W
W
w3 n. See World Wide Web.
W3 n. See World Wide Web.
W3C n. Abbreviation for the World Wide Web Consortium, a standards body based in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The W3C is dedicated (in part) to encouraging the development of open Web standards, such as the HTML and XML document markup languages, to promote interoperability and assist the Web in achieving its potential.
wafer n. A thin, flat piece of semiconductor crystal used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Various etching, doping, and layering techniques are used to create the circuit components on the surface of the wafer. Usually multiple identical circuits are formed on a single wafer, which is then cut into sections. Each integrated circuit then has leads attached and is packaged in a holder. See also integrated circuit, semiconductor.
wafer-scale integration n. The fabrication on a single wafer of different microcircuits that are then connected to form a single circuit the full size of the wafer. See also wafer.
WAI n. Acronym for Web Accessibility Initiative. A set of guidelines released by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in May 1999. The WAI is intended to promote Web accessibility for users with disabilities by setting Web design and compatibility guidelines that help assure Web access and usability for all users. See also accessibility.
WAIS n. Acronym for Wide Area Information Server. A UNIX-based document search and retrieval system on the Internet that can be used to search over 400 WAIS libraries, such as Project Gutenberg, for indexed files that match keywords entered by the user. WAIS can also be used on an individual Web site such as a search engine. WAIS, developed by Thinking Machines Corporation, Apple Computer, and Dow Jones, uses the Z39.50 standard to process natural language queries. The list of documents returned by WAIS often contains numerous false matches. Users need a WAIS client to use a WAIS server. See also natural language query, Project Gutenberg, search engine, Z39.50 standard.
WAIS client n. The program needed for accessing the WAIS (Wide Area Information Server) system to search its databases. A WAIS client program must be installed on a user s own machine or accessed from a computer with such a program already installed. Many freeware and shareware WAIS programs for various operating systems, including UNIX, MS-DOS, OS/2, and Windows, are available for download on the Internet. To look for documents in a WAIS database, the user selects the database(s) to search and types a query containing keywords to search for. The WAIS client sends this query to the server, communicating with the server via the Z39.50 protocol. The server processes the request using indexes and returns a list of document headlines matching the query to the client. The user can then choose which document to retrieve, send that request to the server, and receive the complete document in return. See also WAIS.
WAIS database n. See WAIS.
waisindex n. 1. A UNIX utility for building an index to text files for access using WAIS (Wide Area Information Server) query software. 2. A URL for accessing WAIS. The URL takes the form wais://hostport/database[? search].
WAIS library n. A WAIS (Wide Area Information Server) database. A WAIS library is a comprehensive collection of online documents on a specific topic for example, Project Gutenberg s collection of public-domain literary and historical texts available over the Internet, and the Dow Jones Information Service collection of business and financial information products. Because the hundreds of WAIS free libraries currently accessible are updated and maintained by volunteers, the quality of topic coverage is uneven. See also WAIS, WAIS client, Project Gutenberg.
WAIS server or waisserver n. See WAIS.
wait state n. A processing cycle of the microprocessor during which it only waits for data from an input/output device or from memory. While a single wait state is not humanly perceptible, the cumulative effect of wait states is to slow system performance. See also zero wait state.
wallet n. In electronic commerce, a software program that contains a user s address and credit card information for use in paying for online purchases. When the wallet is opened at the electronic checkout, it identifies the user to the merchant s server and allows the user to authorize the appropriate debit to a credit card.
wallpaper n. In a graphical user interface such as Windows, a pattern or picture in the screen background that can be chosen by the user. See also graphical user interface.
WAN n. Acronym for wide area network. A geographically widespread network, one that relies on communications capabilities to link the various network segments. A WAN can be one large network, or it can consist of a number of linked LANs (local area networks).
wand n. Any pen-shaped device used for data entry, such as a graphics tablet s stylus or, most commonly, the scanning instrument used with many bar code readers. See also optical scanner, scan head. Compare stylus.
wanderer n. A person who frequently uses the World Wide Web. Many of these people make indexes of what they find.
WAP n. See Wireless Application Protocol.
war dialer n. A computer program that calls a range of phone numbers to identify those numbers that make a connection to a computer modem. War dialers are typically used by hackers to search for vulnerable computers and, once a connection is made, the war dialers may automatically probe the computer for potential weaknesses. Early war dialer programs called demon dialers were used to crack telephone systems in the 1970s and 1980s.
warez n. Illegal copies of computer software distributed through the Internet and other online channels, such as bulletin boards and FTP servers. The spelling is part of the tendency among some online groups to use odd symbols and intentional misspellings. Compare freeware, shareware.
warm boot n. The restarting of a running computer without first turning off the power. Also called: soft boot, three-finger salute, vulcan death grip, warm start.
warm start n. See warm boot.
warp vb. Sometimes used by computer game developers to describe the need to completely redraw a screen within a game. For example, moving through a door or advancing to a higher level would require a complete screen overhaul. See also computer game.
watchdog n. A hardware device (usually a timer or driver) used to monitor continuing system health and functionality through communications with the system software using a dedicated device driver.
watermark n. A semitransparent image often used for letters and business cards. In currency, a watermark is visible when you hold a bill up to the light.
watt n. The unit of power equal to the expenditure of 1 joule of energy in 1 second. The power of an electrical circuit is a function of the potential across the circuit and the current flowing through the circuit. If E = potential, I = current, and R = resistance, power in watts can be calculated as I x E, I 2 x R, or E 2/R.
.wav n. The file extension that identifies sound files stored in waveform (WAV) audio format. See also WAV.
WAV n. A file format in which Windows stores sounds as waveforms. Such files have the extension .wav. Depending on the sampling frequency, on whether the sound is monaural or stereo, and on whether 8 or 16 bits are used for each sample, one minute of sound can occupy as little as 644 kilobytes or as much as 27 megabytes of storage. See also sampling, waveform.
wave n. 1. Any disturbance or change that has an oscillatory, periodic nature, for example, a light or sound wave. See also waveform. 2. In electronics, the time-amplitude profile of an electrical signal.
wave division multiplexing n. See dense wavelength division multiplexing.
waveform n. The manner in which a wave s amplitude changes over time. See also period, phase, wavelength.
wavelength n. The distance between successive peaks or troughs in a periodic signal that is propagated through space. Wavelength is symbolized by the Greek letter lambda and can be calculated as speed divided by frequency.
wavelet n. A mathematical function that varies over a limited extent of time. Wavelets are coming into increasing use for analyzing signals (such as sound). They have limited duration and sudden changes in frequency and amplitude rather than the infinite duration and constant amplitude and frequency of the sine and cosine functions. Compare Fourier transform.
wave table synthesis or wavetable synthesis n. A method of producing sound, especially music, through a PC. Wave table synthesis is based on use of a wave table, which is a collection of digitized sound samples taken from recordings of actual instruments. These samples are typically stored on a sound card and are edited and mixed together to produce music. Wave table synthesis produces higher quality audio output than FM (frequency modulation) techniques.
WBEM n. Acronym for Web-Based Enterprise Management. A protocol that links a Web browser directly to a device or an application that monitors a network. See also communications protocol.
WDEF n. See window definition function.
WDL n. See Windows Driver Library.
WDM n. See dense wavelength division multiplexing, Windows Driver Model.
weak typing n. A characteristic of a programming language that allows the program to change the data type of a variable during program execution. See also data type, variable. Compare strong typing.
wearable computer n. A portable personal computer that its user wears like eyeglasses, clothing, or a wristwatch but which, unlike those items, is interactive, responds to commands, and carries out instructions. A wearable computer may be used like a conventional computer for data collection, storage, and retrieval, but without tying the user to a stationary location while operating the computer. The earliest wearable computers were clandestine devices used in the mid-1960s to predict the performance of roulette wheels. Today, wearable computers are used for such applications as inventory and express package tracking.
web n. A set of interlinked documents in a hypertext system. The user enters the web through a home page. See also World Wide Web.
Web n. See World Wide Web.
Web Accessibility Initiative n. See WAI.
Web address n. See URL.
Web application n. A set of clients and servers that cooperate to provide the solution to a problem.
Web architect n. An individual who analyzes the purpose of a Web site and forms a plan for assembling and integrating the hardware, software, and other technical resources necessary to make the site function properly.
Web author n. A person who creates content for the World Wide Web. A Web author might be a writer who produces text for a designer to include in a Web page, or a Web designer who writes the text and also adds graphic elements and prepares the HTML code.
Web-Based Enterprise Management n. See WBEM.
Web browser n. Software that lets a user view HTML documents and access files and software related to those documents. Originally developed to allow users to view or browse documents on the World Wide Web, Web browsers can blur the distinction between local and remote resources for the user by also providing access to documents on a network, an intranet, or the local hard drive. Web browser software is built on the concept of hyperlinks, which allow users to point and click with a mouse in order to jump from document to document in whatever order they desire. Most Web browsers are also capable of downloading and transferring files, providing access to newsgroups, displaying graphics embedded in the document, playing audio and video files associated with the document, and executing small programs, such as Java applets or ActiveX controls included by programmers in the documents. Helper applications or plug-ins are required by some Web browsers to accomplish one or more of these tasks. Also called: browser. See also ActiveX control, helper application, hyperlink, Internet Explorer, Java applet, Lynx, Mosaic, Netscape Navigator, plug-in.
Web bug n. A small, nearly undetectable graphic that links to a Web page and is embedded in a document for use as an eavesdropping device. A Web bug usually takes the form of a 1-by-1-pixel transparent GIF file, so it is nearly invisible. This file is placed in a Web page, Microsoft Word file, or other document that users will access. The application in which the document is opened immediately links to the Web to download and display the embedded graphic. Information about the user, including IP address, browser, referrer, and time viewed, is passed to the author of the file when the application retrieves the invisible graphic information.
Webby Award n. Award bestowed annually by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences to Web sites. The academy bestows awards to Web sites in more than 20 categories, which include technical achievement, humor, and best community site.
Web cam or webcam n. A video camera whose output appears on a Web page, usually updated on a regular and frequent schedule. Web cams are used to display weather and traffic conditions, to allow customers and other users to observe current activities at the site owner s business or home (for example, at a day care center), for promotional purposes, and as a form of gee whiz, look at this! entertainment.
webcast1 n. Live or delayed audio or video programming delivered to users over the Web. Downloading these broadcasts requires a user to have the appropriate video or audio application, such as RealPlayer. The necessary application is usually available from the webcaster without cost.
webcast2 vb. To produce and disseminate Web-based audio, video, and text programming.
webcaster n. A company or organization that produces and disseminates Web-based audio, video, and text programming.
webcasting n. Popular term for broadcasting information via the World Wide Web, using push and pull technologies to move selected information from a server to a client. An emergent technology in 1997, webcasting was developed to provide users with customized content for example, sports, news, stocks, and weather that can be updated both regularly and automatically. Webcasting gives users the ability to specify the type of content they want to see, and it gives content providers a means of delivering such information directly to the user s desktop. Also called: netcasting. See also pull, push (definition 2).
Web clipping n. A Web service that delivers brief snippets of information to handheld Web-enabled devices, such as wireless phones and personal digital assistants. Rather than opening a Web site and browsing for information, Web clipping allows a customer to request specific types of information from a service. The Web clipping service then downloads the information to the handheld device.
web CLUT n. See browser CLUT.
Web container n. A container that implements the Web component contract of Sun Microsystems s Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) network architecture. This contract specifies a run time environment for Web components that includes security, concurrency, life cycle management, transaction, deployment, and other services. Provided by a Web or J2EE server, a Web container provides the same services as a JavaServer Pages (JSP) container and provides a federated view of the J2EE platform APIs. See also API, container, J2EE, JSP container, servlet container.
Web cramming n. A common form of fraud in which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) add charges to the monthly bill for fictitious services or for services the customer had been told were free.
WebCrawler n. A World Wide Web search engine operated by America Online. See also search engine.
WebDAV n. Short for Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning. A set of extensions to the HTTP protocol that allows users to collaboratively edit, publish, and manage resources on the World Wide Web. WebDAV-enabled additions to HTTP include document writing, editing, and publishing tools and search, storage, and file sharing options.
Web development n. The design and coding of World Wide Web pages.
Web directory n. A list of Web sites, giving the URL and a description of each. See also URL.
Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning n. See WebDAV.
Web Forms n. The ASP.NET page framework, which consists of programmable Web pages (called Web Forms pages) that contain reusable server controls. See also ASP.NET server control.
Web hosting n. See hosting.
Web index n. A Web site intended to enable a user to locate other resources on the Web. The Web index may include a search facility or may merely contain individual hyperlinks to the resources indexed.
Weblication n. See Web application. Slang for Web application.
Weblog or weblog or web log n. A Web site that has regularly updated content reflecting the interests of the site s host. Often, but not always, the content is in journal form, has highlights of news and information from other Web sites, and is presented from a personal point of view. On some sites, the Weblog is a collaboration between visitors to the site. The high-tech-oriented Slashdot.org is frequently cited as being among the best-known Weblogs.
Webmaster or webmaster n. A person responsible for creating and maintaining a World Wide Web site. A Webmaster is often responsible for responding to e-mail, ensuring the site is operating properly, creating and updating Web pages, and maintaining the overall structure and design of the site. Also called: webmistress, webweaver.
webmistress n. See Webmaster.
webographics n. Demographics of Web users specifically focusing on surfing and online shopping habits and on other related information, such as connection method, browser, and platform.
WebPad n. A class of wireless Internet appliances offering full Internet and personal digital assistant (PDA) functions. A WebPad features a larger LCD screen than other handheld communications devices and resembles a tablet.
Web page n. A document on the World Wide Web. A Web page consists of an HTML file, with associated files for graphics and scripts, in a particular directory on a particular machine (and thus identifiable by a URL). Usually a Web page contains links to other Web pages. See also URL.
Web page embedding n. Embedding a digital streaming media player directly onto a Web page using HTML code. Rather than displaying a hyperlink to the media file, Web page embedding uses browser plug-ins to present the media player as a visual element in the layout of the Web page.
Web phone n. See Internet telephone.
Web Presence Provider n. A Web hosting and Internet service provider who manages the Web server hardware and software required to make a Web site available on the Internet. Acronym: WPP.
Web rage n. 1. Anger or frustration related to the use or operation of the Internet. 2. An intemperate, rude, or angry posting on the Internet; a flame. 3. The latest fad to gain popularity among Web users.
websafe palette n. See browser CLUT.
Web server n. See HTTP server.
Web server control n. An ASP.NET server control that belongs to the System.Web.UI.WebControls namespace. Web server controls are richer and more abstract than HTML server controls. A Web server control has an <asp:ControlName> prefix on an ASP.NET page. See also ASP.NET server control, HTML server control, namespace.
Web services n. A modular collection of Web protocol based applications that can be mixed and matched to provide business functionality through an Internet connection. Web services can be used over the Internet or an intranet to create products, business processes, and B2B interactions. Web services use standard Internet protocols such as HTTP, XML, and SOAP to provide connectivity and interoperability between companies.
Web Services Description Language n. See WSDL.
Web site n. A group of related HTML documents and associated files, scripts, and databases that is served up by an HTTP server on the World Wide Web. The HTML documents in a Web site generally cover one or more related topics and are interconnected through hyperlinks. Most Web sites have a home page as their starting point, which frequently functions as a table of contents for the site. Many large organizations, such as corporations, will have one or more HTTP servers dedicated to a single Web site. However, an HTTP server can also serve several small Web sites, such as those owned by individuals. Users need a Web browser and an Internet connection to access a Web site. See also home page, HTML, HTTP server (definition 1), Web browser.
Web Storage System n. The storage component of Exchange 2000 Server and SharePoint Portal servers, which integrates Web server, database, file system, and workgroup functionality. The Web Storage System lets you store and share many types of data in a single integrated system. Acronym: WSS.
Web switch n. A network device a switch designed to optimize Web traffic routing by using the information embedded in HTTP requests to route the requests to the most appropriate servers, no matter where they are located. Web switches are intended to address issues of speed, scalability, and performance for high-volume Web sites. See also switch.
Web terminal n. A system containing a central processing unit (CPU), RAM, a high-speed modem or other means of connecting to the Internet, and powerful video graphics, but no hard disk, intended to be used solely as a client to the World Wide Web rather than as a general-purpose computer. Also called: network computer.
Web-to-host n. A service that allows remote users to access programs and data on legacy or mainframe systems through a Web browser. Web-to-host packages typically include a combination of services such as emulation support, legacy access, centralized management, host services, and security options, with some degree of customization possible. See also legacy system, mainframe computer.
WebTV n. A system that provides consumers with the ability to access the Web as well as send and receive e-mail on a television by means of a set-top box equipped with a modem. Users must have an ISP (Internet service provider) and subscribe to the WebTV Network. Developed by WebTV Networks, WebTV was purchased by Microsoft in 1996.
webweaver n. See Webmaster.
webzine n. An electronic publication distributed primar ily through the World Wide Web, rather than as an ink-on-paper magazine. See also e-zine.
weighted code n. A data representation code in which each bit position has a specified inherent value, which might or might not be included in the interpretation of the data, depending on whether the bit is on or off.
weighted fair queuing n. A technique used to improve quality of service that prioritizes each session flow passing through a network device. With weighted fair queuing, high-bandwidth traffic is given a smaller proportion of network capacity than low-bandwidth traffic. Acronym: WFQ. Compare fair queuing.
welcome page n. See home page.
WELL n. Acronym for Whole Earth Lectronic Link. A conferencing system based in San Francisco, California, that is accessible through the Internet and through dial-up access points in many major cities. The WELL attracts many computer professionals, along with other people who enjoy participating in one of the Internet s most successful virtual communities. Because of the number of journalists and other prominent people who participate in the WELL, it has substantial influence beyond its own relatively small number of subscribers.
well-behaved adj. 1. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a program that performs properly even when given extreme or erroneous input values. 2. Obeying the rules of a particular programming environment.
well-formed n. An XML or HTML document that follows all the rules of syntax outlined in the protocol s specification. A well-formed XML or HTML document can be read by all Web browsers without difficulty.
well-mannered adj. See well-behaved.
WEP n. Acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy. An encryption algorithm system included as part of the 802.11 standard, developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as a security measure to protect wireless LANs from casual eavesdropping. WEP uses a shared secret key to encrypt packets before transmission between wireless LAN devices and monitors packets in transit to detect attempts at modification. WEP offers both 40-bit and 128-bit hardware-based encryption options.
wetware n. Slang for human beings—part of the environment that also includes hardware and software. Also called: liveware.
WFC n. See Windows Foundation Classes.
WFQ n. See weighted fair queuing.
whatis n. 1. A UNIX utility for obtaining a summary of a keyword s documentation. See also man pages. 2. An Archie command for locating software whose description contains desired words.
What You See Before You Get It adj. See WYSBYGI.
What You See Is What You Get adj. See WYSIWYG.
wheel printer n. See daisy-wheel printer.
Whetstone n. A benchmark test that attempts to measure the speed and efficiency with which a computer carries out floating-point operations. The result of the test is given in units called whetstones. The Whetstone benchmark has fallen out of favor because it produces inconsistent results compared with other benchmarks such as the Dhrystone and the sieve of Eratosthenes. See also benchmark1, Dhrystone, sieve of Eratosthenes.
WHIRLWIND n. A digital computer using vacuum tubes, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1940s and used during the 1950s. The innovations introduced with WHIRLWIND included CRT displays and real-time processing. WHIRLWIND project members included Kenneth H. Olsen, who founded Digital Equipment Corporation in 1957. See also CRT, real-time, vacuum tube.
Whistler n. The code name for Microsoft Windows XP that was used during its development cycle. New visual and operational features are designed to make Windows XP easy for the home user to operate. Features include real-time voice, video and application sharing, enhanced mobility, added support for digital photos and video, and download and playback of high-quality audio and video content. Like Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP was developed from Windows NT, consolidating consumer and business operating systems into a single code base.
whiteboard n. Software that allows multiple users across a network to work together on a document that is simultaneously displayed on all the users screens, as though they are all gathered around a physical whiteboard.
Whiteboard n. Microsoft NetMeeting feature that opens a separate window in which multiple users can simultaneously review, create, and update graphic information. The Whiteboard is object-oriented, not pixel-oriented, allowing participants to manipulate the contents by clicking and dragging with the mouse. In addition, they can use a remote pointer or highlighting tool to point out specific contents or sections of shared pages. The NetMeeting Whiteboard is T.126 compliant and is interoperable with other T.126-compatible whiteboards.
white box n. A nonbranded PC assembled by a reseller, potentially including components from a number of manufacturers. The name refers to the typical color of the shipping carton, a box unadorned by brand name or logo.
white box testing n. A method of testing software that is based on knowledge of how the software is intended to function. Unlike black box testing, which focuses on how the software functions without reference to how it is designed, white box testing relies on detailed knowledge of the program code itself and is intended to find flaws and/or errors in its design and specification. Also called: glass box testing. Compare black box testing.
white hat n. A hacker who operates without malicious intent. A white hat will not break into a system with the intention of doing damage. White hats may be employed to provide security against other hackers. See also hacker. Compare black hat.
white noise n. Noise that contains components at all frequencies, at least within the frequency band of interest. It is called white by analogy to white light, which contains light at all the visible frequencies. In the audible spectrum, white noise is a hiss or a roar, such as that produced when a television set is tuned to a channel over which no station is broadcasting.
white pages n. See DIB (definition 2).
white space n. The areas of blank space on a page that can be used in a design for balance, contrast, and visual appeal.
whois n. 1. An Internet service, provided by some domains, that enables a user to find e-mail addresses and other information for users listed in a database at that domain. 2. A UNIX command to access the whois service. 3. A command that displays a list of all users logged onto a Novell network.
whois client n. A program (such as the UNIX whois command) that enables a user to access databases of usernames, e-mail addresses, and other information. See also whois (definition 1).
whois server n. Software that provides the usernames and e-mail addresses from a database (often listing people who have accounts at an Internet domain) to users who request the information using whois clients. See also whois.
Whole Earth Lectronic Link n. See WELL.
whole number n. A number without a fractional component for example, 1 or 173; an integer.
WID n. Acronym for Wireless Information Device. Smart phone or other handheld wireless device capable of multiple communications functions, including e-mail and Internet access.
Wide Area Information Server n. See WAIS.
wide area network n. See WAN.
wideband transmission n. See broadband network.
Wide SCSI n. A form of the SCSI-2 interface that can transfer data 16 bits at a time at up to 20 megabytes per second. The Wide SCSI connector has 68 pins. Also called: Wide SCSI-2. See also SCSI, SCSI-2. Compare Fast SCSI, Fast/Wide SCSI.
Wide SCSI-2 n. See Wide SCSI.
widow n. A last line of a paragraph, shorter than a full line, appearing at the top of a page. A widow is considered visually undesirable on the printed page. Compare orphan.
wildcard character n. A keyboard character that can be used to represent one or many characters. The asterisk (*), for example, typically represents one or more characters, and the question mark (?) typically represents a single character. Wildcard characters are often used in operating systems as a means of specifying more than one file by name.
WIMP n. Acronym for Windows, Icons, Mouse, and Pointers. A graphical user interface (GUI) such as those provided by the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems. WIMP is usually said to stand for Windows, Icons, Mouse, and Pointers, but the acronym is sometimes spelled out as either Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers or Windows, Icons, Mouse, and Pull-down menus. The WIMP interface was invented at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), where it was first used in the Alto computer in the early 1970s. See also graphical user interface.
Win32 n. The application programming interface in Windows 95 and Windows NT that enables applications to use the 32-bit instructions available on 80386 and higher processors. Although Windows 95 and Windows NT support 16-bit 80x86 instructions as well, Win32 offers greatly improved performance. See also 16-bit machine, 32-bit machine, 80386DX, 8086, application programming interface, central processing unit, Win32s.
Win32 Driver Model n. See Windows Driver Model.
Win32s n. A subset of the Win32 application programming interface that works under Windows 3.x. By including the Win32s software, which is distributed as freeware, an application can gain in performance from using the 32-bit instructions available on 80386 and higher processors while running on Windows 3.x. See also 32-bit machine, 80386DX, central processing unit, Win32.
Winchester disk n. An early IBM name for a hard disk. The term is derived from IBM s internal code name for its first hard disk, which stored 30 megabytes (MB) and had a 30-millisecond access time, reminding its inventors of a Winchester .30-caliber rifle known as a .30-.30.
window n. In applications and graphical interfaces, a portion of the screen that can contain its own document or message. In window-based programs, the screen can be divided into several windows, each of which has its own boundaries and can contain a different document (or another view into the same document).
window definition function n. A resource associated with a window in a Macintosh application. The Macintosh Window Manager calls this function to perform such actions as drawing and resizing the window. Also called: WDEF.
windowing n. An approach to remediation (correction of problems) or simply user convenience in which two-digit years are interpreted in relation to a window of time. Logical procedures based on windowing thus enable software to correctly produce accurate four-digit years. In windowing, the century is determined by presuming that the year falls within a 100-year span. So if the window ranges from 1995 to 2094, any year that is 95 or greater is presumed to be in the twentieth century (19xx), while any number less than 95 is presumed to be in the twenty-first century (20xx). Fixed windowing presupposes that a window always starts with the same date, or pivot year. Moving windowing permits a user or another system to specify the pivot year when the program is installed or started. Sliding windowing is calculated every time a program runs and can be based on a predetermined span of time, called a slider, that can be added to the current date to produce the pivot year for the window. Potential differences in windows require analysis whenever importing or exporting data between systems. Also called: logic fix. See also pivot year.
windowing environment n. An operating system or shell that presents the user with specially delineated areas of the screen called windows. Windowing environments typically allow windows to be resized and moved around on the display. The Macintosh Finder, Windows, and the OS/2 Presentation Manager are all examples of windowing environments. See also graphical user interface, window.
window random access memory n. See WRAM.
Windows n. An operating system introduced by Microsoft Corporation in 1983. Windows is a multitasking graphical user interface environment that runs on MS-DOS based computers (Windows 3.x. and Windows for Workgroups), and as a self-contained operating system for desktop computers (Windows 9x and Windows Me), workstations (Windows NT Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional), and network servers (Windows NT Server, Windows NT Enterprise Edition, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server). The most recent versions of Windows are Windows XP Home (home and entertainment use) and Professional (advanced computing, businesses, and large organizations). The next generation of Windows server products will be the Windows .NET Server family. Windows provides a standard graphical interface based on drop-down menus, windowed regions on the screen, and a pointing device such as a mouse.
Windows 95 n. An operating system with a graphical user interface for 80386 and higher processors, released by Microsoft Corporation in 1995. Intended to replace Windows 3.11, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, and MS-DOS, Windows 95 is a complete operating system, rather than a shell that requires MS-DOS, as does Windows 3.x. For backward compatibility, Windows 95 can run MS-DOS software. Under Windows 95, filenames can be up to 255 characters long and may include dots and spaces. Windows 95 supports the Plug and Play method for installing and configuring hardware and can access Windows, NetWare, and UNIX networks. The minimum configuration for Windows 95 is an 80386 processor with 4 MB of RAM, but an i486 or higher processor with at least 8 MB of RAM is recommended. Internet functionality is provided in large part in Windows 95 by Microsoft Internet Explorer. See also MS-DOS, NetWare, Plug and Play, Windows.
Windows 98 n. An operating system with a graphical user interface for i486 and higher processors, released by Microsoft Corporation in 1998. Building upon Windows 95, Windows 98 features an improved interface and more robust functionality. With the Active Desktop, Windows 98 integrates Internet connectivity even more closely, allowing users to access remote files in the same way they would access files on their hard drives. Hardware support includes USB, IEEE 1394, AGP ports, television tuner cards, DVD drives, multiple modems, and multiple monitors. Windows 98, Second Edition, released in 1999, builds on the features in the initial release and offers home networking and improved maintenance features. See also Windows, Windows 95.
Windows 9x n. The architecture upon which Windows 95 and Windows 98 were built. See also Windows 95, Windows 98.
Windows 2000 n. A Microsoft operating system, the successor to Windows NT, designed for business rather than consumer use. Like its predecessor, Windows 2000 is a multithreaded, multitasking 32-bit operating system. Implemented in desktop and several server versions, Windows 2000 focuses overall on improved ease of use, networking, management, reliability, scalability, and security. See the table.
Version Designed For Features Windows 2000 Professional Business desktop Improvements in: Ease of use; security, performance, and reliability; support for mobile computing Windows 2000 Server Small to medium-sized deployments workgroups, branch offices, departmental application, file, print servers Two-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP); ActiveDirectory; management tools; Kerberos and PKI security; COM+; Windows Terminal Support; improved Internet services Windows 2000 Advanced Server Mid-range depart mental and application deployments Windows 2000 Server features, plus four-way SMP; load balancing; clustering; high-performance sorting; 64-GB physical memory Windows 2000 Datacenter Server Large operations data warehouses, online transactionprocessing (OLTP), science and engineering simulations, enterprise solutions Windows 2000 Advanced Server features, plus 16-way SMP
Windows 2000 Advanced Server n. Microsoft s network server for larger organizations. Designed to replace Windows NT 4 Enterprise Edition, it supports up to four-way SMP, large physical memories, and database-intensive work. It integrates clustering and load balancing support. See also SMP, Windows.
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server n. Microsoft s network server for larger organizations. Considered the most powerful and functional server operating system ever offered by Microsoft, it supports up to 16-way SMP and up to 64 GB of physical memory (depending on system architecture). Like Windows 2000 Advanced Server, it provides both clustering and load balancing services as standard features. It is optimized for large data warehouses, econometric analysis, large-scale simulations in science and engineering, OLTP, and server consolidation projects. See also OLTP, SMP, Windows.
Windows 2000 Professional n. Microsoft s mainstream desktop operating system for businesses of all sizes. Designed to replace Windows NT Workstation 4, which many people are using today as the standard business desktop, Windows 2000 Professional builds upon the interface and kernel in NT 4. It also includes improved security, state-of-the-art features for mobile users, industrial-strength reliability, and better performance.
Windows 2000 Server n. Microsoft s network server for small to medium businesses. Designed to replace Windows NT 4 Server, Windows 2000 Server offers improved functionality and supports new systems with up to two-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP).
Windows application n. A software application designed for use with the Microsoft Windows environment.
Windows-based accelerator n. A type of super VGA (SVGA) video adapter designed specifically to run Windows and Windows-based applications more quickly. A Windows-based accelerator achieves performance improvements over a standard SVGA video adapter with the help of special routines built into the adapter s read-only memory. These routines relieve the Windows operating system of some of the video-related duties it must perform on a nonaccelerated system. Also called: Windows-based accelerator card. See also SVGA.
Windows CE n. A small operating system from Microsoft designed for use with handheld and palm-size PCs and in embedded systems, such as the AutoPC. Windows CE, which has a user interface that is similar to Windows 9x and Windows NT, includes scaled-down versions of several Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, Schedule+, and an e-mail client. See also handheld PC.
Windows CE Services n. A set of technologies that makes Windows CE based devices Web enabled. It provides the functionality to deliver Web content information to Windows CE based devices from a wireless network or by desktop synchronization.
Windows Distributed interNet Applications Architecture n. See Windows DNA.
Windows DNA n. Short for Microsoft Windows Distributed interNet Applications Architecture. A framework introduced in 1997 as a means of integrating client/server and Web technologies in the creation of scalable, multitier applications delivered over an enterprise network. Windows DNA is based on a number of technologies, among them COM (Component Object Model), ActiveX, and dynamic HTML.
Windows Driver Library n. A collection of hardware device drivers for a Microsoft Windows operating system that were not included in the original Windows package. Acronym: WDL. See also driver.
Windows Driver Model n. A 32-bit layered architecture for device and bus drivers that allows for drivers that can be used by both Windows NT and Windows 98. It provides common input/output services understood by both operating systems and supports Plug and Play, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394 bus, and various devices, including input, communication, imaging, and DVD. Acronym: WDM. Also called: Win32 Driver Model.
Windows Explorer n. A utility in Windows that enables the user to locate and open files and folders. Windows Explorer resembles the File Manager of Windows 3.1. The user can select folders from a list displayed on the left side of the screen and access files in a selected folder from a list displayed on the right side of the screen.
Windows Forms n. A rich Windows client library for building Windows client applications.
Windows Foundation Classes n. A Java class library for developing Java applications to run in the Windows environment. Designed by Microsoft to make it easy to write code for the Windows platform using the powerful Java programming language, the Windows Foundation Classes represent an object-oriented framework that encapsulates and unifies the Microsoft Win32 API and Dynamic HTML programming models. This framework enables developers to link Java code directly to Windows APIs. Acronym: WFC. See also Java, Java Foundation Classes.
Windows Image Acquisition n. A device-driver interface that supports still digital cameras and low-end and high-end scanners and allows retrieving of still images from IEEE 1394-based DV camcorders and USB-based Web cams. Acronym: WIA.
Windows IP Configuration n. See Winipcfg.
Windows Management Instrumentation n. A management infrastructure in Windows that supports monitoring and controlling system resources through a common set of interfaces and provides a logically organized, consistent model of Windows operation, configuration, and status. Acronym: WMI. See also resource.
Windows Me n. Released in 2000, the Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) operating system designed for home users as an upgrade from Windows 95 or Windows 98. Windows Me offers an improved home user experience including making it easier for users to share and manipulate digital photos, music, and videos, enhanced home networking capabilities, a rich Internet experience with support for broadband connections, different Internet communication tools, and online gaming.
Windows Media Audio n. A digital audio coding scheme developed by Microsoft that is used in distributing recorded music, usually over the Internet. Windows Media Audio shrinks the size of the audio file by a factor of 20 to 24 without seriously degrading the quality (CD-recording level) of the sound. Windows Media Audio files are given the file extension .wma and can be created with Windows Media Tools and played with the Windows Media Player. Acronym: WMA. See also Windows Media Technologies. Compare MP3, RealAudio, Secure Digital Music Initiative.
Windows Media Encoder n. A Windows Media technology that compresses live or prerecorded audio and video into a Windows Media stream, which can either be distributed immediately or saved as a Windows Media file for later distribution. The technology allows content developers to convert both live and prerecorded audio, video, and computer screen images to Windows Media Format for live and on-demand delivery. Windows Media Encoder also can save a stream as a Windows Media file and convert a file into Windows Media Format. Windows Media Encoder can distribute a stream via HTTP protocol. Also called: (if context is clear) Encoder, the encoder, the encoder engine.
Windows Media Player n. A client/control that receives a stream from a Windows Media server or local content for playback. It can run as a stand-alone client executable program. Windows Media Player can also be embedded in a Web page, a C++ program, or a Microsoft Visual Basic program that uses the client ActiveX control.
Windows Media server n. A server on which Windows Media Services has been installed.
Windows Media Services n. A digital media platform that runs on a server, such as Windows 2000, to support streaming media, such as video and audio.
Windows Media Technologies n. Microsoft technologies for the creation, delivery, and playing of streaming audio and video over a network, including both intranets and the Internet. Windows Media Technologies, downloadable from the Microsoft Web site, support both live and on-demand (delivered from storage) content and are based on files delivered in Advanced Streaming Format (ASF). Three major components Windows Media Tools, Windows Media Services, and Windows Media Player comprise Windows Media Technologies. See the table. See also Advanced Streaming Format. Compare Real System G2.
Component Purpose Features Windows Media Tools Content creation ASF authoring and editing tools, including tools for converting files from other formats (WAV, AVI, MPEG, and MP3) to ASF. Windows Media Services Content delivery Tools for real-time and on-demand content delivery, administration tools, and Windows Media Rights Manager for piracy control. Windows Media Player for PC platforms, Windows Media Player for Macintosh, Windows Media Player for UNIX Content playback ASF player for audio, audio plus still images, and full-motion video. Also supports other multimedia data, including RealAudio.
Windows Media Tools n. See Windows Media Technologies.
Windows Messenger n. See .NET Messenger Service.
Windows Metafile Format n. A graphics file format used by Windows to store vector graphics in order to exchange graphics information between applications and to store information between sessions. Acronym: WMF. See also vector graphics.
Windows Movie Maker n. Software from Microsoft for capturing, editing, and arranging audio and video source material to create movies. Acronym: WMM.
Windows .NET Server n. The next generation of Windows servers. Built on Windows 2000, the Windows .NET Server family includes the functionality, dependability, scalability, and security options to serve as the computing foundation for businesses of all sizes. The flexible computing architecture, built on industry standards, allows businesses to create robust and innovative applications, improve collaboration across the organization, and connect securely with customers.
Windows NT n. An operating system released by Microsoft Corporation in 1993. The Windows NT operating system, sometimes referred to as simply NT, is the high-end member of a family of operating systems from Microsoft. It is a completely self-contained operating system with a built-in graphical user interface. Windows NT is a 32-bit, preemptive multitasking operating system that features networking, symmetric multiprocessing, multithreading, and security. It is a portable operating system that can run on a variety of hardware platforms including those based on the Intel 80386, i486, and Pentium microprocessors and MIPS microprocessors; it can also run on multiprocessor computers. Windows NT supports up to 4 gigabytes of virtual memory and can run MS-DOS, POSIX, and OS/2 (character-mode) applications. See also MS-DOS, operating system, OS/2, POSIX, Windows.
Windows NT Advanced Server n. A superset of Windows NT that provides centralized, domain-based network management and security. Windows NT Advanced Server also offers advanced hard disk fault-tolerance features, such as mirroring and additional connectivity. See also Windows NT.
Windows NT Embedded n. A version of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system designed for devices and other products that have embedded systems. Windows NT Embedded, released in 1999, targets devices in the midrange to high end of the embedded device industry, including high-speed copiers, patient monitors, private branch exchanges (PBXs), and point-of-sale terminals. Windows NT Embedded features include headless operation (with no keyboard, mouse, or display devices needed), diskless operation, and remote management infrastructure. See also embedded system, Windows NT.
Windows Open Services Architecture n. See WOSA.
Windows Open System Architecture n. See WOSA.
Windows Script Host n. The language-independent scripting host for Microsoft Windows platforms. Windows Script Host is a tool that allows users to run VBScript, JScript, or any other scripting language to automate common tasks and to create macros and logon scripts.
Windows Sockets n. See Winsock.
Windows terminal n. A thin-client solution from Microsoft, designed to enable terminals and minimally configured computers to display Windows applications even if they are not, in themselves, capable of running Windows software. Windows terminals work in conjunction with Windows NT Server, Terminal Server edition. See also thin client.
Windows XP n. A member of the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. Windows XP was released in 2001 in two versions: Windows XP Home Edition for home use and Windows XP Professional for advanced home computing, businesses, and larger organizations. Windows XP features a new visual design that simplifies navigation and search capabilities, improved file management, additional media and Web publishing capabilities, an improved system for device discovery and installation, and advanced features for mobile computing.
WinG n. Short for Windows Games. An application programming interface for games in the Windows 9x environment. Under WinG, games can access the video frame buffer directly for increased speed. See also application programming interface, buffer1, frame buffer.
WinHEC n. Short for Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering Conference. Annual meeting of the computer hardware industry featuring forums, seminars, exhibits, and educational sessions for developers, technical managers, engineers, and product planners who use the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems.
win.ini n. In Windows 3.x and MS-DOS, the initialization file used to pass the program configuration information necessary to run the Windows operating environment. The win.ini file has been supplanted by the registry database in Windows 95 and later and Windows NT and later. See also configuration file, ini file, registry.
Winipcfg n. Short for Windows IP Configuration. A Windows 9x utility that enables users to access information about their TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and network adapter card settings. Running the Winipcfg program (winipcfg.exe) opens the IP Configuration window, which reveals the physical address, IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway settings of the primary TCP/IP adapter (or settings of multiple adapters if more than one is installed). This information is also helpful for troubleshooting. See also TCP/IP.
WINS n. Acronym for Windows Internet Naming Service. A Windows NT Server method for associating a computer s host name with its address. Also called: INS, Internet Naming Service. Compare DNS (definition 1).
Winsock n. Short for Windows Sockets. An application programming interface standard for software that provides a TCP/IP interface under Windows. The Winsock standard developed out of a Birds of a Feather (BOF) discussion that arose among software vendors at a UNIX conference in 1991; it has gained the general support of software developers, including Microsoft. See also application programming interface, BOF, socket (definition 1), sockets API, TCP/IP.
Wintel adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a computer that uses the Microsoft Windows operating system and an Intel central processing unit (CPU). See also Windows.
wired adj. 1. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an electronic circuit or hardware grouping in which the configuration is determined by the physical interconnection of the components (as opposed to being programmable in software or alterable by a switch). See also hardwired (definition 1). 2. Knowledgeable about Internet resources, systems, and culture. 3. Having access to the Internet.
Wired Equivalent Privacy n. See WEP.
wired home n. See smart home.
wire-frame model n. In computer graphics applications such as CAD programs, a representation of a three-dimensional object using separate lines that resemble strands of wire joined to create a model. Compare solid model, surface modeling.
wireless adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of communications that take place without the use of interconnecting wires or cables, such as by radio, microwave, or infrared light.
Wireless Application Protocol n. A specification for a global standard for enabling digital cellular phones and other wireless devices to access Internet and other information services. The Wireless Application Protocol, or WAP, is supported by an organization known as WAP Forum, which includes such members as Motorola, Nokia, L. M. Ericsson, and Unwired Planet. The goal of the forum is to create an open standard that works with different wireless technologies. Acronym: WAP.
wireless communication n. Communication between a computer and another computer or device without wires. The form of wireless communication provided as part of the Windows operating system uses infrared light to transmit files. Radio frequencies, as used by cellular and cordless telephones, are another form of wireless communication. See also infrared, infrared device, infrared port.
Wireless Information Device n. See WID.
wireless Internet n. Version of the Internet designed for use on wireless phones and handheld devices with small display screens, limited memory, and slower data transmission speeds than a personal computer. Most wireless Internet sites offer content as basic text with limited graphics.
wireless LAN n. A LAN (local area network) that sends and receives data via radio, infrared optical signaling, or some other technology that does not require a physical connection between individual nodes and the hub. Wireless LANs are often used in office or factory settings where a user must carry a portable computer from place to place. Also called: WLAN.
Wireless Markup Language n. See WML.
Wireless Multimedia Forum n. See WMF (definition 2).
wireless phone n. Telephone that operates by means of radio waves without a wire connection. A base station (cell tower) relays the phone s signal to a wireless carrier s network, where it is transmitted to another wireless phone or to a wired telephone network.
Wireless Services server component n. A component that allows a content provider or carrier to configure and schedule any number of information acquisition/encoding/transmission components to create a data stream to be transmitted by a carrier to a device. The server component builds on an open architecture to allow new server components to be installed in any part of the stream at any time.
Wireless Transaction Protocol n. A lightweight request/reply transaction protocol for devices with limited resources over networks with low to medium bandwidth. It is not called the Wireless Transport Protocol or the Wireless Transfer Protocol. Acronym: WTP.
Wireless Transport Layer Security n. See WTLS.
wire-pin printer n. See dot-matrix printer.
wire-wrapped circuits n. Circuits constructed on perforated boards using wire instead of the metal traces found on printed circuit boards. The stripped ends of insulated wires are wrapped around the long pins of special wire-wrapped integrated circuit sockets. Wire-wrapped circuits are generally handmade, one-of-a-kind devices used for prototyping and research in electrical engineering. Compare printed circuit board.
wiring closet n. A room or location in a building where telecommunications and/or networking equipment such as hubs, switches, and routers are installed. Also called: data closet, telecom closet, telecommunications closet.
wizard n. 1. Someone who is adept at making computers perform their magic. A wizard is an outstanding and creative programmer or a power user. Compare guru, UNIX wizard. 2. A participant in a multiuser dungeon (MUD) who has permission to control the domain, even to delete other players characters. See also MUD. 3. An interactive help utility within an application that guides the user through each step of a particular task, such as starting up a word processing document in the correct format for a business letter.
wizzywig n. See WYSIWYG.
WLAN n. See wireless LAN.
WMA n. Acronym for Windows Media Audio. See Windows Media Audio.
.wmf n. A file extension that identifies a vector image encoded as a Microsoft Windows Metafile.
WMF n. 1. See Windows Metafile Format. 2. Acronym for Wireless Multimedia Forum. A consortium of technology companies formed to promote open standards for wireless streaming products. WMF members include Cisco Systems, Intel, and the Walt Disney Internet Group. See also ISMA.
WMI n. See Windows Management Instrumentation.
WML n. Acronym for Wireless Markup Language. A markup language developed for Web sites that are accessed with microbrowsers on Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) enabled devices. A Web site written with WML would be viewable on handheld devices with small screens, such as cell phones. See also markup language, microbrowser, Wireless Application Protocol.
WMLScript n. A scripting language derived from the Java Script language for use in the development of Wireless Markup Language (WML).
WMM n. See Windows Movie Maker.
word n. The native unit of storage on a particular machine. A word is the largest amount of data that can be handled by the microprocessor in one operation and also, as a rule, is the width of the main data bus. Word sizes of 16 bits and 32 bits are the most common. Compare byte, octet.
Word n. Microsoft s word processing software, available for the Windows and Macintosh platforms. In addition to extensive editing, formatting, and customization features, Word provides such tools as automatic text completion and correction. The most recent version, Word 2002 (part of Office XP) adds Web functionality for example, the ability to save documents in HTML format. The first version, Microsoft Word for MS-DOS 1.00, was introduced in 1983.
word-addressable processor n. A processor that cannot access an individual byte of memory but can access a larger unit. In order to perform operations on an individual byte, the processor must read and write memory in the larger unit. See also central processing unit.
WordPerfect Office n. A suite of business application programs from Corel Corporation. The basic (Standard Edition) WordPerfect Office suite includes the WordPerfect word processor, Quattro Pro spreadsheet, Corel Presentations presentation software, CorelCENTRAL personal information manager, Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications scripting tools, and Trellix Web publisher. A home and small-business package, the Voice-Powered Edition, adds speech recognition and publishing products; a business and corporate package, the Professional Edition, adds database and Internet tools to all of the preceding.
word processing n. The act of entering and editing text with a word processor. Acronym: WP.
word processor n. An application program for creating and manipulating text-based documents. A word processor is the electronic equivalent of paper, pen, typewriter, eraser, and, most likely, dictionary and thesaurus. Depending on the program and the equipment in use, word processors can display documents either in text mode (using highlighting, underlining, or color to represent italics, boldfacing, and other such formatting) or in graphics mode (in which formatting and, sometimes, a variety of fonts appear on the screen as they will on the printed page). All word processors offer at least limited facilities for document formatting, such as font changes, page layout, paragraph indentation, and the like. Some word processors can also check spelling, find synonyms, incorporate graphics created with another program, align mathematical formulas, create and print form letters, perform calculations, display documents in multiple on-screen windows, and enable users to record macros that simplify difficult or repetitive operations. Compare editor, line editor.
wordwrap or word wrap n. The ability of a word processing program or a text-editing program to break lines of text automatically to stay within the page margins or window boundaries of a document without the user having to do so with carriage returns, as is typically necessary when using a typewriter. See also hard return, soft return.
workaround n. A tactic for accomplishing a task despite a bug or other inadequacy in software or hardware without actually fixing the underlying problem. See also kludge.
workbook n. In a spreadsheet program, a file containing a number of related worksheets. See also worksheet.
workflow application n. A set of programs that aids in the tracking and management of all the activities in a project from start to finish.
workgroup n. A group of users working on a common project and sharing computer files, typically over a LAN (local area network). See also groupware.
workgroup computing n. A method of working electronically in which various individuals on the same project share resources and access to files using a network arrangement, such as a local area network, enabling them to coordinate their separate tasks. This is accomplished through using software designed for workgroup computing. See also groupware.
Workplace Shell n. The graphical user interface of OS/2. Like the Mac OS and Windows 95, the Workplace Shell is document-centric. Document files are displayed as icons; clicking an icon starts the corresponding application, and the user can print a document by dragging the document s icon to a printer icon. The Workplace Shell uses the graphical functions of Presentation Manager. Acronym: WPS.
worksheet n. In a spreadsheet program, a page organized into rows and columns appearing on screen and used for constructing a single table.
workstation n. 1. A combination of input, output, and computing hardware that can be used for work by an individual. 2. A powerful stand-alone computer of the sort used in computer-aided design and other applications requiring a high-end, usually expensive, machine with considerable calculating or graphics capability. 3. A microcomputer or terminal connected to a network.
World Wide Web n. The total set of interlinked hypertext documents residing on HTTP servers all around the world. Documents on the World Wide Web, called pages or Web pages, are written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) that specify the particular machine and pathname by which a file can be accessed, and transmitted from server to end user under HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Codes, called tags, embedded in an HTML document associate particular words and images in the document with URLs so that a user can access another file, which may be halfway around the world, at the press of a key or the click of a mouse. These files may contain text (in a variety of fonts and styles), graphics images, movie files, and sounds as well as Java applets, ActiveX controls, or other small embedded software programs that execute when the user activates them by clicking a link. A user visiting a Web page also may be able to download files from an FTP site and send messages to other users via e-mail by using links on the Web page. The World Wide Web was developed by Timothy Berners-Lee in 1989 for the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, or Conseil Europ en pour le Recherche Nucl aire, in French (CERN). Acronym: WWW. Also called: w 3 , W3, Web. See also ActiveX controls, HTML, HTTP, HTTP server (definition 2), Java applet, URL.
World Wide Web Consortium n. See W3C.
worm n. A program that propagates itself across computers, usually by creating copies of itself in each computer s memory. A worm might duplicate itself in one computer so often that it causes the computer to crash. Sometimes written in separate segments, a worm is introduced surreptitiously into a host system either as a prank or with the intent of damaging or destroying information. See also bacterium, Internet Worm, Trojan horse, virus.
WORM n. Acronym for write once, read many. A type of optical disc that can be read and reread but cannot be altered after it has been recorded. WORMs are high-capacity storage devices. Because they cannot be erased and rerecorded, they are suited to storing archives and other large bodies of unchanging information. See also compact disc.
WOSA n. Acronym for Windows Open Services Architecture, also known as Windows Open System Architecture. A set of application programming interfaces from Microsoft that is intended to enable Windows-based applications from different vendors to communicate with each other, such as over a network. The interfaces within the WOSA standard include Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), the Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), the Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI), Windows Sockets (Winsock), and Microsoft Remote Procedure Calls (RPC). See also MAPI, ODBC, remote procedure call, TAPI, Winsock.
.wp n. A file extension used to identify files formatted for the WordPerfect word processor.
WP n. See word processing.
WPS n. See Workplace Shell.
WRAM n. Acronym for window random access memory. A type of RAM used in video adapters. Like video RAM (VRAM), WRAM allows the screen to be repainted while a graphical image is being written, but WRAM is faster. Compare video RAM.
wrap around vb. To continue movement, as with the cursor or a search operation, to the beginning or to a new starting point rather than stopping when the end of a series is reached. For example, the screen cursor might wrap around to the first column of the next line rather than stopping when it reaches the last column of the current line. Likewise, a program starting a search or replace operation in the middle of a document might be instructed to wrap around to the beginning rather than stop when it reaches the end of the document.
wrapper n. In the Java programming language, an object that encapsulates and delegates to another object with the aim of altering its behavior or interface. See also Java, object.
.wri n. The file format that identifies document files in the Microsoft Write format.
wrist support n. A device placed in front of a computer keyboard to support the wrists in an ergonomically neutral position, thereby safeguarding against repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Also called: wrist rest. See also carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury.
write1 n. A transfer of information to a storage device, such as a disk, or to an output device, such as a monitor or a printer. For example, a disk write means that information is transferred from memory to storage on disk. See also output1. Compare read1.
write2 vb. To transfer information either to a storage device, such as a disk, or to an output device, such as a monitor or a printer. Writing is the means by which a computer provides the results of processing. A computer can also be said to write to the screen when it displays information on the monitor. See also output1. Compare read.
write access n. A privilege on a computer system that allows a user to save, change, or delete stored data. Write access is usually set by the system administrator for a networked or server system and by the owner of the computer for a stand-alone machine. See also access privileges.
write-back cache n. A type of cache with the following feature: when changes are made to cached data, they are not simultaneously made to the original data as well. Instead, the changed data is marked, and the original data is updated when the cached data is deallocated. A write-back cache can perform more quickly than a write-through cache. But in some contexts, differences between cached and original data could lead to problems, and write-through caches must be used. See also cache. Compare write-through cache.
write-behind cache n. A form of temporary storage in which data is held, or cached, for a short time in memory before being written on disk for permanent storage. Caching improves system performance in general by reducing the number of times the computer must go through the relatively slow process of reading from and writing to disk. See also CPU cache, disk cache.
write cache n. See write-behind cache.
write error n. An error encountered while a computer is in the process of transferring information from memory to storage or to another output device. Compare read error.
write mode n. In computer operation, the state in which a program can write (record) information in a file. In write mode, the program is permitted to make changes to existing information. Compare read-only.
write protect vb. To prevent the writing (recording) of information, usually on a disk. Either a floppy disk or an individual file on a floppy disk or a hard disk can be write protected (though not necessarily infallibly). See also write-protect notch.
write-protect notch n. A small opening in the jacket of a floppy disk that can be used to make the disk unwritable. On a 5.25-inch floppy disk, the write-protect notch is a rectangular hole on the edge of the disk jacket. When this notch is covered, a computer can read from the disk but cannot record new information on it. On 3.5-inch micro floppy disks that are enclosed in plastic shells, the write-protect notch is an opening in a corner. When the sliding tab in this opening is moved to uncover a small hole, the disk is protected and cannot be written to. Also called: write-protect tab. See also write2.
write-protect tab n. See write-protect notch.
write-through cache n. A type of cache in which changes made to cached data are simultaneously made in the original copy, rather than being marked for later updating. A write-through cache, though not as fast as a write-back cache, is needed in situations where problems would occur if both the original and cached data did not match. Compare write-back cache.
.wrl n. File extension required for saving all Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) documents; for example, cube.wrl. See also VRML.
WSDL n. Acronym for Web Services Description Language. An XML format developed to allow for better interoperability among Web services and development tools. WSDL describes network services as collections of communication endpoints capable of exchanging messages and is extensible to allow description of endpoints and their messages regardless of what message formats or network protocols are used to communicate.
WSS n. See Web Storage System.
WTLS n. Acronym for Wireless Transport Layer Security. A security protocol that provides encryption and authentication services for the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). The WTLS layer uses data integrity, authentication, and encryption mechanisms to provide end-to-end security and privacy for wireless transactions. WTLS is based on Transport Layer Security (TLS), a Secure Socket Layer equivalent used with Internet applications. See also Wireless Application Protocol.
WWW n. See World Wide Web.
WYSBYGI adj. Acronym for What You See Before You Get It. Providing a preview of the effects of the changes the user has selected before the changes are finally applied. For example, a dialog box in a word processing program might display a sample of the font a user has chosen before the font is actually changed in the document. The user can cancel any changes after previewing them, and the document will be unaffected. See also WYSIWYG.
WYSIWYG adj. Acronym for What You See Is What You Get, pronounced wizzywig. Allowing a user to view a document as it will appear in the final product, and to directly edit the text, graphics, or other elements within that view. A WYSIWYG language is often easier to use than a markup language, which provides no immediate visual feedback regarding the changes being made. Compare markup language.
EAN: 2147483647
Pages: 36