techTRENDS - Definitions
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Definitions |
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Get familiar with the latest technical jargon.
Search by term or topic to learn more about a particular topic. If you've heard a tech term that we haven't covered, E-mail us and we'll add it to the list. |
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| Alphabetical List | |
| | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | | |
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1080i, 1080p, 480i, 480p, 540p, 720p Descriptions of television scan rates, designating the number of lines from top to bottom of the screen and whether the lines are displayed as interlaced (i) or progressive (p). [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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A2P Messages (Application to Person Messages) Application to person messages, or application-generated content such as news alerts, ring tones, promotional video clips, and enterprise messages that are sent to mobile users. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Access point A device that allows wireless communication devices to connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Adware Any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Avatar Digital representation of a user on a virtual reality site. [Categories: Social Networking] |
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AV Cable (Audio Visual Cable) A three-wire cable intended to carry analog stereo sound on red and either black or white color-coded cables, and composite video on a yellow-coded cable. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Blackberry A brand of hand-held computer that can send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet and make phone calls. Blackberry Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Blog An online diary or personal log of thoughts published on a Web page. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders; Social Networking] |
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Blogosphere A collective term encompassing all blogs and their interconnections. It is the perception that blogs exist together as a connected community or as a social network. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Blogroll A list of blogs published on a blog (usually placed in the sidebar) that reads as a list of recommendations by the blogger of other blogs. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Bluetooth Radio technology that enables devices such as computers, mobile phones and hands-free kits to be connected without cables up to 30 feet away providing wireless mobility. [Categories: Mobile Technology; TV & Computers] |
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Blu-ray A next-generation optical disc format designed for high-density storage of high-definition video and data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Bot A program that operates as an agent for a user or another program or simulates a human activity. Surfbots, used to facilitate Internet use, often include spyware. Spyware programs are sometimes known as spybots. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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CAD Design (Computer Aided Design) An automated system for the design, drafting, and display of graphically oriented information often used by engineers, architects, and designers for drawing and de-sign applications. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Cache A bank of high speed memory that stores the most recently accessed code and data. The amount of time to retrieve the data that is stored in the cache is many times less than the amount of time needed to access main memory. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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CD (Compact Disc) An optical disc used to store digital data, originally developed for storing digital audio. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) A compact disc on which can be written only once and thereafter is read-only memory, though the whole disk does not have to be entirely written in the same session. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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CD-Rom (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) A compact disc that is used with a computer in which a large amount of digital information can be stored and accessed but it cannot be altered by the user. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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CD-RW (Compact Disc ReWritable) A compact disc which can be written and erased many times. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Component video An analog video signal that transfers video information without combining it into one signal. Component video sends the information in separate components: red, green and blue (RGB). It offers a higher quality picture than composite or s-video. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Content Filtering The use of a program to screen and exclude from access or availability Web pages or e-mail that is deemed objectionable or non work-related. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Cookie A small piece of information sent by a Web server and stored on your hard disk so it can be read back later. For example your password, user ID, or preferences for a start page may be stored. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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CPU (Central Processing Unit) The part of a computer that does all the computing. It is also known as the processor or microprocessor. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Cyber-bullying The use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders; Social Networking] |
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Database A structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Desktop Computer A computer designed to sit in one position on a desk somewhere and not move around. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Digital audio player Commonly referred to as an MP3 player. A consumer electronics device that has the primary function of storing, organizing and playing audio files. Some DAPs are also referred to as portable media players as they have image-viewing and/or video-playing support. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Digital TV The sending and receiving of moving images and sound by discrete (digital) signals, in contrast to the analog signals used by analog TV. It can allow higher-quality images, sound, and more programming choices than analog does. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DLP (Digital Light Projection) A type of Projection TV that uses light reflected off millions of mirrors to create a picture. It is considered a good method of rear projection since it can display very bright pictures in High Definition formats. There are some disadvantages, including a rainbow effect that some people find disturbing and requiring a longer than average viewing distance. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Dual core, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo A computer with two processors on the same chip making a faster, more power-efficient computer, particularly when doing multiple tasks at one time. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DVD (Digital Video Disc) A digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DVR (digital video recorder) A consumer device which uses a high capacity hard disk drive to record television programs. DVRs are operated by personal video recording software, which enables viewers to pause, fast-forward, and manage a variety of other functions and special applications. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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E-mail A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network, as between personal computers. [Categories: TV & Computers, Social Networking] |
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eBay An online auction and shopping Web site in which people and businesses buy and sell goods and services worldwide. eBay Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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e-Commerce The buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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Emoticon A representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters for example :-( and :-). [Categories: TV & Computers; Mobile Technology] |
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Encryption The transformation of plaintext (an understandable format) into ciphertext (unreadable format). [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Ethernet A type of network technology for local area networks; coaxial cable carries radio frequency signals between computers at a rate of 10 megabits per second [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Etsy A Web site which provides the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items. Etsy Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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Facebook A social networking Web site enabling users to join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people as well as to add friends and send them messages, and to update their personal profile to notify friends about themselves. Facebook's Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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File Conversion Changing a file from one format to another. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Firewall Hardware or software that filters traffic to and/or from your computer in an attempt to prevent unauthorized access to your computer system from another computer system. [Categories: Online Safety;] |
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Fisking A point-by-point refutation of a blog entry or (especially) news story. A really stylish fisking is witty, logical, sarcastic and ruthlessly factual; flaming or handwaving is considered poor form. Named after Robert Fisk, a British journalist who was a frequent (and deserving) early target of such treatment. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Flash Drive A removable data storage device, usually thumb sized and plugged into a PC's USB port. [Categories: Mobile Technology; TV & Computers] |
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Flash Memory A rewritable memory chip that retains its data without a power supply. Examples of flash memory cards include Memory Sticks, CompactFlashs, and Secure Digital (SD) Cards. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography; Mobile Technology ] |
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Flickr A photo sharing Web site and web services suite, and an online community platform. Flickr Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Digital Photography] |
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Gateway A node that translates between two otherwise incompatible networks or network segments. Gateways perform code and protocol conversion to facilitate traffic between data highways of differing architecture. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Geocache A modern day "high tech" scavenger hunt. The only things you need to succeed at Geocaching are a sense of adventure, coordinates and a Global Positioning System (GPS). The goal is to find the cache hidden at the coordinates given. Because the game is managed through the Internet, people from across the country can play. Many travelers seek out geocache opportunities everywhere they visit! [Categories: Gaming] |
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GIF Graphic Interchange Format - an image file format for displaying pictures on Web pages. A GIF file is capable of storing image data in a highly efficient way and is universally recognized by web browser software. It also supports animations and allows a separate palette of 256 colors for each frame. Its file name ends with the characters .gif. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Digital Photography] |
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Gigabyte (GB) A measure of computer memory or disk space consisting of about one thousand million bytes (a thousand megabytes). Hard Drives now are measured in GB capacity. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Gigahertz (Ghz) The speed, usually of the computer's main processor. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Gmail A web-based e-mail system developed by Google for saving many e-mails. Gmail by Google [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Google Earth A virtual globe program that shows the earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS over a 3D globe. Google Earth Web Site [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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GPS (Global Positioning System) A receiver that calculates its absolute geographic position by determining its relative position to a set of at least three satellites. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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GUI (Graphical User Interface) A user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text; uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as an input device. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Hard Drive A device used for storing large amounts of data for a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Happy Slapping A fad in which someone assaults an unsuspecting victim while an accomplice records the assault (commonly with a camera phone or a smartphone) and then posts the video to the Web. [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Hardware The physical part of a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) A digital video and audio connection system used to connect a variety of audio/video components, particularly high-definition video (HDTV) that transmits all digital signals without compression, allowing for superior quality without the presence of analog conversion artifacts. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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HTML (HyperText Markup Language) The predominant markup language for Web pages. It provides a means to describe the structure of text-based information in a document - by denoting certain text as links, headings, paragraphs, lists, and so on - and to supplement that text with interactive forms, embedded images, and other objects. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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ICMMS (Inter-carrier Multimedia Messaging Service) ICMMS messages are multimedia messages exchanged between carrier networks. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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ICSMS (Inter-carrier Short Message Service) ICSMS messages are text messages exchanged between carrier networks. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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IM (Instant Message) A form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Interlaced A scan method in which the scan lines are shown in two series: first the odd numbered lines are displayed, then the even numbered lines. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Internet A global system of interconnected computer networks. A computer that connects to the Internet can access information from a vast number of servers and other computers. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) A numeric code that uniquely identifies a particular computer on the Internet. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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iPod A digital media player from Apple Computer. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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iTunes Media player software used for transferring and managing music, photos and videos. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group - A standardized format used by many digital cameras for storing images. This format is also used for images on the web and images attached to e-mail messages. Its file name ends with the characters .jpg. [Categories: Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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Keyloggers or keystroke logger A software program that monitors each keystroke a user types on a specific computer's keyboard. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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LAN (Local Area Network) A small data network covering a limited area, such as a building or group of buildings connecting workstations or personal computers allowing users to share devices, such as laser printers, as well as data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Laptop Computer A portable computer small enough to use in your lap [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) A solid-state display technology used in televisions. Light passes through a panel of "liquid crystals" and either produces an image directly on a flat panel television or is projected onto a large screen. LCD televisions tend to be very light weight and provide very good picture quality. Their primary drawback is they tend not to be as bright as some other technologies such as plasma. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Lumen (lm) The international (SI) unit of luminous flux or quantity of light and equals the amount of light that is spread over a square foot of surface by one candle power when all parts of the surface are exactly one foot from the light source. For example, a dinner candle provides about 12 lumens. A 60-Watt Soft White incandescent lamp provides 840 lumens. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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MAC (Macintosh) A brand name which covers several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. Apple Web Site [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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MAC Address (Media Access Control address) A unique and permanent code assigned to most forms of networking hardware. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Malware Any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and also spyware, programming that gathers information about a computer user without permission. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Megabyte (MB) A measure of computer memory or disk space. One megabyte is 1024 kilobytes. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Megapixel A unit equal to one million pixels. The higher the resolution, the more pixels in an image and therefore the greater the image quality. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography] |
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Mii A digital avatar created by Nintendo for the Wii which are customizable and allow the user to capture a likeness, caricature, or capture the personality of themselves and others. [Categories: Gaming] |
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MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) A video game played over the internet in which a large number of players can simultaneously interact in a persistent world. It enables players to cooperate and compete with each other on a large scale. [Categories: Gaming] |
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MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) MMS allows users to send multimedia messages that include images, video and audio. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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MP3 A digital audio format providing near-CD quality sound with relatively small file sizes. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Mobile Technology] |
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MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) A set of standards adopted by the moving pictures experts group for the compression of digital video and audio data or a file of data compressed according to those standards [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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MySpace A social networking Web site offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos for teenagers and adults internationally. My Space Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Nintendo DS A dual-screen handheld game console with a clamshell design developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It has two LCD screens inside-with the bottom one being a touch screen and has a built-in microphone and supports wireless standards. Nintendo DS Web Site [Categories: Gaming] |
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P2P Messages (Person to person messages) Messages sent from one mobile user to another. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Palm A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which runs on the Palm Operating System. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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PayPal A payment method that enables any individual or business with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. PayPal Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A term for any small mobile hand-held device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Pharming A scamming practice in which malicious code is installed on a personal computer or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent Web sites without their knowledge or consent. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Phishing The act of tricking someone into giving them confidential information or tricking them into doing something that they normally wouldn't do or shouldn't do. It is a form of identity theft where the intent is to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data, or other information. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Photo sharing The publishing or transfer of a user's digital photos online, thus enabling the user to share them with others (whether publicly or privately). [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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Pixel (PICture Element) The smallest element of a digitized image. One small dot of light among the many dots that make up an image on a computer screen. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography] |
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Plasma A television display technology that provides very high quality pictures on extremely thin flat panel displays that can be wall mounted. Plasma televisions use a coating (a "phosphor") on the front of the screen to create the picture and use a very hot gas (a "plasma") to light up the phosphor. Plasma screens show excellent pictures and can be viewed from very wide angles, but tend to be expensive. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Platform The electronic systems used to play video games for example personal computers and video game consoles. They are broad in range, from large computers to small handheld devices. [Categories: TV & Computers; Gaming] |
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PlayStation 3 A video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. Other major features of the console is its use of a high-definition optical disc format, Blu-ray Disc, as its primary storage medium enabling it to play Blu-ray movies as well. Playstation 3 Web Site [Categories: Gaming] |
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Podcast The method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio or video programs, over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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Post An entry written and published to a blog. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Progressive A scan method in which the scan lines are shown in a single series from the top of the frame to the bottom. The system displays the entire frame twice in a row. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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| - R - | |
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RAM (Random Access Memory) The most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Resolution The number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Rhapsody An online music service run by RealNetworks that offers streaming on-demand access to nearly its entire library of digital music. Rhapsody Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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ROM (Read Only Memory) A term used in computers to describe memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Router A piece of hardware or software that connects two or more networks. A router functions as a sorter and interpreter as it looks at addresses and passes bits of information to their proper destinations. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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RPG (Role Playing Game) A game in which the participants assume the roles of fictional characters. [Categories: Gaming] |
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RSS Aggregator Also known as a feed aggregator, feed reader, news reader, or simply aggregator. A Web application which pulls together syndicated Web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing. [Categories: Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders] |
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RSS Feeds (Real Simple Syndication) A family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works-such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video-in a standardized format. [Categories: Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders] |
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Satellite Radio A digital radio signal that is broadcast by a communications satellite, which covers a much wider geographical range than terrestrial radio signals. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Second Life A virtual world accessible via the Internet that enables its users, called Residents, to interact with each other through avatars. Second Life Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Server A computer that acts as a provider of some service to other computers, such as processing communications, file storage, or printing facility. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Shutterfly An Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service that makes it convenient for consumers to preserve their digital photos in a creative manner. Shutterfly Web Site [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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slotMusic A type of microSD memory card developed by SanDisk preloaded with music in MP3 format. slotMusic Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Smartphone A cellular telephone with information access. It provides digital voice service as well as any combination of e-mail, text messaging, pager, Web access, voice recognition, still and/or video camera, MP3, TV or video player and organizer. see PDA [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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SMS (Short Message Service) SMS is the most common form of mobile messaging, also referred to as "text" messaging. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Spam Unsolicited e-mail normally sent in bulk. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Spyware Software that is installed in a computer without the user's knowledge and transmits information about the user's computer activities over the Internet. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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SSID (Service Set Identifier) A sequence of up to 32 letters or numbers that is the ID, or name, of a wireless local area network. It is set by a network administrator and for open wireless networks, the SSID is broadcast to all wireless devices within range of the network access point. A closed wireless network does not broadcast the SSID, requiring users to know the SSID to access the network. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Streaming The transmission of digital audio or video, or the listening and viewing of such data without first downloading or storing it. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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S-video (Separated Video) An analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate signals, luma (luminance) and chroma (colour). This differs from composite video which carries picture information as a single lower-quality signal, and component video which carries picture information as three separate higher-quality signals. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Tablet A computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data of handwritten signatures. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Texting The means of sending a written message from one phone to another. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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TiVo A type of DVR that allows paid subscribers to record every episode of your favorite show, even when it changes time slot, control live or recorded shows with pause, rewind, fast forward, instant replay, and slow motion, and search for shows by title, actor, category, or keyword. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Trojan Horse A program that performs some illicit activity when it is run. It stays in the computer doing its damage or allows somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Twitter A service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Twitter Web site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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UNIX An operating system that supports multitasking and is ideally suited to multi-user applications (such as networks). [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Upload Transmitting a file from one system (usually smaller) to another (usually larger). [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art & Books; Videos & Podcasts] |
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USB (Universal Serial Bus) A type of connection used to connect external devices such as printers and keyboards to a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Video blogging Also known as vlogging and vidblogging. A Weblog (blog) that includes video clips to be downloaded and viewed immediately or transferred to a portable player. Also called a "vog," "vid-blog" and "movie blog," the vlog can be exclusively videos with text used only for captions, or text entries may be included. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Video & Podcasts] |
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Video game An electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. [Categories: Gaming] |
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Virtual classroom A learning environment created in the virtual space. [Categories: Jobs & Training, Social Networking] |
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Virtual community Also known as an e-community or online community. A community of people sharing common interests, ideas, and feelings over the Internet or other collaborative networks. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Social Networking] |
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Virtual education Instruction in a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the teacher provides course content through course management applications, multimedia resources, the Internet, videoconferencing, etc. [Categories: Jobs & Training] |
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Virus A program or code that attaches itself to a legitimate, executable program, and then reproduces itself when that program is run. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Vodcast (Video podcast) Sometimes shortened to vidcast or vodcast. The online delivery of video on demand video clip content via Atom or RSS enclosures. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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VOIP A general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Watt Unit of power, equal to one joule of energy per second that measures a rate of energy use or production. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web A computer network consisting of a collection of internet sites that offer text and graphics and sound and animation resources through the hypertext transfer protocol. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web 2.0. The changing trends in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aim to enhance creativity, communications, secure information sharing, collaboration and functionality of the Web. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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WebCam A digital camera designed to take digital photographs and transmit them over the Internet. [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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WebCast A video and/or audio broadcast transmitted via the Internet. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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Webkinz Stuffed animals that come with a tag with a unique "Secret Code" printed on it that allows access to the "Webkinz World" Web site that allows the user to own a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction. Webkinz Web Site. [Categories: Kid Tech] |
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Webmaster A technician who designs or maintains a Web site. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web site A computer connected to the internet that maintains a series of web pages on the World Wide Web. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) A set of standards for wireless local area networks based on the specifications known as 802.11. It was originally developed for use by wireless devices and local networks but it is now used for Internet access as well. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Wii A home video game console released by Nintendo that uses a wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect movement in three dimensions. It contains an SD card reader that can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up saved game data. Nintendo Wii Web Site. [Categories: Gaming; Digital Photography] |
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Wireless communication The transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or "wires". Examples of wireless technology include remote controls, GPS units, garage door openers and or garage doors, wireless computer mice, keyboards and headsets, satellite television and cordless telephones. [Categories: TV & Computers; Mobile] |
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Worm A self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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WWW World Wide Web is a hypertext information and communications system in which Web clients can access hypermedia information on servers. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Xbox 360 A video game console produced by Microsoft that allows players to compete online and download content such as arcade games, game demos, trailers, TV shows, and movies. Xbox 360 Web Site. [Categories: Gaming] |
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XML (Extensible Markup Language) A general-purpose specification for creating custom markup languages. It is classified as an extensible language, because it allows the user to define the mark-up elements. XML's purpose is to aid information systems in sharing structured data, especially via the Internet, to encode documents, and to serialize data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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XM Radio A satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio that provides pay-for-service radio. XM Radio Web site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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YouTube A video sharing Web site where users can upload, view and share video clips. You Tube Web Site. [Categories: Social Networking; Video & Podcasts] |
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| - Z - | |
| Back to Alphabetical Search Back to Topic Search | |
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Topic List: Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders Digital Music, Art & Books Digital Photography e-Commerce Gaming Jobs & Training KidTech Mobile Technology Online Safety Social Networking TV & Computers Video & Podcasts |
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Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders |
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Blog An online diary or personal log of thoughts published on a Web page. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders; Social Networking] |
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Blogosphere A collective term encompassing all blogs and their interconnections. It is the perception that blogs exist together as a connected community or as a social network. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Blogroll A list of blogs published on a blog (usually placed in the sidebar) that reads as a list of recommendations by the blogger of other blogs. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Cyber-bullying The use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders; Social Networking] |
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Fisking A point-by-point refutation of a blog entry or (especially) news story. A really stylish fisking is witty, logical, sarcastic and ruthlessly factual; flaming or handwaving is considered poor form. Named after Robert Fisk, a British journalist who was a frequent (and deserving) early target of such treatment. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Post An entry written and published to a blog. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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RSS Aggregator Also known as a feed aggregator, feed reader, news reader, or simply aggregator. A Web application which pulls together syndicated Web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing. [Categories: Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders] |
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RSS Feeds (Real Simple Syndication) A family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works-such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video-in a standardized format. [Categories: Blogs, RSS, & Newsreaders] |
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Video blogging Also known as vlogging and vidblogging. A Weblog (blog) that includes video clips to be downloaded and viewed immediately or transferred to a portable player. Also called a "vog," "vid-blog" and "movie blog," the vlog can be exclusively videos with text used only for captions, or text entries may be included. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Video & Podcasts] |
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Virtual community Also known as an e-community or online community. A community of people sharing common interests, ideas, and feelings over the Internet or other collaborative networks. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Social Networking] |
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Digital Music, Art, & Books |
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CAD Design (Computer Aided Design) An automated system for the design, drafting, and display of graphically oriented information often used by engineers, architects, and designers for drawing and de-sign applications. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Digital audio player Commonly referred to as an MP3 player. A consumer electronics device that has the primary function of storing, organizing and playing audio files. Some DAPs are also referred to as portable media players as they have image-viewing and/or video-playing support. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Flickr A photo sharing Web site and web services suite, and an online community platform. Flickr Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Digital Photography] |
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GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) An image file format for displaying pictures on Web pages. A GIF file is capable of storing image data in a highly efficient way and is universally recognized by web browser software. It also supports animations and allows a separate palette of 256 colors for each frame. Its file name ends with the characters .gif. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Digital Photography] |
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iPod A digital media player from Apple Computer. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art, & Books; Mobile Technology] |
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iTunes Media player software used for transferring and managing music, photos and videos. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art, & Books; Mobile Technology] |
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JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) A standardized format used by many digital cameras for storing images. This format is also used for images on the web and images attached to e-mail messages. Its file name ends with the characters .jpg. [Categories: Digital Music, Art, & Books; Digital Photography] |
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MP3 A digital audio format providing near-CD quality sound with relatively small file sizes. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; Mobile Technology] |
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Rhapsody An online music service run by RealNetworks that offers streaming on-demand access to nearly its entire library of digital music. Rhapsody Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Satellite Radio A digital radio signal that is broadcast by a communications satellite, which covers a much wider geographical range than terrestrial radio signals. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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slotMusic A type of microSD memory card developed by SanDisk preloaded with music in MP3 format. slotMusic Web Site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Tablet A computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data of handwritten signatures. [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books; TV & Computers] |
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XM Radio A satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio that provides pay-for-service radio. XM Radio Web site [Categories: Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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| Back to Alphabetical Search Back to Topic Search | |
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Digital Photography |
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Flash Memory A rewritable memory chip that retains its data without a power supply. Examples of flash memory cards include Memory Sticks, CompactFlashs, and Secure Digital (SD) Cards. [Categories: Digital Photography; TV & Computers; Mobile Technology] |
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Flickr A photo sharing Web site and web services suite, and an online community platform. Flickr Web Site [Categories: Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) An image file format for displaying pictures on Web pages. A GIF file is capable of storing image data in a highly efficient way and is universally recognized by web browser software. It also supports animations and allows a separate palette of 256 colors for each frame. Its file name ends with the characters .gif. [Categories: Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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Google Earth A virtual globe program that shows the earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS over a 3D globe. Google Earth Web Site [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) A standardized format used by many digital cameras for storing images. This format is also used for images on the web and images attached to e-mail messages. Its file name ends with the characters .jpg. [Categories: Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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Megapixel A unit equal to one million pixels. The higher the resolution, the more pixels in an image and therefore the greater the image quality. [Categories: Digital Photography; TV & Computers] |
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Photo sharing The publishing or transfer of a user's digital photos online, thus enabling the user to share them with others (whether publicly or privately). [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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Pixel (PICture Element) The smallest element of a digitized image. One small dot of light among the many dots that make up an image on a computer screen. [Categories: Digital Photography; TV & Computers] |
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Shutterfly An Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service that makes it convenient for consumers to preserve their digital photos in a creative manner. Shutterfly Web Site [Categories: Digital Photography] |
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Upload Transmitting a file from one system (usually smaller) to another (usually larger). [Categories: Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art & Books; TV & Computers; Videos & Podcasts] |
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WebCam A digital camera designed to take digital photographs and transmit them over the internet. [Categories: Digital Photography; ] |
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Wii A home video game console released by Nintendo that uses a wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect movement in three dimensions. It contains an SD card reader that can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up saved game data. Nintendo Wii Web Site. [Categories: Digital Photography; Gaming] |
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e-Commerce |
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eBay An online auction and shopping Web site in which people and businesses buy and sell goods and services worldwide. eBay Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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e-Commerce The buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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Etsy A Web site which provides the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items. Etsy Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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PayPal A payment method that enables any individual or business with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. PayPal Web Site [Categories: e-Commerce] |
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| Back to Alphabetical Search Back to Topic Search | |
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Gaming |
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Geocache A modern day "high tech" scavenger hunt. The only things you need to succeed at Geocaching are a sense of adventure, coordinates and a Global Positioning System (GPS). The goal is to find the cache hidden at the coordinates given. Because the game is managed through the Internet, people from across the country can play. Many travelers seek out geocache opportunities everywhere they visit! [Categories: Gaming] |
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Mii A digital avatar created by Nintendo for the Wii which are customizable and allow the user to capture a likeness, caricature, or capture the personality of themselves and others. [Categories: Gaming] |
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MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) A video game played over the internet in which a large number of players can simultaneously interact in a persistent world. It enables players to cooperate and compete with each other on a large scale. [Categories: Gaming] |
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Nintendo DS A dual-screen handheld game console with a clamshell design developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It has two LCD screens inside-with the bottom one being a touch screen and has a built-in microphone and supports wireless standards. Nintendo DS Web Site [Categories: Gaming] |
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PlayStation 3 A video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. Other major features of the console is its use of a high-definition optical disc format, Blu-ray Disc, as its primary storage medium enabling it to play Blu-ray movies as well. Playstation 3 Web Site [Categories: Gaming] |
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RPG (Role Playing Game) A game in which the participants assume the roles of fictional characters. [Categories: Gaming] |
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Video game An electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. [Categories: Gaming] |
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Wii A home video game console released by Nintendo that uses a wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect movement in three dimensions. It contains an SD card reader that can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up saved game data. Nintendo Wii Web Site. [Categories: Gaming; Digital Photography] |
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Xbox 360 A video game console produced by Microsoft that allows players to compete online and download content such as arcade games, game demos, trailers, TV shows, and movies. Xbox 360 Web Site. [Categories: Gaming] |
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| Back to Alphabetical Search Back to Topic Search | |
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Jobs & Training |
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Virtual classroom A learning environment created in the virtual space. [Categories: Jobs & Training, Social Networking] |
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Virtual education Instruction in a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the teacher provides course content through course management applications, multimedia resources, the Internet, videoconferencing, etc. [Categories: Jobs & Training] |
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Kid Tech |
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Webkinz Stuffed animals that come with a tag with a unique "Secret Code" printed on it that allows access to the "Webkinz World" Web site that allows the user to own a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction. Webkinz Web Site. [Categories: Kid Tech] |
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| Back to Alphabetical Search Back to Topic Search | |
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Mobile Techology |
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A2P Messages (Application to Person Messages) Application to person messages, or application-generated content such as news alerts, ring tones, promotional video clips, and enterprise messages that are sent to mobile users. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Blackberry A brand of hand-held computer that can send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet and make phone calls. Blackberry Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Bluetooth Radio technology that enables devices such as computers, mobile phones and hands-free kits to be connected without cables up to 30 feet away providing wireless mobility. [Categories: Mobile Technology;TV & Computers] |
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Flash drive A removable data storage device, usually thumb sized and plugged into a PC's USB port. [Categories: Mobile Technology; Work/School] |
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GPS (Global Positioning System) A receiver that calculates its absolute geographic position by determining its relative position to a set of at least three satellites. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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ICMMS (Inter-carrier Multimedia Messaging Service) ICMMS messages are multimedia messages exchanged between carrier networks. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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ICSMS (Inter-carrier Short Message Service) ICSMS messages are text messages exchanged between carrier networks. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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iPod A digital media player from Apple Computer. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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IM (Instant Message) A form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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iTunes Media player software used for transferring and managing music, photos and videos. iTunes Web Site [Categories: Mobile Technology; Digital Music, Art, & Books] |
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MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) MMS allows users to send multimedia messages that include images, video and audio. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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MP3 A digital audio format providing near-CD quality sound with relatively small file sizes. [Categories: Mobile Technology; Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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P2P Messages (Person to person messages) Messages sent from one mobile user to another. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Palm A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which runs on the Palm Operating System. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A term for any small mobile hand-held device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Smartphone A cellular telephone with information access. It provides digital voice service as well as any combination of e-mail, text messaging, pager, Web access, voice recognition, still and/or video camera, MP3, TV or video player and organizer. see PDA [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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SMS (Short Message Service) SMS is the most common form of mobile messaging, also referred to as "text" messaging. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Texting The means of sending a written message from one phone to another. [Categories: Mobile Technology] |
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Wireless communication The transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or "wires". Examples of wireless technology include remote controls, GPS units, garage door openers and or garage doors, wireless computer mice, keyboards and headsets, satellite television and cordless telephones. [Categories: Mobile Technology; TV & Computers] |
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Online Safety |
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Adware Any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Bot A program that operates as an agent for a user or another program or simulates a human activity. Surfbots, used to facilitate Internet use, often include spyware. Spyware programs are sometimes known as spybots. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Content Filtering The use of a program to screen and exclude from access or availability Web pages or e-mail that is deemed objectionable or non work-related. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Encryption The transformation of plaintext (an understandable format) into ciphertext (unreadable format). [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Firewall Hardware or software that filters traffic to and/or from your computer in an attempt to prevent unauthorized access to your computer system from another computer system. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Keyloggers or keystroke logger A software program that monitors each keystroke a user types on a specific computer's keyboard. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Malware Any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and also spyware, programming that gathers information about a computer user without permission. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Pharming A scamming practice in which malicious code is installed on a personal computer or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent Web sites without their knowledge or consent. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Phishing The act of tricking someone into giving them confidential information or tricking them into doing something that they normally wouldn't do or shouldn't do. It is a form of identity theft where the intent is to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data, or other information. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Spam Unsolicited e-mail normally sent in bulk. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Spyware Software that is installed in a computer without the user's knowledge and transmits information about the user's computer activities over the Internet. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Virus A program or code that attaches itself to a legitimate, executable program, and then reproduces itself when that program is run. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Trojan Horse A program that performs some illicit activity when it is run. It stays in the computer doing its damage or allows somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Worm A self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. [Categories: Online Safety] |
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Social Networking |
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Avatar Digital representation of a user on a virtual reality site. [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Blog An online diary or personal log of thoughts published on a Web page. [Categories: Social Networking; Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders] |
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Cyber-bullying The use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others [Categories: Social Networking; Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders;] |
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E-mail A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network, as between personal computers. [Categories: TV & Computers, Social Networking] |
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Emoticon A representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters for example :-( and :-). [Categories: Social Networking; TV & Computers] |
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Facebook A social networking Web site enabling users to join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people as well as to add friends and send them messages, and to update their personal profile to notify friends about themselves. Facebook's Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Happy Slapping A fad in which someone assaults an unsuspecting victim while an accomplice records the assault (commonly with a camera phone or a smartphone) and then posts the video to the Web. [Categories: Social Networking] |
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MySpace A social networking Web site offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos for teenagers and adults internationally. My Space Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Second Life A virtual world accessible via the Internet that enables its users, called Residents, to interact with each other through avatars. Second Life Web Site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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TeacherTube A video sharing website similar to, and based on, YouTube designed to allow those in the educational industry, particularly teachers, to share educational resources. Teacher Tube Web Site. [Categories: Social Networking; Video & Podcasts] |
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Twitter A service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Twitter Web site [Categories: Social Networking] |
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Virtual community Also known as an e-community or online community. A community of people sharing common interests, ideas, and feelings over the Internet or other collaborative networks. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Social Networking] |
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YouTube A video sharing Web site where users can upload, view and share video clips. You Tube Web Site. [Categories: Social Networking; Video & Podcasts] |
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TV & Computers |
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1080i, 1080p, 480i, 480p, 540p, 720p Descriptions of television scan rates, designating the number of lines from top to bottom of the screen and whether the lines are displayed as interlaced (i) or progressive (p). [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Access point A device that allows wireless communication devices to connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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AV Cable (Audio Visual Cable) A three-wire cable intended to carry analog stereo sound on red and either black or white color-coded cables, and composite video on a yellow-coded cable. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Bluetooth Radio technology that enables devices such as computers, mobile phones and hands-free kits to be connected without cables up to 30 feet away providing wireless mobility. [Categories: TV & Computers; Mobile Technology] |
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Blu-ray A next-generation optical disc format designed for high-density storage of high-definition video and data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Database A structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Desktop Computer A computer designed to sit in one position on a desk somewhere and not move around. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Digital TV The sending and receiving of moving images and sound by discrete (digital) signals, in contrast to the analog signals used by analog TV. It can allow higher-quality images, sound, and more programming choices than analog does. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DLP (Digital Light Projection) A type of Projection TV that uses light reflected off millions of mirrors to create a picture. It is considered a good method of rear projection since it can display very bright pictures in High Definition formats. There are some disadvantages, including a rainbow effect that some people find disturbing and requiring a longer than average viewing distance. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Dual core, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo A computer with two processors on the same chip making a faster, more power-efficient computer, particularly when doing multiple tasks at one time. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DVD (Digital Video Disc) A digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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DVR (digital video recorder) A consumer device which uses a high capacity hard disk drive to record television programs. DVRs are operated by personal video recording software, which enables viewers to pause, fast-forward, and manage a variety of other functions and special applications. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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E-mail A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network, as between personal computers. [Categories: TV & Computers, Social Networking] |
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Emoticon A representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters for example :-( and :-). [Categories: TV & Computers; Social Networking] |
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Ethernet A type of network technology for local area networks; coaxial cable carries radio frequency signals between computers at a rate of 10 megabits per second [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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File Conversion Changing a file from one format to another. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Flash Drive A removable data storage device, usually thumb sized and plugged into a PC's USB port. [Categories: TV & Computers; Mobile Technology] |
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Flash Memory A rewritable memory chip that retains its data without a power supply. Examples of flash memory cards include Memory Sticks, CompactFlashs, and Secure Digital (SD) Cards. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography; Mobile Technology ] |
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Gateway A node that translates between two otherwise incompatible networks or network segments. Gateways perform code and protocol conversion to facilitate traffic between data highways of differing architecture. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Gigabyte (GB) A measure of computer memory or disk space consisting of about one thousand million bytes (a thousand megabytes). Hard Drives now are measured in GB capacity. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Gigahertz (Ghz) The speed, usually of the computer's main processor. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Gmail A web-based e-mail system developed by Google for saving many e-mails. Gmail by Google [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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GUI (Graphical User Interface) A user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text; uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as an input device. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Hard drive A device used for storing large amounts of data for a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Hardware The physical part of a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) A digital video and audio connection system used to connect a variety of audio/video components, particularly high-definition video (HDTV) that transmits all digital signals without compression, allowing for superior quality without the presence of analog conversion artifacts. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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HTML (HyperText Markup Language) The predominant markup language for Web pages. It provides a means to describe the structure of text-based information in a document - by denoting certain text as links, headings, paragraphs, lists, and so on - and to supplement that text with interactive forms, embedded images, and other objects. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Interlaced A scan method in which the scan lines are shown in two series: first the odd numbered lines are displayed, then the even numbered lines. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Internet A global system of interconnected computer networks. A computer that connects to the Internet can access information from a vast number of servers and other computers. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) A numeric code that uniquely identifies a particular computer on the Internet. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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LAN (Local Area Network) A small data network covering a limited area, such as a building or group of buildings connecting workstations or personal computers allowing users to share devices, such as laser printers, as well as data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Laptop Computer A portable computer small enough to use in your lap [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) A solid-state display technology used in televisions. Light passes through a panel of "liquid crystals" and either produces an image directly on a flat panel television or is projected onto a large screen. LCD televisions tend to be very light weight and provide very good picture quality. Their primary drawback is they tend not to be as bright as some other technologies such as plasma. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Lumen (lm) The international (SI) unit of luminous flux or quantity of light and equals the amount of light that is spread over a square foot of surface by one candle power when all parts of the surface are exactly one foot from the light source. For example, a dinner candle provides about 12 lumens. A 60-Watt Soft White incandescent lamp provides 840 lumens. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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MAC (Macintosh) A brand name which covers several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. Apple Web Site [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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MAC Address (Media Access Control address) A unique and permanent code assigned to most forms of networking hardware. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Megabyte (MB) A measure of computer memory or disk space. One megabyte is 1024 kilobytes. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Megapixel A unit equal to one million pixels. The higher the resolution, the more pixels in an image and therefore the greater the image quality. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography] |
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Pixel (PICture Element) The smallest element of a digitized image. One small dot of light among the many dots that make up an image on a computer screen. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography] |
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Plasma A television display technology that provides very high quality pictures on extremely thin flat panel displays that can be wall mounted. Plasma televisions use a coating (a "phosphor") on the front of the screen to create the picture and use a very hot gas (a "plasma") to light up the phosphor. Plasma screens show excellent pictures and can be viewed from very wide angles, but tend to be expensive. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Platform The electronic systems used to play video games for example personal computers and video game consoles. They are broad in range, from large computers to small handheld devices. [Categories: TV & Computers; Gaming] |
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Progressive A scan method in which the scan lines are shown in a single series from the top of the frame to the bottom. The system displays the entire frame twice in a row. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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RAM (Random Access Memory) The most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Resolution The number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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ROM (Read Only Memory) A term used in computers to describe memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Router A piece of hardware or software that connects two or more networks. A router functions as a sorter and interpreter as it looks at addresses and passes bits of information to their proper destinations. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Server A computer that acts as a provider of some service to other computers, such as processing communications, file storage, or printing facility. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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SSID (Service Set Identifier) A sequence of up to 32 letters or numbers that is the ID, or name, of a wireless local area network. It is set by a network administrator and for open wireless networks, the SSID is broadcast to all wireless devices within range of the network access point. A closed wireless network does not broadcast the SSID, requiring users to know the SSID to access the network. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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S-video (Separated Video) An analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate signals, luma (luminance) and chroma (colour). This differs from composite video which carries picture information as a single lower-quality signal, and component video which carries picture information as three separate higher-quality signals. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Tablet A computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data of handwritten signatures. [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Music, Art & Books] |
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TiVo A type of DVR that allows paid subscribers to record every episode of your favorite show, even when it changes time slot, control live or recorded shows with pause, rewind, fast forward, instant replay, and slow motion, and search for shows by title, actor, category, or keyword. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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UNIX An operating system that supports multitasking and is ideally suited to multi-user applications (such as networks). [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Upload Transmitting a file from one system (usually smaller) to another (usually larger). [Categories: TV & Computers; Digital Photography; Digital Music, Art & Books; Videos & Podcasts] |
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USB (Universal Serial Bus) A type of connection used to connect external devices such as printers and keyboards to a computer. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Video Memory A term used in computers to describe some form of writable memory, usually RAM, dedicated to the purpose of holding the information necessary for a graphics card to drive a display device. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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VOIP A general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Watt Unit of power, equal to one joule of energy per second that measures a rate of energy use or production. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web A computer network consisting of a collection of internet sites that offer text and graphics and sound and animation resources through the hypertext transfer protocol. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web 2.0. The changing trends in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aim to enhance creativity, communications, secure information sharing, collaboration and functionality of the Web. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Webmaster A technician who designs or maintains a Web site. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Web site A computer connected to the Internet that maintains a series of Web pages on the World Wide Web. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) A set of standards for wireless local area networks based on the specifications known as 802.11. It was originally developed for use by wireless devices and local networks but it is now used for Internet access as well. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Wireless communication The transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or "wires". Examples of wireless technology include remote controls, GPS units, garage door openers and or garage doors, wireless computer mice, keyboards and headsets, satellite television and cordless telephones. [Categories: TV & Computers; Mobile] |
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WWW World Wide Web is a hypertext information and communications system in which Web clients can access hypermedia information on servers. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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XML (Extensible Markup Language) A general-purpose specification for creating custom markup languages. It is classified as an extensible language, because it allows the user to define the mark-up elements. XML's purpose is to aid information systems in sharing structured data, especially via the Internet, to encode documents, and to serialize data. [Categories: TV & Computers] |
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Video & Podcasts |
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MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) A set of standards adopted by the moving pictures experts group for the compression of digital video and audio data or a file of data compressed according to those standards [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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Podcast The method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio or video programs, over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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Streaming The transmission of digital audio or video, or the listening and viewing of such data without first downloading or storing it. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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TeacherTube A video sharing website similar to, and based on, YouTube designed to allow those in the educational industry, particularly teachers, to share educational resources. TeacherTube Web Site. [Categories: Video & Podcasts, Social Networking] |
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Video blogging Also known as vlogging and vidblogging. A Weblog (blog) that includes video clips to be downloaded and viewed immediately or transferred to a portable player. Also called a "vog," "vid-blog" and "movie blog," the vlog can be exclusively videos with text used only for captions, or text entries may be included. [Categories: Blogs, RSS & Newsreaders, Video & Podcasts] |
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Vodcast (Video podcast) Sometimes shortened to vidcast or vodcast. The online delivery of video on demand video clip content via Atom or RSS enclosures. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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WebCast A video and/or audio broadcast transmitted via the Internet. [Categories: Video & Podcasts] |
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YouTube A video sharing Web site where users can upload, view and share video clips. YouTube Web Site. [Categories: Video & Podcasts; Social Networking] |
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*As a service to its users, Washington-Centerville Public Library provides links from its Web site to other sites and digital content. The Library is not responsible for the content of these external sites, and the inclusion of a link to any site does not constitute the endorsement of that site by the Library. Software and other files downloaded are at your own risk.
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