technology for transferring data to and from digital devices
at high speed. Some professional digital cameras and memory card readers
connect to the computer over FireWire. FireWire card readers are typically
faster than those that connect via USB. Also known as IEEE 1394, FireWire was
invented by Apple Computer but is now commonly used with Windows-based PCs as
well.
|
Flash
|
Flash
is an application published by the Macromedia company. Think of Flash as a
'window' that is displayed within the HTML environment. You have complete
control of the window. You can display animations. You can make the
animations clickable. You can make text move and change. Flash is very fast
because it draws graphics on the fly, rather than storing text or graphics as
complete images. (Although Flash can also display photographic images and
illustrations). Flash gives you much more creative room than HTML, but it
requires a 'plug-in', a piece of code on your computer that runs Flash. The
newer browsers automatically come with Flash. If your user has an older
browser, and they don't already have Flash, they will be asked to download
it. If they agree to download Flash, they will be sent to the Macromedia site
where they will need to click on a few things to receive Flash. If they
haven't already downloaded Flash, you might lose them at this point. It is a
tradeoff.
|
Flash
Memory
|
A
special form of non-volatile EEPROM that can be erased at signal levels
normally found inside the PC, so that you can reprogram the contents with
whatever you like without pulling the chips out of your computer. Also, once
a flash memory has been programmed, you can remove the expansion board it is
mounted on and plug it into another computer if you wish.
|
Format
|
Formatting
a disk organizes the magnetic surfaces into tracks and sectors. In word
processing, format refers to the physical appearance of a document, and
includes such items as margins, line spacing, etc. In Excel, format refers to
how numbers are shown (length, decimal points, etc.)
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Freeware
|
A
form of software distribution where the author retains copyright of the
software, but makes the program available to others at no cost. Freeware is
often distributed on bulletin boards, or through user groups. The program may
not be resold or distributed by others for profit.
|
floppy
disk
|
noun small, removable magnetic disc for
(permanent) storing of data; diskette
|
Gateway
|
The
technical meaning is a hardware or software set-up that translates between
two dissimilar protocols, for example America Online has a gateway that
translates between its internal, proprietary e-mail format and Internet
e-mail format. Another, sloppier meaning of gateway is to describe any
mechanism for providing access to another system, e.g. AOL might be called a
gateway to the Internet.
|
GUI
|
Graphical
User Interface. The most commonly used computer interface, exemplified by
Microsoft Windows and MacOS. Typical elements of a GUI are a mouse interface
and a system of visual directories that look like file folders.
|
hard
disk
|
noun fixed, magnetic disc inside a PC for
(permanent) storing of data
|
Hacker
|
A
slang term for a computer enthusiast. Among professional programmers, the
term hacker implies an amateur or a programmer who lacks formal training.
Depending on how it used, the term can be either complimentary or derogatory,
although it is developing an increasingly derogatory connotation. The
pejorative sense of hacker is becoming more prominent largely because the
popular press has co-opted the term to refer to individuals who gain
unauthorised access to computer systems for the purpose of stealing and
corrupting data. Hackers, themselves, maintain that the proper term for such
individuals is cracker.
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Handle
|
A
value that uniquely identifies something such as a file or data structure.
Handles are meaningful only to the software that creates and uses them but
are passed by other software to identify things. ODBC defines handles for
environments, connections, statements, and descriptors. An unsigned long
(32-bit) integer assigned by Windows NT or Windows 95 to uniquely identify an
instance (occurrence) of an object, such as a file or a window.
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Hard
Drive
|
A
permanent data storage device built into all desktop PCs that permits you to
save and retrieve information, and that stores the computer's operating
system and other software. The size of a hard drive is usually expressed in
gigabytes.
|
Host
|
Any
computer on a network that is a repository for services available to other
computers on the network. It is quite common to have one host machine provide
several services, such as SMTP (email) and HTTP (web).
|
HTML
|
(HyperText
Markup Language) -- The coding language used to create Hypertext documents
for use on the World Wide Web. HTML looks a lot like old-fashioned
typesetting code, where you surround a block of text with codes that indicate
how it should appear, additionally, in HTML you can specify that a block of
text, or a word, is linked to another file on the Internet. HTML files are
meant to be viewed using a World Wide Web Client Program, such as Netscape or
Mosaic.
|
Hypertext
|
Generally,
any text that contains links to other documents. Words or phrases in the
document that can be chosen by a reader and which cause another document
(usually a Web page) to be retrieved and displayed. A link doesn't just have
to be text, however--pictures and icons can also be "clickable."
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hardware
|
noun the mechanical and electronic parts
of a computer, not the software
|
Icon
|
On
a system like Windows or Macintosh that uses a graphical user interface
(GUI), a small picture or symbol that represents some object or function.
Examples: a file folder for a directory; a rectangle with a bent corner for a
file; or a miniature illustration for a program.
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Intranet
|
A
private network inside a company or organization, which uses software like
that used on the Internet, but is for internal use only, and is not
accessible to the public. Companies use Intranets to manage projects, provide
employee information, distribute data and information, etc.
|
input
|
noun data entered into a computer (by
keyboard, floppy disk etc) - alsoverb
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keyboard
|
noun the alphanumeric keys or buttons
used to input data [QWERTY = 1st 5 keys]
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Mainframe
|
A
very large computer capable of supporting hundreds of users running a variety
of different programs simultaneously. Often the distinction between small
mainframes and minicomputers is vague and may depend on how the machine is
marketed. Example of a mainframe: the OIT-administered IBM computer that
supports TSO and WYLBUR
|
Mirror
|
An
FTP server that copies the same files from another server, and provides
another site to download the files. The mirrored site is independent of the
original. Some FTP servers get so many people downloading the same files that
other servers have to be set up to mirror them and spread the load to more
than one site. A mirror site is an exact replica of the original site, and is
usually updated frequently to ensure that it reflects the same content as the
original site. They are used to make access to the files faster when the
original site may be farther away, or running on a smaller server. Typically,
the site that is the mirror will be in a better location to where more people
can access the information quickly, and it will run faster as well,
especially during high traffic times. Mirrored sites can give access to
products such as pictures or simply have daily mail on them. They can be used
for a wide variety.
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Motherboard
|
The
main circuit board of a microcomputer. The motherboard contains the
connectors for attaching additional boards. Typically, the motherboard
contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel
ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard
peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive.
Collectively, all these chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the
motherboard's chipset. On most PCs, it is possible to add memory chips
directly to the motherboard. You may also be able to upgrade to a faster CP
by replacing the CPU chip. To add additional core features, you may need to
replace the motherboard entirely.
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MP3
|
A
compressed audio format that is popular for downloading across the internet
and for use with memory-based audio players. Files may be recorded on CD-R or
CD-RW media for playback in compatible DVD players, audio CD players, and
CD-ROM drives. Files are usually named as "*.mp3". Sound quality
varies as a function of the recording/encoding bit rate. In our opinion,
anything recorded with less than 128 kbps data rate will sound degraded. For
a high fidelity home audio system, we would recommend MP3s encoded at no less
than 256 kbps data rate. Anything less would mean too much compression was
used at the cost of sound fidelity.
|
Multimedia
|
The
delivery of information, usually to a personal computer, in a combination of
different formats including text, graphics, animation, audio, and video.
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memory
|
noun part of a computer for (temporary)
storing of data - see ram
|
modem
|
noun device that converts data to a form
that can be transmitted by telephone etc
|
operating
system
|
noun software that communicates with
hardware, enabling applications to run
|
output
|
noun data delivered by a computer (by
printer, screen etc) - also verb
|
Perl
|
Practical
Extraction and Reporting Language, a robust programming language frequently
used for creating CGI programs on Web servers because it is faster than UNIX
shell script programs, it can read and write binary files, and it can process
very large files.
|
Plug-in
|
A
small piece of software that enriches a larger piece of software by adding
features or functions. Plug-ins enable browsers to play audio and video. You
can expand the capability of your browser by "plugging in" various
tools to let you see and hear certain things, such as audio or video files.
When your browser needs a plug-in you don't have yet, it will tell you it's
encountered an "unknown file type." SBC Yahoo! already provides the
most popular plug-ins, including Shockwave (for audio and video), RealAudio
(audio that broadcasts to your computer like a radio station), and MPEG play
(more video). Plug-ins are very similar to another kind of Web tool called
helper apps.
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Portal
|
Usually
used as a marketing term to described a web site that is or is intended to be
the first place people see when using the web. Typically, a portal site has a
catalog of web sites, a search engine, or both. A portal site also may offer
e-mail and other service to entice people to use that site as their main
"point of entry" (hence "portal" to the web).
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peripheral
|
noun equipment linked to a computer [eg:
printer, scanner, modem, mouse etc]
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program
|
noun software that contains coded
instructions to control a computer - alsoverb
|
Root
|
(1)
An administrative account with special privileges. For example, only the root
account can load kernel extensions.(2) In graph theory, the base of a tree.
(3) root directory: The base of a file system tree. (4) root file system: The
primary file system off which a computer boots, so named because it includes
the root node of the file system tree.
|
Router
|
A
device that determines the next network point to which a data packet should
be forwarded enroute toward its destination. The router is connected to at
least two networks and determines which way to send each data packet based on
its current understanding of the state of the networks it is connected to.
Routers create or maintain a table of the available routes and use this
information to determine the best route for a given data packet.
|
RAM
|
abbreviaton
for random access
memory [it goes away when one switches off]
|
Search
Engine
|
A
tool that enables users to locate information on the World Wide Web. Search
engines use keywords entered by users to find Web sites which contain the
information sought. Some search engines are specifically designed to find Web
sites intended for children.
|
Shareware
|
Copyrighted
software available for downloading on a free, limited trial basis; if you
decide to use the software, you're expected to register and pay a small fee.
By doing this, you become eligible for assistance and updates from the
author. Contrast to public domain software which is not copyrighted or to
freeware which is copyrighted but requires no usage fee.
|
Spam
|
Unsolicited
"junk" e-mail sent to large numbers of people to promote products
or services. Sexually explicit unsolicited e-mail is called "porn
spam." Also refers to inappropriate promotional or commercial postings
to discussion groups or bulletin boards.
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Streaming
|
A
technology for transmitting electronic information in a stream, rather than
in a complete package. This technology has enabled more accessible Internet
audio and video. Audio, and especially video, files tend to be large, which
makes downloading and accessing them as a complete package a very
time-consuming operation. With streaming technology, however, the files can
be downloaded and accessed at the same time, which makes using them much
faster and easier. Streaming is the technology behind RealPlayer and TiVO.
|
screen
|
noun the surface area of the visual
display unit on which the image is formed
|
software
|
noun the programs, routines etc for a
computer, not the hardware
|
Template
|
Refers
to a web page template that applies to all ClassWeb pages on our (or your)
server. ClassWeb generates web pages for individual files that are based upon
a common template, and thus are exactly alike in terms of layout, style, etc.
The differences between ClassWeb sites are due to the course specific
information that the page "calls" from our (or your) database.
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Text
Editor
|
Any
program which will do even the most basic word processing and will save files
to standard ASCII text. Check your program's manual if you are unsure of how
this would be done, as different programs will do things differently.
|
Token
|
Authentication
token: a hardware device that generates a one-time password to authenticate
its owner; also sometimes applied to software programs that generate one-time
passwords. E-mail token: a data item in the header of an encrypted e-mail
message that holds an encrypted copy of the secret key used to encrypt the
message; usually encrypted with the recipient’s key so that only the
recipient can decrypt it. In a network, a token is a special group of bits
that travel around a token ring. If a computer wants to communicate on a
network, it gains permission by capturing the token. Only one token at a time
may be active on a network, and the token may only travel in one direction
around the ring.
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Trinitron
|
This
is arguably the best consumer CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) in existence. The
technology was developed by Sony Corporation, who owns complete rights to it.
The Trinitron design has helped the company lead the market in the
manufacturing of TVs and monitors for many years. The difference between a
Trinitron tube and most other tubes is that the Trinitron uses an aperture
grille instead of a shadow mask for creating the image on the screen.
Considering you most likely know exactly what those are, not, I'll explain
them. An aperture grille consists of wires stretched vertically down the
screen (allowing for a vertically flat screen). A shadow mask is basically a
metal plate with holes in it, where light can pass through. Because Trinitron
monitors are vertically flat, they have less image distortion and less glare
than most other monitors. If you look very closely at a Trinitron screen, you
should see one or two very thin dark horizontal lines that span the width of
the screen. These lines are small wires that support the aperture grille.
|
Upload
|
To
send a file from one computer to another via modem, network, or serial cable.
With a modem-based communications link, the process generally involves the
requesting computer instructing the remote computer to prepare to receive the
file on its disk and wait for the transmission to begin.
|
URL
|
Uniform
Resource Locator, the global address of documents and other resources on the
World Wide Web. The first part of the address indicates what protocol to use,
and the second part specifies the IP address or the domain name where the
resource is located.
|
Veronica
|
(Very
Easy Rodent Oriented Net-wide Index to Computerized Archives) -- Developed at
the University of Nevada, Veronica is a constantly updated database of the
names of almost every menu item on thousands of gopher servers. The Veronica
database can be searched from most major gopher menus. This is a search
utility that helps find information on gopher servers. Veronica allows users
to enter keywords to locate the gopher site holding the desired information.
The name is an acronym for "Very easy rodent oriented net-wide index of
computerized archives."
|
Virus
|
A
program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your
knowledge and runs against your wishes. Most viruses can also replicate
themselves and spread to other computers. All computer viruses are man made.
Antivirus programs periodically check your computer system for the best-known
types of viruses.
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Web
Ring
|
An
arrangement for finding web sites in which a group of people whose web sites
all had some interest in common would provide links to a central server. That
server would keep track of the web sites in the ring, so that a user could
click on a "Next" button on one web site, and be taken to the next
web site in the web ring. The theory is that people who are interested in the
topic of one web site might also be interested in another web site on the
same topic.
|
Webmaster
|
An
individual who manages a Web site. Depending on the size of the site, the
Webmaster might be responsible for any of the following: making sure that the
Web server hardware and software is running properly, designing the Web site,
creating and updating Web pages, replying to user feedback, monitoring
traffic through the site.
|
White
Paper
|
A
Statement of Policy for the Management of Internet Names and Addresses released
by the U.S. Department of Commerce in June 1998 in response to comments
received to the Green Paper recommendations published in January 1998. Among
other things, the White Paper called for the creation of a global,
not-for-profit organization that would eventually assume the responsibility
for coordinating four key functions for the Internet: the management of the
domain name system, the allocation of IP address space, the assignment of
protocol parameters, and the management of the root server system.
|
Windows
|
A
family of operating systems for personal computers, Windows dominates the
personal computer world, running, by some estimates, on 90% of all personal
computers. Like the Macintosh operating environment, Windows provides a
graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and
support for many peripheral devices. In addition to Windows 3.x and Windows
95, which run on Intel -based machines, Microsoft also sells Windows NT, a
more advanced operating system that runs on a variety of hardware platforms.
|
Wizard
|
An
interactive utility that leads a user through all of the steps required to
complete a complex task. Wizards produce a step by step guide for the user,
with each possible alternative displayed. If a condition occurs which
prevents a step from being completed, methods for resolving the problem are
presented. When the problem is resolved, the user is returned to the next
step in the process, until the task has been completed.
|
WYSIWYG
|
abbreviaton
for What You See Is
What You Get [data prints out exactly as on the screen]
|
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