Computing Acronyms
                                  
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/glossary/glossaryindexfull.html - full list of all words
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/glossary/glossaryindex.html - alphabetical selection
  
1. 1934 - IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
   An abbreviation for a specification officially called IEEE 1394 and also known as FireWire. It is standard for connecting
external devices to personal computers. It is faster than older connections, such as the standard serial port and the standard
parallel port, transferring data at up to 400 Mbps (400 million bits per second). A single FireWire port can connect up to 63
external devices.
2. 3D - Three Dimensional
   Objects or graphics that have, or appear to have the dimensions of height, width and depth; as opposed to conventional 2D
graphics that lack the sensation of depth. Also refers to sound reproduction that appears to originate from various locations.
3. 8.3 - (DOS)
    DOS files are composed of a file name of up to eight characters in length, a period and an optional extension up to three
   characters in length.
4. ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
    Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Designed for an uneven data flow, where
   client-to-server data flow is a fraction of the server-to-client data. Upstream data flow can typically be measured in kbps while
   the downstream data flow is measured in mbps.
5. AFC - Application Foundation Classes
    Additional Java foundation classes written by Microsoft. The AFC helps support Sun's Abstract Window Toolkit on Microsoft
   operating systems.
6. AGP - Acceleratee Graphics Port
    A graphics specification developed by Intel. AGP creates a dedicated point-to-point channel so that the graphics card can
   directly access the computer's main memory instead of its own video memory.
7. API - Application Program Interface
    How a programmer "talks" to an operating system to use that operating system's functions. The interface used by applications
   programs to access operating system services. APIs are designed to help programmers avoid reinventing the wheel with each
   new application. They can provide an interface between the application and the OS kernel, or between high level languages and
   lower level utilities and services. This reduces development time and ensures a commonality in applications programs.
8. ARP - Address Resolution Protocol
    The protocol that translates IP addresses into physical network addresses so that a packet of data addressed to a particular host
   to find its location on a network.
9. ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange
    The standard ASCII character set contains 128 decimal numbers (0-127) to represent letters of the alphabet, numerals and
   punctuation. The extended ASCII character set adds 128 special characters.
10. ASPI - Advanced SCSI Programmable Interface
    ASPI is a relatively new way of reading data from a music CD. Originally it was devised for use with SCSI units but
   often works well with IDE CD-ROMs. (via a command set known as ATAPI.)
    Certain versions of ASPI however don't seem to be able to detect IDE CD-ROMs. It appears that the wnaspi32.dll file
   between versions 4.01 and 4.53 doesn't work with IDE. Earlier and later versions do work though. To see which version is
   installed on your computer, rightclick on it with the mouse.  
    Windows 95/98 originally came with a version of ASPI that worked with both SCSI and IDE. Unfortunately this is not
   the case with Windows NT and one is forced to install your own.
11. ATA - 
12. ATX - (A PC motherboard specification by Intel.)
    The motherboard is rotated 90 degrees in the chassis and CPU and SIMM sockets have been relocated so all the slots
   support full-length cards. More I/O functions are integrated on the motherboard, and the I/O opening size on the chassis back
   has been increased.
13. AU - Audio
    A format for sound files that originated in Unix.
14. AWT - Abstract Windows Toolkit
    A set of Java APIs designed to interface with the GUI elements of Java applications. The AWT attempts to use the
   common aspects of GUIs to make Java applications appear the same on all platforms. The Java Virtual Machine then
   translates AWT calls into the appropriate system calls on each host operating system.
15. BASIC - Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
    Designed by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz in 1963. Designed for quick and easy programming by students and
   beginners, it is difficult to use in creating non-trivial programs. Interpreted and compiled versions are available. Originally
   needed line numbers as destination point for GOTOs and GOSUBs, later versions allowed GOTO-less code.
16. BAT - BATch
    The DOS 8.3 file naming for the batch files that may contain commands or call other batch files and programs.
17. BIOS - Basic Input Output System
    Provides essential services for the operation of a computer. BIOS routines are usually firmware (i.e. stored in ROM chip).
   The PC motherboard has a ROM BIOS to support its standard functions.
18. BIT - BInary digiT
    The smallest unit of information on a machine.
19. BMP - BitMaP
    The Windows file extension for bitmap graphics files.
20. BPS - Bits Per Second
    The standard measure of data transmission speeds.
21. BURN-Proof (technology) - Buffer UnderRun Proof (technology)
    This revolutionary technology compensates for any interruption in data flow to the disc. BURN-Proof technology
   "remembers" where writing stopped on the disc when the data flow was interrupted, then restarts writing in the same place
   once the data is available again.* This increases the success of creating a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
22. CAB - .CABinet file
    The DOS 8.3 designation for compressed files used by Microsoft Windows installation programs.
23. CCITT - Committee Consultif Internationale Telegraph et Telephonie
    French acronym for the "International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee".
24. CD/DA - 
25. CD-R
26. CD-RW
27. CGI - Common Gateway Interface
    CGI is most commonly used to handle the FORM requests for HTTP. This enables Webmasters to include forms in their
   Web pages. Perl is the traditional language for CGI scripts.
28. CIO - Chief Information Officer
    Chief Information Officer
29. CISC - Complex Instruction Set Computer
    Complex Instruction Set Computer, as opposed to the Reduced Instruction Set Computer. CISC processors include the
   Motorola 680x0 family, and the Intel 80x86 family and Pentium. Designed to allow high-level language constructs to be
   expressed in fewer instructions. It was later discovered that the RISC sequence of simpler instructions improved
   performance over a CISC procedure call, and the more complex the instruction set, the greater the overhead of decoding an
   instruction.
30. CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor
    A type of semiconductor. Many PCs contain a small amount of battery-powered CMOS memory to hold the date, time,
   and system setup parameters.
31. CNR - Communications and Networking Riser
    (Intel P4 motherboards.)
32. CO - Central Office
    (Telephone Company) Central Office.
33. COBOL - COmmon Business Oriented Language
    A programming language generally associated with mainframe environments, although PC compilers exist. Cobol code
   was originally intended to be self-documenting.
34. CODEC - COmpressor/DECompressor
    A codec is any technology for compressing and decompressing multimedia files. Codecs can be implemented as software,
   hardware, or a combination. MPEG, QuickTime, and AVI are examples of codecs.
35. COM - COMmand; Component Object Model
    1. The DOS 8.3 extension for COMmand files.
    2. Component Object Model architecture for OLE developed by Microsoft and DEC.
36. CORBA - Common Object Request Broker Architecture
    An architecture designed to enable programs on dissimilar platforms to exchange objects. The CORBA specification
   defines a standard interface between compliant objects.
37. CPP = C++
38. CPU - Central Processing Unit
    As chip technology advances, this term has been applied somewhat equally to: 1) The Central Processing Unit: The part
   of a computer that fetches instructions from memory and decodes them to control all other parts. 2) The chip that contains
   the CPU, ALU, FPU, etc.
39. CRC - Cyclic Redundancy Check
    The CRC algorithm similar in purpose to a checksum. A number is derived from, then stored or transmitted with data. By
   recalculating the CRC and comparing it to the original, the receiver can detect transmission errors. CRC is not foolproof,
   multiple corrupted bits may cancel each other out. Ethernet packets have a 32 bit CRC.
40. CRT - Cathode Ray Tube
    The technology used for most televisions and computer displays. An electron beam (ray) scans rapidly across the back of
   the screen, lighting up phosphor dots, which continue to glow. The process happens so quickly that the eye does not see the
   dots or the scan lines, but perceives the screen as a single image.
41. CSMA/CD - Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection
    The low level protocol used on Ethernet with the ability to detect collision during transmission. Network nodes wait for
   quiet before starting to transmit then listen while they are transmitting. If any node detects a collision it continues to transmit
   so that all nodes detect the collision. Transmitting nodes then wait for a random time before attempting to retransmit to
   minimize the chance of another collision.
42. CSS - Content Scrambling System
    Prevents DVD (movies) from being copied. However, DVD movies can still be ripped to other formats.
43. CSU/DSU - Channel Services Unit/Digital Services Unit
    Like a modem for high-speed phone lines. Ordinary telephone lines require modems to convert digital data to analog
   sounds for transmission. High-speed T1 and T3 lines require a CSU/DSU at each end. Like a modem, the CSU/DSU
   performs several functions relating to connecting the line and converting data.
44. CTI - Computer Telephony Integration
    Systems and solutions that combine the functionality of programmable computing devices and the voice telephone
   network. CTI is the merger of telephony services available on public and private networks and the information processing
   capabilities of computing devices.
    CTI technologies improve the value and functionality of telephone systems through integration with computer systems
   that can act as a call center, accepting incoming calls and routing them to the appropriate device or person. CTI systems may
   also handle other incoming and outgoing communications, including faxes, and Internet messages.
45. CTO - Chief Technical Officer
    The executive who is responsible for understanding current and future technology and how a company will use it.
46. D3D - Direct 3D
    The Microsoft Direct 3D standard lets developers use hardware-rendering assistance to deliver applications that simulate
   three-dimensional worlds and images.
47. DAC - Digital to Analog Converter
    A device that converts digital data to analog data—for instance, to analog sound for transmission over voice lines or to
   analog information for display on a monitor.
48. DAT - Digital Audio Tape
    Digital Audio Tape. A digital format for magnetic tape, corresponding the digital recording on compact discs. DAT uses a
   "helical scan" format. DAT decks have both analog and digital inputs and outputs.
49. DBMS - DataBase Management System
    A system of software that stores and organizes data to enable users to add, modify and extract information. DBMSs have
   been built around everything from simple and inflexible flat files to sophisticated and powerful relational systems.
   Programming and report languages are included to enable customization.
50. DCOM - Distributed Component Object Model
    The Microsoft COM architecture extended to the network. Objects can be shared, but only within Microsoft Windows.
51. DCS - Distributed Control System
    Used for Manufacturing Process Control. Programmable Logic Controllers are used to regulate and control various
   aspects of the manufacturing process.
52. DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange
    An older method for two programs to share information—for instance, for a word processor to display information from a
   spreadsheet. DDE was one of the precursors to Microsoft's OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) and COM (Common
   Object Model), which have a more comprehensive approach to data sharing.
53. DDR - Double Data Rate
54. DEC - Digital Equipment Corporation
    DEC developed the AltaVista search engine, a wide range of software computers and peripherals, but is best known for its
   VAX line.
55. DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
    DHCP is used on Microsoft NT LANs to dynamically assign IP addresses to computers. With dynamic addressing, the
   network administrator doesn't need to manage a list of all IP addresses. It also allows more devices to connect than a static
   list would allow, though the number of machines logged on at one time cannot exceed the total number of IP addresses
   available. DHCP allows a mix of static and dynamic IP addresses. Static addresses for servers and dynamic addresses for
   clients is a common use, and a static address for the DHCP server is imperative.
56. DHTML - Dynamic HyperText Markup Language
    Dynamic HTML is a term used by some vendors to describe the combination of HTML, style sheets and scripts that
   allows Web pages to become dynamic -- that is, capable of responding to user actions, the way a software program responds.
   By comparison, static pages cannot respond (other than to link you to another page).
57. DIMM - Dual Inline Memory Module
    A small circuit board that holds memory chips. While a SIMM only has a 32-bit path to the memory chips, a DIMM has a
   64-bit path. Since an Intel Pentium processor requires a 64-bit path to memory, one would only need to install one DIMM as
   opposed to two SIMMs.
58. DIN - Deutsche Institut fuer Normung
    German standardization body and a member of ISO.
59. DIP - Dual In-Line Package
    A type of memory chip with dual rows of connecting pins on two sides.
    Also refers to tiny switches, called DIP switches, that can be changed by the user to alter the operation of the mainboard
   or an add-on card in a computer. These switches have largely been relplaced by software configuration utilities and hardware
   auto-sensing.
60. DLL - Dynamic Link Library
    Functions which are linked to application programs at runtime rather than in a compile. Multiple applications can use the
   same libraries simultaneously.
61. DMA - Direct Memory Access
    A method of transferring data directly from memory to a device without passing through the CPU. This use of DMA
   channels can significantly increase data transfer speeds.
62. DNA - Distributed interNet Applications architecture
    The umbrella term for a collection of technologies from Microsoft for building applications that can run over the Internet.
   Key pieces include Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM), Dynamic HTML and scripting.
63. DNS - Domain Name Service
    DNS servers convert domain names to IP addresses, which are used by the Internet communications protocols. The DNS
   database is distributed among thousands of name servers.
64. DOC - DOCument
    The DOS 8.3 file extension used by various applications to denote word-processing documents.
65. DOJ - Department Of Justice
    A US government agency whose lawyers represents US law in the public interest. The DOJ also conducts all suits in the
   Supreme Court in which the United States is concerned. The department is headed by the Attorney General who directs the
   activities of the US Attorneys and US Marshals.
66. DOS - Disk Operating System
    Usually refers to MS-DOS, the Microsoft operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. DOS had a
   character-based interface. The original versions of Windows were graphical environments built on top of DOS. Today, the
   most recent versions of Windows are true operating systems in and of themselves, although they maintain some backward
   compatibility with older DOS applications.
67. dpi - Dots Per Inch
    A measure of print or scan quality. 300dpi is the minimum print quality for a laser printer.
68. DPMI - DOS Protected Mode Interface
    Early versions of MS-DOS could not use more than 640 KB of random access memory. The DOS Protected Mode
   Interface (DPMI) was defined to allow DOS programs to access the additional memory. No longer necessary since the
   arrival of Windows 3.0.
69. DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory
    The type of physical memory used in personal computers. Each bit is stored as an electrical charge in a cell consisting of a
   capacitor and a transistor. These cells need to be refreshed periodically to avoid losing data, so power loss means data loss
   from this type of memory.
70. DRV - DriVer
    One of several DOS 8.3 file extensions for DriVer files.
71. DS/HD - Double-Sided High-Density (floppy disk standard: 144 KB)
    A standard for 3.5 inch floppy disks that permits up to 144 KB of storage on a single disk. High density drives are
   backwards compatible with the double-sided, double-density standard, which stores half as much.
72. DSL - Digital Subscriber Line
    A digital protocol designed for use on existing copper telephone lines. DSL is sometimes called "last-mile technology"
   because it's only used to provide digital connections to "subscribers" in individual homes and offices, not to connect telco
   switches.
73. DSP - Digital Signal Processor
    Computer processing or manipulation of sounds or images in digital form.
74. DSS - Digital Satellite System
    A network of satellites that broadcasts digital TV and Internet data to small dish antennas on the ground. The technology
   behind popular home services such as DirecTV.
75. dstn - Double-layer Supertwist Nematic
    A technology that improves the brightness and appearance of passive-matrix LCD displays, which are often found in
   value-priced notebook computers.
76. DTE - Data Terminal Equipment
    A necessary device to get data to and from a computer over an RS-232 serial connection. Typically, the DTE function is
   accomplished by a UART chip within a personal computer, which controls the PC's serial ports.
77. DTP - DeskTop Publishing
    Personal computer software that allows the production of high-quality printed documents with sophisticated design,
   typography and graphics.
78. DTV - Digital Television
    A method for transmitting television signals as a collection of bits, the way a computer stores information as bits. It stands
   in contrast to the older analog method. A standard for digital television has been promulgated by the United States Federal
   Communications Commission (FCC). American TV stations must begin transmitting digitally no later than the year 2003.
79. DVD - Digital Video Disc (also known as Digital Versatile Disc)
    An optical storage medium with improved capacity and bandwidth over the Compact Disc. The first DVD drives for
   computers are read-only drives ("DVD-ROM"), providing 7+ times the storage capacity of CD-ROM (4.7GBytes).
   Write-once DVD-R ("recordable") drives will record a 3.9GB DVD-R disc that can be read on a DVD-ROM drive.
80. EBCDIC - Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
    An IBM code for representing characters as numbers. Although EBCDIC is widely used on large IBM computers, most
   other computers, including PCs and Macintoshes, use ASCII codes.
81. ECC - Error-Correcting Check
    A type of memory with special circuitry built in to check for inaccuracies in the data as it passes in and out of a
   computer's memory.
82. ECP - Extended Capabilities Port
    A parallel-port standard for PCs that supports bi-directional communication between the PC and attached devices (such as
   a printer). Another modern parallel port for PCs that offers similar performance is the EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port).
83. EDI - Electronic Data Interchange
    Also Electronic Document Interchange. A standard for exchanging commonly used documents between businesses.
84. EDO DRAM - Extended Data Output Dynamic Random Access Memory
    A type of DRAM that is faster than conventional DRAM. Unlike conventional DRAM which is only capable of reading
   one byte at a time, EDO DRAM can copy an entire block of memory to its internal cache. While the processor is accessing
   this cache, the memory is able to collect a new block to send. A type of DRAM that is faster than conventional DRAM.
   Unlike conventional DRAM which is only capable of reading one byte at a time, EDO DRAM can copy an entire block of
   memory to its internal cache. While the processor is accessing this cache, the memory is able to collect a new block to send.
85. EGA - Enhanced Graphics Adapter
    A graphics display system for PCs introduced by IBM in 1984. EGA supports 16 colors from a palette of 64 and provides
   a resolution of 640 by 350. This is better than CGA but not as good as VGA.
86. EIA - Electronics Industries Association
    An electronics trade association that has published and helped to develop several standards for serial communication.
87. EIDE - Extended Integrated Drive Electronics
    The term EIDE was coined by Western Digital around 1994. Also called "Fast ATA-2".
88. EISA - Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture
    A 32-bit bus architecture. Was backwards-compatible with ISA, and could use a jumperless, software-based
   configuration. (Also referred to as Extended Industry Standard Architecture.)
89. EMM - Expanded Memory Manager
    Windows 3.0 and all later versions of Windows contain an extended memory manager that enables programs to use
   extended memory without interfering with one another. In addition, Windows can simulate expanded memory for those
   programs that need it.
90. EMS - Expanded Memory Specification
    A technique for utilizing more than 1MB (megabyte) of main memory in DOS -based computers. The limit of 1MB is
   built into the DOS operating system. The upper 384K is reserved for special purposes, leaving just 640K of conventional
   memory for programs.
91. EOF - End Of File (also known as "End-Of-File mark")
    A special character or sequence of characters that marks the end of a file. Operating systems need to keep track of where
   every file ends. There are two techniques for doing this: One is to put a special end-of-file mark at the end of each file. The
   other is to keep track of how many characters are in the file.
92. EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
    Pronounced EE-prom, EPROM is a special type of memory that retains its contents until exposed to ultraviolet light. The
   ultraviolet light clears the contents, making it possible to reprogram the memory. To write to and erase an EPROM, you
   need a special device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner. (An EPROM differs from a PROM in that a PROM can
   be written to only once and cannot be erased.)
93. EPS - Encapsulated PostScript File
    Special PostScript programs with a special header describing the width and height of the image and how to place the
   image on the page.
94. ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
    A business managment methodology that integrates all facets of the business, including planning, manufacturing,
   marketing and sales. As this system has become more popular, a number of software applications have been developed to aid
   business managers in its implemetation.
95. ESDI - Enhanced Small Device Interface
    An 80's hard disk controller standard that never caught on. The advantages of SCSI and the price of IDE controllers and
   drives made ESDI irrelevant.
96. EULA - End-User License Agreement
    The type of license used for most software, often printed on the envelope that contains the installation disks, or included
   as part of the installation program.
97. EXE - EXEcutable
    The DOS 8.3 extension for EXEcutable files.
98. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
    A document that hopefully contains the answers to your frequently asked questions about a given topic.
99. FAT - File Allocation Table
    A table the operating system uses to locate files on a disk. Due to fragmentation, a file may be divided into many sections
   that are scattered around the disk. The FAT keeps track of all these pieces.
100.  FCBS - File Control BlockS
    A MS-DOS environmental variable. FCBs are set in CONFIG.SYS and specify the number of files that MS-DOS can
   have open at one time.
101.  FCC - Federal Communications Commission
    The US government agency tasked with regulating radio, television, and other devices that emit radio frequency (RF)
   waves. This designation includes computers.
102.  FD - Floppy Disk (Drive)
    A soft magnetic disk. It is called floppy because it flops if you wave it (at least, the 5¼-inch variety does). Unlike most
   hard disks, floppy disks (often called floppies or diskettes) are portable, because you can remove them from a disk drive.
   Floppy disks are slower to access than hard disks and have less storage capacity, but they are much less expensive. Most
   importantly, they are portable.
103.  FDD - Floppy Disk Drive
    A disk drive that can read or write to floppies—the thin, flat 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disks that store information
   magnetically.
104.  FDDI - Fiber Distributed Data Interface
    A counter-rotating token ring network protocol for fiber optics. FDDI rings normally contain routers and concentrators
   that have host computers connected to them. The dual ring forms a backbone that is collapsed into a single device or
   computer room. The dual ring actually passes through each connected device twice and requires each such device to remain
   continuously operational. An alternative to a dual-attached connection is a dual-homed connection which is made
   simultaneously to two separate devices in the same FDDI ring. One connection becomes active while the other one is held in
   backup.
105.  FIFO - First In, First Out
    The logic or order used in queues, such as a print queue where items are processed and removed in the same order they
   were entered. The opposite of the LIFO processing used by a stack. FIFO is also a valuation method used in accounting.
106.  FORTRAN - FORmula TRANslator
    A programming language designed for numerical and scientific applications.
107.  FPU - Floating-Point Unit
    A chip specially designed to perform floating-point (or exponential) arithmetic. Often required for high-end graphics and
   serious mathematical functions. The term floating point refers to the way the decimal point "floats" in exponential notations.
108.  FTP - File Transfer Protocol
    Allows for file uploads and downloads over TCP/IP networks. Anonymous FTP allows users to download files from
   public directories without having to have an established account on an FTP server. In most cases you login as "anonymous"
   use your email address as a password, and access files in a subdirectory called "pub."
109.  FUD - Fear,Uncertainty,and Doubt
    A marketing strategy originally attributed to IBM. The concept that "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM" fits into this
   category.
110.  GB - GigaByte
    A unit of measurement often used to describe file size or hard disk space. 1 GB = 1024 MegaBytes or 2 ^30.
111.  GDI - Graphical Device Interface
    The system (or standard) in Windows used to represent graphical objects and transmi them to a printer or monitor.
112.  GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
    A standard for graphics file compression technology developed by Compuserve.
113.  GIGO - Garbage In Garbage Out
    As in life, so it is in the computer world: If you enter invalid information (garbage) into your system or software app, you
   can expect invalid (garbage) results.
114.  GNU - GNU's Not Unix
    An organization formed to promote the free distribution of software.
115.  GPF - General Protection Fault
    An error in memory that causes Windows applications to crash. A non-specific report from the hardware memory
   management system that something is amiss.
116.  GPS - Global Positioning System
    Navigation systems that use satellites to calculate position. Privacy advocates have expressed the fear that satellite
   tracking will allow governments to monitor citizen activity.
117.  GUI - Graphical User Interface
    A program interface that uses graphics to make computers easier to use. Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft
   Windows, Apple Macintosh, UNIX Motif and OpenLook have a number of similar graphic elements and common concepts.
118.  HDL - Hardware Description Language
    Programming language used to describe behavior of hardware (PCBs and ICs). Used by simulation programs to simulate
   hardware behavior and synthesis tools to generate gate level implementation of behavior. Verilog and VHDL are the two
   most popular HDLs.
119.  HTML - HyperText Markup Language
   Hypertext markup language is the authoring language of the World Wide Web. It controls how Web pages are formatted
and displayed. HTML has significant similarities and overlap with SGML.
120.  HTTP - HyperText Transport Protocol
    HyperText Transfer Protocol defines how messages are formatted and transmitted on the World Wide Web, and how Web
   servers and browsers should act and react. For example, when you enter a URL in your browser, HTTP converts it to
   commands directing a Web server to fetch and transmit the requested Web page.
    HTTP is designed to be quick and efficient at transmitting Web pages. New technologies, including ActiveX, Java and
   JavaScript are being used increasingly with HTTP to make Web sites more interactive.
121.  Hz - Hertz
    A measure of cycles per second. Used to measure refresh rates for monitors.
122.  IBM - International Business Machines
    Sometimes known as "Big Blue." Maker of everything from mainframes to the original IBM PC which was eventually
   cloned by almost every other computer maker.
123.  IC - Integrated Circuit
    A general classification for all computer chips. A microelectronic semiconductor device made up of numerous transistors
   and other components. ICs are constructed, or fabricated on a silicon substrate. They may be analog, digital or hybrid. The
   first integrated circuits contained only a few transistors, but that number has grown into millions in current CPU and
   memory chips.
124.  ICMP - Internet Control Message Protocol
    The TCP/IP protocol used to send control and error information. When an IP packet cannot be delivered to its destination
   a router may use ICMP to notify the sender of the failure.
125.  IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics
    A standard PC interface for hard drives and CDROM drives. Originally implemented by Compaq and Conner, IDE
   removes electronic components from the controller and integrates them into the drive in order to give drive manufacturers
   better control over the logical and physical drive configuration. IDE drives quickly became less expensive than their ESDI
   and SCSI counterparts.
126.  IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
    The world's largest organization of electrical, electronics and computer engineering professsionals.
127.  IEEE 1394 - (see above)
    
128.  IETF - Internet Engineering Task Force
    One of the most important standards bodies that is working to help determine the future of the Internet.
129.  IFC - Internet Foundation Classes
    Additional Java foundation classes developed by Netscape.
130.  IME - Input Methods Editor
    (Developed/name used by Microsoft?)
131.  InterNIC - Internet Network Information Center
    The InterNIC is responsible for registering domain names and distributing RFCs. It also operates Net Scout and other
   services at http://www.internic.net. Domain registration is funded by fees and the National Science Foundation (NSF) at
   http://www.nsf.gov/. InterNIC domain registration is currently operated by Network Solutions at http://www.netsol.com/.
132.  IP - Internet Protocol
    The Internet protocol responsible for transmitting and routing packets of data. IP allows routers involved in the delivery
   process to talk to each other and locate the destination address for packets.
133.  IPX - Integrated Packet Exchange
    A network communications protocol used by Novell Netware. IPX does not guarantee delivery of a complete message.
   IPX provides services at network and transport layers of the OSI model.
134.  IRC - Internet Relay Chat
    If you are connected to the Internet, and have IRC client software you can "chat" with similarly connected folks anywhere
   on the internet. IRC enables live discussions, and unlike older chat systems, it allows mutilple participants.
135.  IRDA - InfraRed Data Association
    A standard for transmitting data via infrared light. IRDA ports enable the transfer of data between IRDA devices such as
   computers and printers without using a cable.
136.  IRQ - Interrupt Request
    Interrupt request lines are like an address on a system bus. They allow the various peripherals to send interrupt signals to
   your computer—and let your computer know where they're coming from. When you add a new device to a computer, you
   often need to set its IRQ number to specifiy which interrupt line it can use. Conflicts can occur, particularly when adding
   expansion boards.
137.  ISA - Industry Standard Architecture
    For years ISA has been the PC standard for connecting internal devices such as sound cards, hard drive and video
   controllers. Following IBM's failed attempt to replace ISA with MCA, the VESA and PCI buses were introduced.
138.  ISDN - Integrated Service Digital Network
    ISDN was intended to eventually replace POTS phone lines with a digital network that would carry voice, data and video.
   A basic ISDN "phone call" is a 64 kilobits per second, all-digital end-to-end channel. 
    There are different kinds of ISDN connections of varying bandwidth, but a Basic Rate Interface (BRI) is two 64K
   "bearer" channels and a single "delta" channel ("2B+D"). Instead of a modem, ISDN uses a Terminal Adaptor (TA) that
   connects to computer and phone interfaces.
139.  ISO
    The term "ISO" is not an acronym. It is based on the Greek prefix "iso-", meaning "same". It's also an anagram of the
   International Organization for Standardization's acronym. 
140.  ISP - Internet Service Provider
    A company that provides Internet access to other companies and individuals. Also known as "access providers."
141.  ITU - International Telecommunications Union
    The parent body of the CCITT (renamed the ITU-T Standardization Sector). An intergovernmental organization charged
   with assisting in development of telecommunications standards, treaties and regulations.
142.  JBDC - Java DataBase Connectivity
    Defines how Java applications interact with databases.
143.  JDK - Java Development Kit
    The Java programming environment developed by Sun.
144.  JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group
    JPEG is a "lossy" compression for color images. It can preserve a high number of colors while greatly reducing file sizes,
   but some detail is lost when compared to other types of compression.
145.  JPG - Joint Photographic Experts Group
    JPEG shortened to fit DOS 8.3 file naming. A standard for graphics file compression technology developed by Joint
   Photographic Experts Group.
146.  JVM - Java Virtual Machine
    A pseudo-operating system environment used by Java applications and applets to process and pass instructions to the host
   operating system.
147.  KB - Kilobyte
    One thousand bytes. Used as a measure of data transmission.
148.  KBPS - KiloBits Per Second
    A measure of data transfer speed. Note: One Kbps is 1,000 bits per second, whereas a KB (kilobyte) is 1,024 bytes.
149.  KHz - Kilohertz
    One thousand cycles per second.
150.  L2 Cache - Level 2 Cache
    Also called the secondary cache. Memory that is external to the microprocessor.
151.  LAN - Local Area Network
    The most common type of LAN is composed of PCs or workstations in a single building or a small group of buildings,
   and connected by ethernet.
152.  LCD - Liquid Crystal Display
    A type of display commonly used in notebook or portable computers—also digital watches. Involves two sheets of
   polarizing material with a liquid crystal compound sandwiched between.
153.  LDAP - Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
    A "simplified" way to access information in directories, especially local area network directories. Most directories
   provide an electronic address for anything connected to the network such as computers, printers and other devices. They
   may also store information about individuals, such as names, physical addresses, email addresses, security privileges and so
   on.
154.  MAC - Media Access Control
    The hardware address of a device connected to a network. MAC addresses are assigned by the hardware maker.
155.  MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
    Bigger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN. Typically composed of a group of connected Local Area Networks in the
   same city.
156.  MAPI - Messaging Application Program Interface
    A Microsoft Windows API for sending email messages on a Local Area Network. It enables email access and distribution
   among applications.
157.  MB - Megabyte
    One million bytes.
158.  Mbps - Megabits per second
    Literally "one million bits," a megabit is actually 1,048,576 bits. Mbps are used to express communication and data
   transfer rates. Ethernet speed is 10 mbps, token ring can operate at 4 or 16 mbps.
159.  MCA - Micro Channel Architecture
    A proprietary 32-bit bus developed by IBM for its PS/2 personal computers. The Micro Channel bus was designed to
   enhance multiprocessing and eliminate potential IRQ conflicts, but was doomed by a lack of compatibility with existing
   architectures. MCA cards were expensive and not available from all vendors, while existing ISA expansion cards could not
   be used in MCA machines.
160.  MCGA - Multi-Color Graphic Array
    An analog video display technology that was replaced by EGA and VGA.
161.  MDA - Monochrome Display Adapter
    An old video display standard for PCs. MDA supports monochrome graphics at 720x350.
162.  MFC - Microsoft Foundation Classes
    A set of generic C++ classes created by Microsoft, designed to perform basic tasks. Programmers can use the MCF to
   develop customized classes for individual applications.
163.  MHz - Megahertz
    One million cycles per second. Computer clock and CPU speeds are measured in MHz.
164.  MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface
    MIDI files contain editable information about the pitch, length, and volume of musical notes, as well as other information.
   MIDI is supported by most synthesizers and sound cards.
165.  MIME - Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
    MIME extends the format of Internet mail to allow non-US-ASCII textual messages, non-textual messages, multipart
   message bodies, and non-US-ASCII information in message headers.
166.  MIPS - Millions of Instructions Per Second
    A rough measure of a CPU's processing speed, MIPS indicates roughly the number of machine instructions that a
   computer can execute in one second. However, this doesn't account for the differences between RISC and CISC
   architectures, or that different instructions may need different amounts of CPU time.
167.  MIS - Management Information Systems
    The department responsible for collecting, analyzing and distributing an organization's information using that
   organization's computer system(s). Responsibilities may include maintaining the quality of information and control of the
   hardware and software. (MIS sometimes refers to a class of software that provides tools for managers to organize and
   evaluate their departments.)
168.  MMC - Multi-Media Command set
    (CD) Drives built by most manufacturers since late 1998 are "MMC-compliant."
169.  MMU - Memory Management Unit
    The portion of a computer CPU to support virtual memory and paging by translating those virtual addresses into physical
   memory addresses. The MMU attempts to resolve memory fragmentation problems while allocating memory resources to
   the programs that request them.
170.  MMX - Multi-Media Extensions
    MMX is a group of additions to the processor instruction set for enhanced multimedia functions. It takes commands that
   would have required several instructions and combines them into a single instruction to reduce processing times.
171.  MO - Magneto-Optical
    A type of read/write removable disk drive that uses magnetic disk technologies. Advantages of MO include large storage
   capacity and quick access times.
172.  MODEM - MOdulator/DEModulator
    A serial communications device used in pairs. The sending modem modulates, or converts digital signals from a computer
   to analog tones that can be transmitted over telephone lines. The receiving modem demodulates, or converts waves back to a
   digital form again. Modems can be internal or external, and operate at various speeds depending on the communications
   protocols they support.
173.  MPEG - Moving Picture Experts Group
    A family of compression standards for digital video, named after the organization that created it, the Moving Picture
   Experts Group. The compression techniques allow video to be stored in much less space than it would take otherwise.
174.  MS - Milliseconds
    One thousandth of a second. Hard disk access times are measured in milliseconds
175.  MUD - Multi-User Dungeon
    The ‘Dungeon' part of the name dates back to the game of the same name. Multi-User Domain, the current and
   happier-sounding designation, refers to a group of interactive multi-player adventure games that can include traps or puzzles,
   battles or combat, and elements of magic or fantasy.
176.  mux - Multiplexer
    A communications device that combines (multiplexes) a variety of signals for transmission over a single medium. Upon
   reception of such signals, a demultiplexor separates the combined signals, completing the process. Often times, a multiplexor
   and a demultiplexor are combined into a single device capable of processing both incoming and outgoing signals.
177.  NAP - Network Access Point
    One of the main network connections that make up the Internet. NAPs are a public network exchange facility where
   Internet Service Providers can connect with one another. The connections within these points determine how traffic is routed
   and are the sites of most Internet congestion.
178.  NC - Network Computer
    a k a Net PCs, Internet Boxes, Internet Appliances. A type of computer with minimal processor power, memory and disk
   storage designed to connect to a network, particularly the Internet. Such a computer would rely on the power of a network
   server, rather than its own hardware power. Companies that support the concept of Network Computers, such as Oracle and
   Sun Microsystems, argue that such machines would be inexpensive to manufacture and easily updated via a central network
   server.
179.  NDIS - Network Device Interface Specification
    A Windows device driver that makes it possible for a single Network Interface Card (NIC) to support multiple network
   protocols. For example, with NDIS a single NIC can support both TCP/IP and IPX type connections.
180.  NIC - Network Interface Card
    Also referred to as a network adapter. It's installed in a computer so network cables can be attached.
181.  NLP - Natural Language Processing
    Technology that allows computer programs to analyze phrases or sentences and understand the meanings of the words.
   The process involves "disambiguating" words that can have multiple meanings, such as "bill" -- which can mean, among
   other things, an invoice, the brim of a hat, the probiscus of a duck or a piece of paper money. With NLP, computer programs
   can (in theory) understand questions posed in ordinary language—for instance, "tell me how to increase the size of this
   font."
182.  NNTP - Network News Transfer Protocol
    The protocol used to transmit Usenet newsgroup messages.
183.  NOS - Network Operating System
    An operating system featuring special functions for connecting computers and devices into a Local Area Network (LAN).
   While some operating systems, such as Mac OS and UNIX, have networking capabilities built in, the term Network
   Operating System is generally reserved for software that adds networking features to an existing basic operating system.
184.  OCR - Optical Character Recognition
    Optical character recognition enables a computer to "read" the letters on a printed page. This allows the text in a book or a
   magazine article to be used to create a file that can be edited in a word processor, or otherwise processed on a computer. 
    First, an optical scanner creates a graphics file that is a picture of the page. Next, sophisticated software analyzes the
   images to recognize characters. Special OCR fonts have been created, but many OCR systems can now read text in a variety
   of fonts. Handwriting recognition still has a way to go.
185.  ODBC - Open DataBase Connectivity
    A standard set of drivers and SQL interface that allow applications and programming languages to access a group of
   databases.
186.  OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
    A company that makes computers, rather than just selling them. One company may be the OEM several other brand
   names.
187.  OLE - Object Linking and Embedding
    A distributed object system designed by Microsoft to allow Windows applications to share data objects.
188.  OMG - Object Management Group
    OMG was founded in May 1989 by 3Com, American Airlines, Canon, Data General, Hewlett-Packard, Philips, Sun and
   Unisys. The non-profit corporation now includes over 800 members. OMG's purpose is to establish "CORBA as the
   ‘Middleware that's Everywhere' through its worldwide standard specifications: CORBA/IIOP, Object Services, Internet
   Facilities and Domain Interface specifications."
189.  OOR - Object Oriented Programming
    That is, for example, for Java and C++.
190.  ORB - Object Request Broker
    Part of the OMG's CORBA standard that acts as middleware between clients and servers. The process starts when a client
   computer requests a service. ORBs receive those requests, forward them to the appropriate server, and then send the results
   back to the client.
191.  OS - Operating System
    The system software used by computers to schedule tasks and control the use of system resources. The OS may be split
   into a kernel and various system utility programs.
192.  OSR2 - OEM Service Release 2
    Windows 95 OSR2 includes the FAT32 file system and is only available when buying a new computer or qualifying
   motherboard and hard drive.
193.  P3P - Platform for Privacy Preferences Project
    An initiative by the World Wide Web Consortium to create a standard way to store and release personal information.
   Users will have complete control over who can and cannot get their personal information. If users decide to share
   information with a Web site, they can do so "seamlessly" and transparently. They will enter the information just once. From
   then on, it can be transmitted to a Web site without re-entering.
194.  PBX - Private Branch Exchange
    A private telephone network used within a company. Users of such a network share a certain number of external lines for
   making outside calls. This is typically less expensive than connecting an external telephone line with every telephone in an
   office.
195.  PC - Personal Computer
    Depending on your perspective you may be referring to "the PC" or IBM compatible personal computers, or personal
   computers in general to include Apple, Amiga and others.
196.  PCB - Printed Circuit Board
    A thin board to which electronic components are mounted. Examples include computer mainboards and expansion cards,
   along with the specialized boards found in a vast array of consumer and industrial electronics. Components may be surface
   mounted, or connected to the printed circuits on the other side via holes in the card.
    Copper circuit patterns are usually produced by acid etching a screen-printed photo resist. Complex PCBs may have
   components mounted on both sides and connected by internal layers.
197.  PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect
    Peripheral Component Interconnect is a local bus standard developed by Intel and released in 1993 . Most PC
   motherboards now include PCI and ISA buses. PCI 1.0 is a 32-bit bus with a clock speed of 33MHz. PCI 2.0 is a 64-bit bus
   with a clock speed of 66MHz. PCI is supported by most personal computer manufacturers including Apple. It is most often
   associated with Pentium-based computers but is processor independent and works with other architectures such as PowerPC.
198.  PCM - Pulse Code Modulation
    Audio data is usually sent to the soundcard in 16-bit stereo, 44.1 kHz. This is the same format that is stored on an audio
   disc.* (~=*.wav)
199.  PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
    A standard for credit card-sized devices that plug into personal computers. PCMCIA slots are usually found on laptop
   computers. Even in its acronym form, PCMCIA is a mouthful. It has since been renamed "PC Card."
200.  PDA -Personal Digital Assistant
    A small, handheld computing device with emphasis on information management (phone numbers, contact names, etc).
   Some popular models also have handwriting recognition.
    Just about any pen-based handheld computer that serves as a personal organizer may be called a PDA.
    The two most popular types of PDAs on the market today (7/2001) are Palm-powered (e.g. Palm's m500, Handspring'v
   Visor, Sony's Clie) or based on Microsoft's PocketPC system (e.g. Compaq's iPaq, HP's Jornada, Casio Cassiopeia).
    Remember: most PDAs (hardware) have some sort of PIM (software) inside! (From The Calgary Sun 20010718, pp 50)
201.  PDF - Portable Data Format
    The file format for Adobe Acrobat. PDF file format allows the creation of documents that are independent of the
   operating system used to create them. A PDF file can contain text, graphics, and images. Also: Portable Document Format.
202.  PGP - Pretty Good Privacy
    A high security public-key encryption application that allows file and message exchanges with privacy and authentication.
   The key allows verification of users. The public feature means secure channels are not needed to exchange keys between
   users.
203.  PIM - Personal Information Manager
    A type of software application that allows you to enter text -- names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, lists, reminders,
   etc. Most PIMs include scheduling, calendar and calculation functions too. Microsoft Outlook, for example, is part-PIM, part
   e-mail software. Also see "PDA." (From The Calgary Sun 20010718, pp 50)
204.  PIN - Personal Identification Number
    A simple numeric password used to verify the user in electronic and automatic teller banking transactions.
205.  PING - Packet Internet Groper
    A TCP/IP utility used to determine whether other machines are online. Ping sends an ICMP echo request and waits for a
   reply.
206.  PLC - Programmable Logic Controller
    A device used to automate monitoring or control equipment in a manufacturing environment.
207.  PnP - Plug and Play
    The acromonym PnP specifically refers to a 1993 agreement between Microsoft and Intel to develop technology that
   supports plug-and-play. In general, however, the term plug and play refers to any kind of computer system that is designed
   to automatically configure itself upon installation. That is, one should be able to plug in a new computer and begin to "play"
   with it right away, without having to set the configurations of expansion boards and other devices.
208.  POP - Post Office Protocol / Point of Presence
    1. Protocol used for retrieving messages at email servers. Most servers now support POP3. 
    2.The point of dialup access provided by an ISP. The location and area code determine whether your call will be at local
      or long distance rates.
209.  POTS - Plain Old Telephone Service
    The standard analog phone lines used in most homes and businesses for years. POTS is a low-bandwidth communication
   technology when compared to digital services like ISDN and ADSL.
210.  PPM - Pages Per Minute
    Refers to the speed of certain types of printers when processing text documents.
211.  PPP - Point to Point Protocol
    PPP is the Internet Standard protocol for transmission of IP packets over modems and other serial connections. It replaces
   the older and less reliable SLIP protocol.
212.  PPTP - Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
    An enhanced form of PPP that encapsulates or "tunnels" packets of TCP/IP data to allow it to be transmitted over
   non-TCP/IP networks.
213.  RAID - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
    More recently known as "Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks." RAID Levels 0-5 use different combinations of
   striping, mirroring and parity to deliver fault tolerance and improve performance.
214.  RAM - Random Access Memory
    The most common type of memory found in computers and other peripherals. A byte memory is accessed without
   connecting with preceding bytes—thus making it random. In common terms, RAM is associated with the memory needed to
   run programs. It's what you are referring to when you say your PC has 32 megs of memory.
215.  RARP - Reverse Address Resolution Protocol
    The Internet protocol that permits a network (MAC) address to be translated into an IP address by sending a request to an
   RARP server. Also used by diskless workstations to determine their own IP addresses at startup.
216.  RBOC - Regional Bell Operating Company
    Also referred to as the "Baby Bells," the RBOCs were formed by the breakup of AT&T.
217.  RFC - Request For Comments
    Part of the Internet process for establishing standards. In some cases, RFC documents have been taken as the the standard,
   but all standards are recorded in the RFCs. They are in informal but influential documents usually written by individuals or
   small working groups.
    The RFCs are available from a variety of locations, including anonymous FTP from ftp://ds.internic.net/rfc/ and on the
   web at http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/information/rfc.html.
218.  RISC - Reduced Instruction Set Computer
    Reduced Instruction Set Computer, as opposed to the Complex Instruction Set Computer. Designed to improve
   performance over a CISC procedure call, RISC processors use a less complex instruction set to reduce the overhead of
   decoding instructions. RISC processors include MIPS and the DEC Alpha.
219.  RMI - Remote Method Invocation
    The API that enables Java objects to communicate remotely with other Java objects. RMI is less ambitious than CORBA
   (multiple languages and operating systems) and DCOM (multiple languages, Microsoft operating systems).
220.  S-HTTP - Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol
    Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol is an extension to HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol ), designed to send individual
   messages securely over the Internet. It has been submitted to the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) for approval as a
   standard
221.  S/MIME - Secure Multipurpose Mail Extension
    A security standard for Internet email, developed by RSA Data Security. The technology is used by a number of major
   vendors; the latest browsers from both Netscape and Microsoft rely on S/MIME for security.
222.  SCSI - Small Computer Systems Interface
    An acronym for Small Computer System Interface. Pronounced "scuzzy", SCSI is a parallel interface that allows for fast
   data transmission rates (up to 40 megabytes per second). The ability to daisy-chain up to seven devices to a single SCSI port
   alows the SCSI interface to act as an I/O bus. Although SCSI is an ANSI standard, there are several types of connectors and
   variations, so two SCSI interfaces may be incompatible.
223.  SET - Secure Electronic Transaction
    A new standard that will ensure secure credit card transactions on the Internet. By employing the use of digital signatures,
   merchants will be able to verify that buyers are who they claim to be. Card holders will be further protected as credit card
   numbers will be transferred directly to the issuing company for verification and billing, rather than via the merchant.
224.  SGML - Standard Generalized Markup Language
    SGML is a system of tagging elements in a document that does not specify the particular document formatting. Instead it
   specifies tags can be interpreted by different systems to format parts of documents in different ways. HTML defines and
   interprets tags largely according to SGML rules.
225.  SIMM - Single Inline Memory Module
    A small circuit board that holds a group of RAM chips (8 on Macintosh or 9 on PC). Because the ninth chip on PCs is for
   parity error checking, a single SIMM holds 16MB of RAM. They provide a computer's central processor with a 32-bit path
   to the memory chips.
226.  SLIP - Serial Line Internet Protocol
    A protocol for establishing dial-up connections to the Internet. SLIP defines how IP packets or datagrams are packaged
   for transmission over modems and other serial connections.
227.  SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
    The Internet protocol for sending email messages.
228.  SOHO - Small Office Home Office
    Refers to the growing number of professionals working out of their homes or in small offices. Hardware and software
   products are being designed to meet the specific needs of the SOHO market.
229.  SONET - Synchronous Optical Network
    An ANSI standard for connecting fiber-optic transmission systems. Prior rate standards used by different countries
   specified rates that were typically not compatible for multiplexing. Because this standard defines a hierarchy of interface
   rates that allow data streams at different rates to be multiplexed, communications carriers across the globe can interconnect
   fiber-optic systems with their existing digital carrier.
230.  SQL - Structured Query Language
    Can be pronounced "sequel" or "ess cue ell." The de facto and recognized standard language used with relational
   databases. SQL compatibility and constructs are often embedded in other programming languages.
231.  SSE (2) - Streaming SIMD Extensions (2)
    Intel P4 processors. SSE 2 extends MMX™ technology and SSE technology, and along with the addition of 144 new
   instructions.
232.  SSL - Secure Sockets Layer
    Secure Sockets Layer is designed to establish a secure connection between two computers, and has been submitted to
   IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) for approval as a standard.
233.  T1 - T1 Channel
    A high-speed (1.544 megabits per second) digital telephone line, the equivalent of 24 individual 64Kbps channels
   multiplexed together. A T1 can be used to transmit voice or data, and many are used to provide connections to the Internet.
   Also know as a DS1 or Digital Signal 1.
234.  T3 - T3 Channel
    An ultra-high-speed (45 megabits per second) digital telephone line.
235.  TCP - Transmission Control Protocol
    The part of the TCP/IP protocol that provides reliable, connection-oriented data transmission. TCP ensures reliable
   delivery by retransmitting lost or corrupted packets. It also guarantees that packets are passed to the application layer same
   order in which they were transmitted.
236.  TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
    The basic communications protocols of the internet. Also used on other data networks.
237.  TFT - Thin Film Transitor
    Often called "active matrix" display, this is the brightest, most viewable kind of LCD flat-panel display. It is also more
   expensive than "passive matrix" screens. In a TFT display, each pixel is actively controlled by one or more transistors.
238.  TFTP - Trivial File Transfer Protocol
    A simplified version of FTP relies on UDP rather than TCP for data transport.
239.  TIF - Tagged Image Format
    The TIFF bitmap designation shortened to fit DOS 8.3 file naming.
240.  TIFF - Tagged Image Format File
    A file format used for bitmaps.
241.  TLA - Three Letter Acronym
    This is a TLA that refers to acronyms in general.
242.  TWAIN - Technology Without An Interesting Name
    A standard API for scanners and video frame grabbers. Most scanners now ship with a TWAIN driver, and an increasing
   number of graphics programs can acquire an image from a TWAIN source.
243.  TXT - TeXT
    The DOS 8.3 file extension for files that contain plain TeXT.
244.  UAE - Unrecoverable Application Error
    Microsoft's new description for what used to be called a General Protection Fault. Either way, your software just had
   some trouble and you may need to reboot your computer.
245.  UART - Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter
    Used to control communication in serial ports and modems. New ports and modems use the 16550 UART which supports
   higher transmission rates than the older 8250 UART.
246.  UDP - User Datagram Protocol
    UDP is a quick protocol that does not require the sender and receiver to establish a connection before data is transmitted.
   To achieve this, UDP doesn't guarantee that datagrams will arrive in the same order they were sent, or even that they will
   arrive.
247.  UNC - Uniform Naming Convention
    A standard for specifying a unique location for all the shared resources on a local-area network. UNCs can be used to
   access shared resources such as directories and printers. They use the format: \\server-name\share-name.
248.  UPS - Uninterruptable Power Supply
    An electrical device that uses a batteries or electrical cells to temporarily provide power to computers in the event of a
   power failure.
249.  URI - Uniform Resource Identifier
    A generic term for the names and addresses that refer to objects on the Internet. URLs are the URIs of the Web. URIs
   were defined by Tim Berners-Lee in RFC 1630.
250.  URL - Uniform Resource Locator
    An address that uniquely identifies the location of a resource on the Internet. The first part of the address specifies what
   protocol to use, and the second part details the IP address or the domain name where the resource is located. The URL for
   AnchorDesk is www.anchordesk.com.
251.  USB - Universal Serial Bus
    A bus standard that supports Plug-and-Play installation. USB support is expected to be commonplace sometime in 1997
   and may eventually replace the current serial and parallel ports. USB will also allow you to connect keyboards, mice and
   peripherals.
252.  VESA - Video Electronics Standards Association
    A consortium of moniter and video adapter manufacturers whose purpose is to standardize video protocols. This alliance
   has developed a set of video standards known as SVGA (Super VGA) that offer more colors and greater resolution than
   VGA.
253.  VGA - Video Graphics Array
    The de facto standard for PC graphics display originally introduced by IBM in 1987. VGA provides a resolution of 720
   by 400 pixels in text mode and either 640 by 480 (with 16 colors) or 320 by 200 (with 256 colors) in graphics mode. All PCs
   made today support VGA and most likely some other, more advanced standards as well.
254.  VLB - VESA Local Bus
    Actually composed of an acronym within an acronym. The (Video Electronics Standards Association) Local Bus.
255.  VLSI - Very Large Scale Integration
    The integration of hundreds of thousands of logic elements into a single microelectronic semiconductor device. Very
   complex integrated circuits.
256.  VRAM - Video Random Access Memory, (pronounced vee-ram)
    Dual ported VRAM is special-purpose high speed memory that can be accessed by two different devices simultaneously.
   This enables outgoing screen updates to occur at the same time as incoming video memory updates.
257.  VRML - Virtual Reality Modeling Language
    In a way the 3-D counterpart to HTML, VRML uses simple text files to display objects VRML-capable Web browsers.
   To do this, VRML requires the local computer browser to render scenes, and thus do the bulk of the work needed to display
   the scene.
258.  W3C - World Wide Web Consortium
    Founded in 1994 by Tim Berners-Lee, "inventor" of the Web, the W3C is the official standards body for many existing
   and proposed Web standards, notably HTTP, HTML and XML.
259.  WAN - Wide Area Network
    A group of computers networked together over a large geographical area. WANs may use a variety of technologies for
   both the hardware and software connectivity. Often a collection of Local Area Networks (LANs).
260.  WAP - Wireless Area Protocol
261.  WAV - WAVe
    The DOS 8.3 extension for an audio file format developed by Microsoft for use in Windows.
262.  WINS - Windows Internet Naming Service
    WINS servers maintain a list of IP addresses associated with individual computers on Microsoft NT LANs. WINS is
   designed to be used with DHCP servers that assign IP addresses dynamically. The WINS database is updated with the names
   of computers currently on the LAN and IP address as they are assigned. This allows host names to be resolved into an
   address. DNS is an similar system for name resolution, but designed for use with fixed IP addresses.
263.  WMA - Windows Media Audio (files)
264.  WWW - World Wide Web
    Also know as "the Web" and "the World Wide Wait." It is composed of HTML pages residing on numerous Internet
   HTTP servers. Web pages are available to browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer on
   computers connected to the Internet.
265.  XLS - eXceL Spreadsheet
    The DOS 8.3 file extension of spreadsheets created in Microsoft Excel.
266.  XML - eXtensible Markup Language
    XML is an SGML-based specification being developed by the W3C for use in Web documents. If implemented, XML
   would sidestep the proprietary tags of HTML by allowing customized tags created according to XML rules. This could
   promote functionality not found in HTML, while defusing one aspect of the browser wars. Currently there is no major
   browser that supports XML, but Microsoft has promised support in a future version of Internet Explorer, and uses XML-like
   features in IE4.
267.  XNS - Xerox Network Services
    A proprietary Ethernet-based protocol family developed by Xerox Corp. in the 1980s and used in workstation and server
   products.