Glossary of Terms
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
A
Academic Computing
A unit in AIS including the HelpDesk and MicroRepair. Location is Learning Resources Center 112. HelpDesk telephone number is 906-227-2468.
Academic Information Services
Academic Information Services is located in the Learning Resources Center and is made up of: Academic Computing, Archives, Instructional Design, Technology and Media, and Olson Library.
Acrobat Reader*
Document exchange software from Adobe Systems, Inc. Adobe Acrobat* provides a platform-independent means of creating, viewing, and printing documents. Acrobat can convert a DOS, Windows*, UNIX* or Macintosh* document into a Portable Document Format (PDF), which can be displayed on any computer with Acrobat Reader*. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded* free from the Internet.
address book, e-mail
A small database to store e-mail addresses for individual and group correspondence, each labeled with an easy to remember nickname assigned.
AIS see Academic Information Services
analog signals
Audio and video signals currently used in broadcasting are analog as are many telephone lines. The signal is represented by a continuous wave because the signal is constantly varying within a range as opposed to pulsed, discrete digital signals.
application
A program that helps the user accomplish a specific task; for example, a word processing program, a spreadsheet program, or a file transfer protocol client. Application programs are distinguished from system programs (which control the computer and run the application programs) and utilities (which are small helper programs).
Archives - see Academic Information Services
asynchronous
Communication in which interaction between parties does not take place simultaneously
AudioVisual Services
The AudioVisual Services department is responsible for planning, developing, and executing a wide range of events aimed at supporting the University's administrative, academic, and public service mission, including large venue sound and video support, videoconferencing, and live & on demand streaming media. AudioVisual Services is a unit in the Learning Resources Division along with WNMU-TV and WNMU-FM. These areas comprise the broadcast and AV Services division at Northern Michigan University and is located in the Harden Learning Resources Center, Room 111A (near Starbucks). Telephone number is 906-227-2912. (also see Learning Resources Division)
B
bandwidth
Generally, the amount of information that can be transmitted over an information channel. High bandwidth Internet access means those audio, video, and graphics load quickly. High bandwidth videoconferencing means picture and sound will be clear. In computers, bandwidth is the speed at which data can be transmitted on a communications frequency. In telecommunications, the maximum frequency (spectrum) measured in Hertz or cycles per second, between the two limiting frequencies of a channel.
bitmap
In bitmap graphics, an image is displayed on the screen as a collection of tiny squares called pixels, which together form a pattern. Each pixel in the image corresponds with one or more bits; the number of bits per pixel determines how many shades of gray or colors can be displayed.
blog
A web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.
blu-ray
Blu-ray Disc (official abbreviation BD) is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the standard DVD format. Its main uses are for storing high-definition video, PlayStation 3 video games, and other data, with up to 25 GB per single-layered, and 50 GB per dual-layered disc. Although these numbers represent the standard storage for Blu-ray Disc drives, the specification is open-ended, with the upper theoretical storage limit left unclear. The discs have the same physical dimensions as standard DVDs and CDs. The name Blu-ray Disc derives from the "blue laser" used to read the disc. While a standard DVD uses a 650 nanometer red laser, Blu-ray Disc uses a shorter wavelength 405 nm laser, and allows for almost ten times more data storage than a DVD. The laser color is called "blue," but is violet (purple) to the eye, and is very close to ultraviolet ("blacklight").
Bookmarks
A feature in the Netscape browser that enables the user to record URLs that will be frequently used by adding them to a special menu. The equivalent in Microsoft's Internet Explorer is Favorites. Once the URL is on the list, it is easy to return to that web page simply by clicking on the link in the list.
broadband
Telecommunication in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information. Like a highway with more lanes, broadband is broken down into various channels which allow more data to travel over the line at the same time. There is controversy over what speed is considered broadband; some say a connection of 500kbps or more.
browser
A program that allows users to read hypertext documents on the World Wide Web, and navigate between them. Examples are Netscape Navigator*, Lynx*, and Microsoft Internet Explorer*. Browsers can be text-based or graphic.
byte
A byte is 8 bits; one byte can represent a single character. On most computers, the byte is the basic unit of addressable memory. On IBM Mainframes, a word is 4 bytes (32 bits).
C
cache
A temporary storage area for frequently-accessed or recently-accessed data. Having certain data stored in a cache speeds up the operation of the computer. There are two kinds of cache: internal (or memory cache) and external (or disk cache). Internal cache is built into the processor, and external cache is on the motherboard. When an item is called for, the computer first checks the internal cache, then the external cache, and finally the slower main storage.
case sensitive
Treating upper case letters as different characters from the same letters in lower case. Filenames or text searches that are case sensitive would distinguish between, for example, Internet and internet.
CD-ROM
A disk that is physically the same as an audio CD but contains computer data. Storage capacity is about 650-680 megabytes. CD–ROMs are usually interchangeable between different types of computers.
Center for Instructional Technology in Education
A unit of Instructional Design, Technology and Media, the CITE is located at Learning Resources Center 128, telephone number: 906-227-2483. The CITE is a resource center where faculty can go to learn about, experiment with, and get advice and assistance with a variety of instructional technology tools. The CITE may be best known as the place to get assistance with NMU's online course management systems, NMU EduCat™ and WebCT. It is also a "faculty sandbox" for a variety of other hardware and software that can be used to enhance teaching and learning online and in classrooms.
chat acronyms
These common acronyms (and dozens more) are used in online, real-time, typed conversation and in e-mail as a form of shorthand communication.B4N or BFN
Bye For Now
BTW
By The Way
IMHO
In My Humble Opinion
LOL
Laughing Out Loud
TTFN
Ta Ta For Now
CITE
see Center for Instructional Technology in Education
clipboard
An area of temporary memory which is used to transfer text and graphics within a document being edited, or between documents. The data is put into the clipboard with either the "cut" or "copy" command, and then "paste" takes it from the clipboard and puts it in its new location.
codec
Videoconferencing hardware uses a codec (Coder-Decoder or Compression - Decompression) to code the outgoing video and audio signals and decode the incoming signals. Prior to transmission, the codec converts analog signals to digital signals and compresses the digital signals. Incoming audio and video must be decompressed and converted from digital back to analog.
.com see domain name
compact disc see CD-ROM
compressed video
Compression is the reduction in size of data in order to save space or transmission time. Transmission of compressed video over a communications network requires sophisticated compression algorithms. When the vast amount of information in a normal tv transmission is squeezed into a fraction of its former bandwidth by a codec, the resulting compressed video can be transmitted more economically over a smaller carrier signal. Some information is sacrificed in the process, which may result in diminished picture and sound quality. Some videoconferencing systems offer both proprietary and standard compression algorithms. You'll want to make sure that you know whether your system is proprietary or standard before you buy as this will limit the types of videoconferences in which you can participate.
cookie
A cookie is a set of data that a web site server gives to a browser the first time the user visits the site, that is updated with each return visit. The remote server saves the information the cookie contains about the user and the user's browser does the same, as a text file stored in the Netscape or Explorer system folder.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The "brain" of the computer that performs most computing tasks. In microcomputers, the entire CPU is on a single chip, also called a processor.
crop
A graphic/photo formatting term: To trim the edges of a graphic image, removing part of the image.
Course Technology Alliance ( CTA )
A team of service points within the Learning Resources building on the campus of Northern Michigan University providing support for developing technology rich, hybrid, and online instruction. Go to: www.nmu.edu/cta for more information.
D
database
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1. |
A collection of data organized for rapid search and retrieval. |
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2. |
A program that manages data, and can be used to store, retrieve, and/or sort information. Some database programs are Lotus Approach*, Microsoft Access*, Filemaker*, and dBASE*. |
desktop
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1. |
The whole computer screen, which represents an office desktop. With a graphical interface, the icons on the screen resemble objects that would be found on a real desktop, such as file folders, a clock, etc. Icons on the desktop enable the user to run application programs and use a file system without directly using the command language of the operating system. On Windows, the desktop is the first screen you see when Windows starts. |
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2. |
A computer designed to stay on a desk, as opposed to portable laptop and notebook designs. |
desktop videoconferencing
Videoconferencing on a personal computer. Most appropriate for small groups or individuals (compare with room-based videoconferencing). Desktop videoconferencing systems support a variety of interactive activities including document sharing, whiteboard use, and chat.
dialog box
A box on the computer screen that can be used to enter information, set options, or give commands to the computer. The dialog box gives the user choices (such as open file, delete, save) which can be selected by clicking with the mouse.
directory, folder
Placed on a disk or drive to store files and subdirectories. The main directory is known as the "root directory." This terminology arrives from the organization of directories (or folders) and files on a drive appearing like the branches of an upside-down tree.
diskette
A small, portable, flexible magnetic disk used for data storage on many computers. Diskettes come in 3½" and 5¼" sizes, with several densities and formats. These disks are known as "floppy" disks (or diskettes) because the disk is flexible and the read/write head is in physical contact with the surface of the disk, in contrast to "hard disks" that are rigid and rely on a small, fixed gap between the disk surface and the heads. Diskettes may be either single-sided or double-sided.
distance education
Click here for definitions...
.doc
file extension for Microsoft Word documents (also see extensions, file name)
domain name
An Internet address in alphabetic form (for example, intel.com or www.intel.com). Domain names must have at least two parts: the part on the left names the organization, and the part on the right identifies the highest subdomain. Directory levels can be indicated at the end, separated by a slash (/). The right-hand side or end of a domain name helps identify what type of agency or organization is hosting the site. For example:.com
commercial site
.edu
educational institution
.gov
U.S. government
.mil
military
.net
network
.org
non-profit organization
Other endings continue to be added to meet demand for new site names, such as .ws for "world site". Countries have their own URL endings as well; for example, the United Kingdom is .uk, France is .fr, Korea is .kr, Canada is .ca, Philippines is .ph, Australia is .au, etc. For a list of URL domain names for countries around the world, visit Domain name registries around the world: http://www.extend.no/domreg.html*
DOS
An acronym for disk operating system. The term DOS can refer to any operating system, but it is most often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS–DOS was the standard operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers.
download
To transfer files and/folders from one computer to another. The receiving computer is said to be "downloading" the information.
drive
An input/output device that consists of one or more spinning magnetic disks. A moving arm allowing direct read or write access to data recorded on the disk. A device that spins disks or tapes in order to read and write data; for example, a hard drive, disk drive, CD-ROM drive, or tape drive.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc)
A storage medium which has greater capacity and bandwidth than CD. Like CDs, DVDs can be used for multimedia and data storage. A DVD has the capacity to store a full-length film with up to 133 minutes of high quality video in MPEG-2 format, plus audio.
E
.edu see domain name
EduCat
One of two online course management systems available at NMU. This new preferred learning management system is making its debut Fall 2010 and is built on the Moodle platform.
electronic mail (e-mail)
A system whereby a computer user can exchange messages with other computer users (or groups of users) through a communications network.
e-mail address
An e-mail address has the form "person id" at "domain id." For example, jdoe@intel.com. In this e-mail address, Mr. Doe is identified by his logon id, jdoe, and the company name is identified by its Internet domain name, intel.com.
E-Texts
E-Texts are electronic textbooks. E-Texts and course materials as well as out-of-print textbooks or works-in-progress can be found on E-TEXT sites with quick access to multimedia-rich, timely information.
extension, file name
The portion of a file name following the final point (period) that indicates the kind of data stored in the file. Extensions are usually from one to three letters (for example, .ppt, .doc, .au, .wav). DOS and Windows extensions must be three or fewer letters; Macintosh extensions can have more letters, or can be deleted.
F
FAQ
Abbreviation for "Frequently Asked Questions." Newsgroups, mailing lists and Internet sites often have a list of the most frequently asked questions about their subject, with answers.
Favorites
A feature in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser that enables the user to record URLs that will be frequently used by adding them to a special menu. The equivalent in Netscape Navigator is Bookmarks. Once the URL is on the list, it is easy to return to that web page simply by clicking on the link in the list.
file
A collection of information stored in any of numerous forms on any of numerous devices. A file may contain programs, data, or text.
file extension - see extension, file name
File Transfer Protocol - see FTP
firewall
Incorporated by networks to protect internal data from internal and external hazards.
folder
Allows for organizing "common" files into "common" locations. Simulates as an electronic filing cabinet.
font
A text formatting term: A complete assortment of printer characters in a particular type style, typeface, size and orientation. Most fonts include letters, numbers, punctuation and some special symbols. Note that the Roman (normal), Italic, Bold and Bold Italic typeface forms of any type style and size are each separate fonts. A font family is a complete set of characters in the same type style, including all sizes and typefaces, such as bold, italic and underline.
footer
A text formatting term: One or more lines of text that appear at the bottom of every page.
freeware
Software, often written by enthusiasts, distributed at no charge by users' groups, e-mail, local bulletin boards, Usenet, or other electronic media. Freeware is software that is available free of charge, but is copyrighted by the developer, who retains the right to control its redistribution and to sell it in the future. Freeware is different from free software (or software in the public domain), which has no restrictions on use, modification, or re-distribution.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A mechanism in the Internet suite to allow a user on any computer to locate and transfer files/folders from another computer, or to send files to another computer.
G
GB - see gigabyte
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
A format for pictures that many browsers can display. A color-image transfer protocol developed by CompuServe*, .gif format works best for graphics with contiguous areas of solid color like graphics, clip art, and drawings. .gif is the only file format that allows for animation, transparency effects, or interlacing (the graphic loads gradually with a venetian blind effect). .gif files are widely used on Web pages because they provide good-quality color images in a format that takes up a small amount of space.
gigabyte
Equals 1024 megabytes. Literally meaning one billion bytes. Abbreviated GB, Gbyte or G-byte.
.gov see domain name
H
hard copy
Paper based, but presumably can mean any printed computer output, such as microfilm.
hardware
The physical devices that make up a computer and networked system.
hard disk or hard drive
The main device that a computer uses to store information. Hard disks are rigid aluminum or glass disks about 3.5" in diameter in a personal computer, and smaller in a laptop. They are coated with ferromagnetic material and rotate around a central axle. Data is transferred magnetically by a read/write head. A hard disk drive for a personal computer may contain as many as eight hard disks, rotating around the same axle.
header
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1. |
A text formatting term: One or more lines of text that appear at the top of every page of a document. |
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2. |
A computer communications term: Control information that is added before data when it is encapsulated for network transmission. |
.htm see HTML (also see extension)
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
The language of the World Wide Web used to create web pages, using hyperlinks and markups for text formatting (heading styles, bold, italic, numbered lists, insertion of images, etc.).
HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol)
The rules by which World Wide Web browsers and servers communicate. This is the protocol most often used to transfer information from Web servers to browsers, which is why Web addresses begin with http://.
hyperlink
A link in an HTML document that leads to another place on the same page, to another page on the same web site, or, to another World Wide Web site. A browser usually displays a hyperlink in some distinguishing way, such as a different color, font or style. When the user activates the link (by clicking on it with the mouse), the browser displays the target of the link. Sometimes pictures have hyperlinks.
hypertext
Text that has hyperlinks. When hypertext is viewed with an interactive browser, certain words appear highlighted by underlining or color; clicking on a highlighted link leads to another location with more information about the subject. The term was coined by Ted Nelson around 1965 for a collection of documents (or "nodes") containing cross-references or "links" which, with the aid of an interactive browser program, allow the reader to move easily from one document to another.
I
icon
A small picture on the screen that represents a link to a file or program.
IDTM - see Instructional Design, Technology and Media
IMS - see Instructional Media Services
Instructional Design, Technology and Media
AIS's Instructional Design, Technology, and Media (IDTM) unit provides consulting, support, and tools to enable technology-enhanced teaching in both online and classroom-based learning environments. IDTM consists of two previously separate units, Instructional Media Services (IMS) and the Center for Instructional Technology in Education (CITE).
IDTM provides classroom technology support, administers the NMU EduCat™ and WebCT course management systems, and operates the Center for Instructional Technology in Education (CITE), a resource center for NMU faculty.
Most of IDTM's services fall into two general categories:
1. Instructional design and course creation support
The unit supports the University's two online course management systems: EduCat and WebCT, and assists faculty with creating online courses. The unit also supports incorporating various technologies into both online and classroom-based courses.
2. Learning space support
IDTM provides media services and support for instructional technology in the classroom environment. This includes LCD computer/video projectors, DVD/VHS players, and other equipment that is permanently assigned or delivered to instructional spaces.
Instructional Media Services
A unit of Instructional Design, Technology and Media (IDTM), IMS is located at Learning Resources Center 326, telephone number: 906-227-2290. IMS provides access to instructional media, equipment, support services and works to improve the classroom environment.
Internet, The Internet
The Internet is a network of networks, linking computers to computers by speaking the same language called TCP/IP protocol. Each computer runs software to provide or "serve" information and/or to access and view information. The Internet (with a capital I) is the world's largest Internet. The Internet includes a variety of electronic services such as electronic mail (e-mail), Telnet (remote login), FTP (File Transfer Protocol for downloading or uploading of files), Gopher (an early, text-only method for accessing Internet documents), and the World Wide Web. The Internet was originally developed for the United States military, and then became used for government, academic, commercial research, and communications.
Internet Explorer*
Microsoft's World Wide Web browser.
Internet IP address
A unique number identifying each host machine on the Internet network. Also called the IP address or TCP/IP address. A numeric address such as 123.231.32.2 that the domain name server translates into a domain name. In addition to the Internet address, each machine has an Internet domain style name which usually has the form machine.location.domain or machine.group.location.domain. The term is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to a host's fully qualified domain name.
IP, internet protocol
Internet protocols are used to communicate across any set of interconnected networks. Internet protocols can be used to specify common applications such as electronic mail, terminal emulation, and file transfer. Internet protocols were first developed in the mid-1970s, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) became interested in establishing a packet-switched network that would facilitate communication between dissimilar computer systems at research institutions.
ISDN
Stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN is a high-quality, switched digital communications service that gives your standard phone line the ability to transmit voice and data simultaneously. You can use the same line for regular telephone service, faxing, computer communication, or even live videoconferences. Each of these applications requires suitably equipped customer-provided equipment. ISDN transmissions are significantly faster than using a modem.
IT - see Instructional Technology
J
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
A format for storing high-quality color and grayscale photographs in bitmap form. jpeg files are most effective for photographic images or images with lots of subtle color and tones.
L
Learning Resources Division
Includes Audiovisual Services, WNMU public radio 90 and WNMU public TV 13. Location is lower level Learning Resources Center. Telephone number is 906-227-1300.
Library
Olson Library is located on the second and third floors of the Learning Resources Center. (Also see Academic Information Services)
listserv
A listserv is an automatic e-mail server. People with similar interests "subscribe" to a given listserv for the purpose of discussion. Subscribers' contributions to the discussion are called "threads" are sent by e-mail to the entire subscriber list. LISTSERV refers to a specific mailing list server but, like Kleenex or Xerox, the term is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to all group e-mail servers.
M
.mdb
file extension for Microsoft Access databases (also see extensions, file name)
megabyte
Equals 1,048,576 bytes, or 1024 kilobytes. The text of a six hundred page paperback book would require about one megabyte of ASCII storage. (ASCII is the basis of character sets used in almost all present-day computers.) Abbreviated as MB.
memory
The part of a computer system that is used to run programs. The working space used by the computer to hold the program that is currently running, along with the data it needs, and to run programs and process data. The main memory is built from Random Access Memory (RAM) chips. The amount of memory available determines the size of programs that can be run, and whether more than one program can run at a time. Main memory is temporary, and is lost when the computer is turned off. It is distinguished from more permanent internal Read Only Memory (ROM) which contains the computer's essential programs, and storage (the disks and tapes which are used to store data). In the general sense it can be any device that can hold data in machine-readable format. Also see RAM and ROM.
modem
A peripheral device that connects computers to each other for sending communications through telephone lines. The modem modulates the digital data of computers into analog signals to send over the telephone lines, then demodulates back into digital signals to be read by the computer on the other end; thus the name "modem" for modulator/demodulator. It converts characters into a form that can be transmitted over a telephone line, and reconverts transmitted signals to characters.
.mp3
file extension for audio files (also see extensions, file name)
MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group)
An ISO (International Standards Organization) group that sets standards for compressing and storing video, audio, and animation in digital form. Codec technology for moving images using inter- and intra-frame compression.
multimedia
Multimedia is communication that uses any combination of different media, and may or may not involve computers. Multimedia may include text, spoken audio, music, sounds, images, animation and video. Often also includes hyperlinked text and objects.
N
navigate
To find one's way around on the World Wide Web by following hypertext links from document to document, and from computer to computer.
.net see domain name
netiquette
A pun on "etiquette" referring to proper behavior on a network.
Netscape*
Netscape is a set of WWW browsers, produced by Netscape Communications Corporation.
network
A group of interconnected computers, including the hardware and software used to connect them.
NMU ID
The first part of the NMU e-mail address with the @nmu.edu
NMU IN
NMU Identification Number is an 8-digit number assigned to all NMU faculty, staff, and students
NMU Network ID - see NMU ID
NTSC
Standard for scanning television signals. Used in the U.S., Canada, and Japan
O
offline
Logically or physically disconnected from the computer, computer network, or the Internet. For example, a reel of tape is offline storage. A web page that has been downloaded or saved so that it can be read while not connected to the Internet is for offline viewing.
online
1. Accessible through a comput4er (or terminal), rather than on paper or other mediums.
2. A user actively using a computer system, especially when using the Internet
3. Ready for use
operating system
The main control program of a computer that schedules tasks, manages storage, and handles communication with peripherals. Often abbreviated as OS or "o/s."
.org see domain name
P
PAL
Standard for scanning television signals. Used in most European countries.
.pdf (Portable Document Format)
A platform-independent PostScript-based file format; part of Adobe Acrobat. Acrobat can convert a DOS, Windows, UNIX or Macintosh document into a Portable Document Format (.pdf) which can be displayed on any computer with Acrobat Reader. (also see extensions, file name)
peripherals
Any device that is attached to a computer system or network, such as printers, disks and tape drives.
platform
Specific computer hardware, as in the phrase "platform-independent." The underlying hardware or software for an operating system. The basic system on which applications execute. Two common platforms are PC and Macintosh.
pixel
Short for picture element. A pixel is the smallest logical unit of visual information that can be used to build an image. Pixels are the little squares that can be seen when a graphics image is enlarged. The more pixels in an image, the better its resolution.
port
A pathway for data flow in and out of a computer. A computer port is a receptacle for attaching input and output devices.
.ppt
file extension for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations (also see extensions, file name)
public domain
Belonging to the public; not protected by copyright.
Q
QuickTime*
A System 7 extension for Macintosh from Apple Computer that integrates full-motion video and sound into application programs that gives a seamless integration of video, sound, and animation. Also available as QuickTime for Windows.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The memory that is available on a computer for storing data and programs currently being processed. It is automatically erased when the power is turned off. Information in the RAM that needs to be stored for future use must be saved onto a disk or a tape.
resolution
A graphics formatting term: The number of dots per inch used to represent a graphics image. The term "pixels" is also used for "dots" in this context. High resolution images look smoother and have more dots per inch than do low resolution images. The resolution of images displayed on the screen is usually lower than that of the final laser printout. Laser printers print 300 dots (or pixels) per inch or more; typesetters print 1,200 dots (or pixels) per inch or more.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Stored permanent systems instructions, which are never changed; it holds its contents even when the power is turned off. Data is placed in ROM only once, and stays there permanently. ROM is generally installed by the manufacturer as part of the system.
.rtf
Rich Text Format - file extension for text files (also see extensions, file name)
S
SECAM
Standard for scanning television signals. Used in most French countries.
search directory
A remotely accessible program that lets you do keyword searches for information on the Internet. A directory is a catalog of sites collected and organized by people. Subject directories are often called subject "trees" because they start with a few main categories and then branch out into subcategories, topics, and subtopics. Yahoo!* and Google are two common search directories.
search engine
A remotely accessible program that lets you do keyword searches for information on the Internet. There are several types of search engines; the search may cover titles of documents, URLs, headers, or the full text. Examples are AltaVista*, Infoseek*, and Lycos*.
server
A server is a special device used to "serve" a system or facility. A server is a computer in a client/server architecture that supplies files or services. The computer that requests services is called the client. The client may request file transfer, remote logon, printing, or other available services.
shareware
Software that is copyrighted, but may be downloaded and used for a limited time for free, after which the user is asked to voluntarily send the author a small payment. Some shareware products offer additional features, documentation, technical support, and/or updates to registered users.
shortcut
Microsoft Corporation's term for a symbolic link. On the Macintosh, Apple Corporation refers to a symbolic link as an alias.
site
An organization or facility where a host computer is located.
software
The programs and data that make computer hardware function.
spyware
storyboard
A precise description detailing how each multimedia element is going to be used, and screen-by-screen planning of what is available to the end user.
streaming media
Streaming media technology allows real time or on demand delivery of audio, video and multimedia. Digital media (video, voice, data) is received in a simultaneous, continuous stream. These applications can start displaying video immediately or play as soon as enough data has been received and stored in the receiving station’s buffer.
Synchronous
Communication in which interaction between participants is simultaneous.
T
Taskbar
A bar along the bottom edge (or side) of the Windows that contains the Start button and a button for each program that is currently running. The taskbar can be used to switch from one task to another. It can also be dragged around with the mouse and adjusted in size.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
A set of protocols used to allow computers to share resources across a network. These protocols support file transfer, remote logon, and electronic mail between users on the different host computers on the network.
technology
A device used to disseminate and communicate information.
text wrap
A text formatting term: The ability to wrap text around graphic images on a page layout. Some desktop publishing systems have an automatic text wrap feature that will shorten lines of text when a graphic image is encountered. In other systems, you need to change the length of lines by changing the column margins or by inserting hard carriage returns to shorten the lines.
T L C
The Teaching, Learning, & Communications initiative at Northern Michigan University provides a notebook computer to each full-time student.
.txt
file extension for text files (also see extensions, file name)
U
upload
To transfer files and/or folders from one computer to another. The transmitting or sending computer is said to be "uploading" the information.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address for an Internet Web site, generally beginning: http://. A standard that specifies the location of an object on the Internet, such as a file or a newsgroup.
V
videoconferencing
Communication across long distances with video and audio contact that may also include graphics and data exchange. A point-to-point videoconference is between two sites. A multipoint videoconference is between more than two sites.
virtual
Computer simulations.
virus
A program that replicates itself on computer systems by incorporating itself into other programs that are shared among computer systems.
W
.wav
file extension for audio files (also see extensions, file name)
WebCT
One of two online course management systems available at NMU. This system is being phased out and will no longer be supported after Fall 2010. The new learning management system NMU is migrating over to is called EduCat and is built on the Moodle platform.
Web Site
1. Any computer on the Internet running a World Wide Web server process. A particular web site is identified by the hostname part of a URL (e.g., www.intel.com is the hostname of http://www.intel.com/education).
2. Sets of web pages that can be visited by browsers.
WNMU - TV
Public television station, channel 13. (also see Learning Resources Division)
WNMU Public Radio 90
Public radio station. (also see Learning Resources Division)
word wrap
A text formatting term: Automatic adjustment of the number of words on a line of text, as they are being entered and displayed on the screen, to match the margin settings. The returns that result from automatic word wrap are called "soft" returns to distinguish them from the "hard" returns, which result when Enter is pressed to force a new line. Word wrap is usually available in the "what you see is what you get" word-processing systems, which are common on personal computers.
World Wide Web
Also known as WWW or Web. A hypermedia-based system for browsing Internet sites. It is named the Web because it is made of many sites linked together; users can travel from one site to another by clicking on hyperlinks. The World Wide Web is a network of information servers, principally the ones using HTTP to serve up HTML documents. The servers are linked, not in any tight or formal sense, but because an HTML document from one server might contain pointers to documents on many other servers. On the Web, everything (documents, menus, indexes) is represented to the user as a hypertext object in HTML format. Hypertext links refer to other documents by their URLs.
X
.xls
file extension for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (also see extensions, file name)
Z
ZIP
Data compression and file packaging programs for personal computers. An example is WinZip* or PKZIP*. It may also refer to Iomega Zip* drive products.
