W-Z

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN is typically made up of two or more LANs linked together to form a larger network. WANs are usually spread over large areas. The Internet is a WAN.

WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs)

WHQL tested refers to driver qualifications with regards to the Windows Hardware Assurance team.

WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service)

A Windows Networking service that provides a computer NetBIOS name to IP address resolution.

WLAN (Wireless Local-Area Network)

A type of local-area network that allows a user to connect/communicate between nodes by using high-frequency radio waves (wireless connection). Wireless LAN adapter cards have been created for use with laptop computers.

WRAM (Window Random Access Memory)

A very fast type of dual-ported video memory that has the ability to read and write larger sections of memory than VRAM.

write

Record data to a storage medium.

writable

Refers to a disc that can have data recorded on it.

WWW (World Wide Web)

A system of servers on the Internet that provide support for pages and documents created with HTML and other scripting languages. You can access the WWW by using such tools and Web browsers as Internet Explorer, FTP, Telnet, HTTP, and Netscape Navigator.

XGA (Extended Graphics Array)

A video display standard developed by IBM that has the ability to support a resolution of 1024 768. XGA can also support up to 65,536 colors.

XMS (Extended Memory Specification)

The first 64K of memory located above 1MB.

XP

Microsoft Windows XP Home and Professional editions.

XP Home

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.

XP Pro

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition.

ZIF (Zero Insertion Force CPU socket)

Allows a CPU to be inserted into a socket without applying much pressure. Uses a locking lever to hold the processor in place.

Zip file

A file compressed with the algorithm developed by the inventor of the Zip file. The file’s extension is .zip. See compressed file.