E-L

e-commerce

Conducting business on the Internet. E-commerce allows business-to- business transactions and business-to-consumer transactions. In general end-user terms, it allows users to visit a Web site and purchase goods.

encryption

A process for converting plaintext to code for the purpose of security. Encrypted files use scrambled data that makes the file unreadable to everyone except the person who created it. Secure Web sites use encryption to secure transactions.

Ethernet

A type of cable that physically connects a computer to a network hub. This connection allows the computer and user to access network resources in a LAN.

Fast User Switching

A feature of Windows XP Home and Professional Editions, available for users who are not members of domains, which makes it possible for users to switch quickly between user accounts without having to actually log off and on, or reboot the computer. Running programs do not need to be closed before switching users.

FAT

See file allocation table.

file allocation table (FAT)

A type of file system used by older computers to organize the files and folders on the computer. FAT organizes the files on the computer so they can be accessed when they are needed.

format

The act of erasing all data on a computer drive, volume, or partition.

FQDN

See fully qualified domain name.

fully qualified domain name (FQDN)

A name used to identify an entity on the Internet and part of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). For example, www.microsoft.com is a fully qualified domain name.

gateway address

A network point that allows access into and out of a network. Gateways can be routers, firewalls, or proxy servers; and gateways decide if a data packet belongs on the local network or on a remote one.

Group Policy

A policy created by an administrator that affects all users on a computer or all users in a domain and is generally set by domain administrators on a domain level. Group policies are used to specify how a user’s desktop looks, what wallpaper is used, and how the Internet Explorer title bar looks, to name only a few options.

HTTP e-mail account

An e-mail account that connects to an HTTP e-mail server, such as Hotmail. HTTP accounts, which can be added to Outlook 2003 or to Outlook Express, can download e-mail and synchronize mailbox folders.

IME

See Input method editor.

Input Method Editor (IME)

A program that is used to enter different characters in Asian languages on a standard 101-key keyboard. As the user enters keystrokes, the program tries to identify the characters and convert them to phonetic and ideographic characters.

Internet cache files

A temporary copy of a Web page’s text and graphics. These temporary files are stored in random access memory (RAM) on your hard disk and can be accessed more quickly than retrieving the files fresh from the Internet every time you visit the page. Internet cache files make browsing the Internet faster because pages you visit often can be loaded more quickly than they can if no cache files exist.

IrDA

Acronym for Infrared Data Association, a type of port installed on newer computers, printers, and other devices that allows them to communicate wirelessly. IrDA ports transmit data at about the same rate as a parallel port does, and the devices must be in close proximity and have a clear line of sight between them.

JavaScript

A programming language. JavaScript is used on Web sites to open pop-up windows when a link is clicked, to change the color of text when a mouse is rolled over it, or to change formatted information such as the time or date.

kernel mode

The computer mode that has direct access to hardware. Kernel mode maintains control over all resources and the system itself. Programs that run in kernel mode should not be run using program compatibility settings.

LAN

See local area network.

local area network (LAN)

A group of computers in a small geographic area such as a home, office, or floor of an office building. LANs can be workgroups or domains, can connect wirelessly or using Ethernet and a hub, or can connect by more complex connections such as fiber optic lines.

loopback address

A TCP/IP address reserved for testing internal TCP/IP settings on any computer. The loopback address is any address in the range 127.x.y.z, and a successful ping to a computer’s loopback address verifies that TCP/IP is installed correctly.