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`PATENT OWNERPATENT OWNERPATENT OWNER
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`EXHIBIT 2015
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`EXHIBIT 201 5EXHIBIT 201 5EXHIBIT 201 5
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`
`
`THE ULTIMATE COMPUTER REFERENCE
`
`D€15Vgned or
`
`.•..
`
`M icrosoft'
`Windows NT*
`Windows-98
`
`Microsoft
`
`CD-ROM
`Included
`
`Micro5oft•
`
`0
`L.P.ILLEEI
`Explorer
`
`Mmcrosoft puler
`ona
`
`• Three new appendixes, file extensions,
`and Internet domains
`• Searchable text on CD-ROM
`• Extensive coverage of hardware, software, t
`Internet, and more!
`• Detailed illustrations and diagrams for easy reference
`
`
`
`PUBLISHED BY
`Microsoft Press
`A Division of Microsoft Corporation
`One Microsoft Way
`Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
`
`Copyright 1999 by Microsoft Corporation
`
`All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may he reproduced or transmitted in any form
`or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.
`
`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
`Microsoft Computer Dictionary. -- 4th ed.
`p. cm.
`Previous eds. published under title: Microsoft Press computer
`dictionary
`ISBN 0-7356-0615-3
`1. Computers Dictionaries. 2. Microcomputers Dictionaries.
`I. Microsoft Press computer dictionary.
`QA76.I5.M538 1999
`004'.03—dc21 (cid:9)
`
`99-20168
`CIP
`
`Printed and bound in the United States of America.
`
`3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MLML 4 3 2 1 0
`
`Distributed in Canada by Penguin Books Canada Limited.
`
`A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
`
`Microsoft Press books are available through booksellers and distributors worldwide. For further information
`about international editions, contact your local Microsoft Corporation office or contact Microsoft Press
`International directly at fax (425) 936-7329. Visit our Web site at mspress.microsoft.com.
`
`Macintosh, Power Macintosh, QuickTime. and TrueType fonts are registered trademarks of Apple Computer.
`Inc. Kodak is a registered trademark of the Eastman Kodak Company. Intel is a registered trademark and Indeo
`is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Active Desktop, Active Directory, ActiveMovie, Active Platform. ActiveX,
`Authenticode. BackOffice. DirectInput, DirectX, Microsoft, Microsoft Press. MS-DOS. MSN. NetMeeting,
`NetShow, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual l++, WebTV, WebTV Network, Win32. Win32s, Windows.
`Windows NT, and XENIX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
`United States and/or other countries. PANTONE is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Other product and
`company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
`
`The example companies. organizations, products. people. and events depicted herein are fictitious. No associa-
`tion with any real company. organization, product, person, or event is intended or should be inferred.
`
`Acquisitions Editor: Christey Balm
`Project Editor: Kim Fryer
`
`
`
`bum in
`
`business information system
`
`burn in vb. 1. To keep a new system or device running
`continuously so that any weak elements or compo-
`nents will fail early and can be found and corrected
`before the system becomes an integral part of the
`user's work routine. Such a test is often performed at
`the factory before a device is shipped. 2. To make a
`permanent change in the phosphor coating on the
`inside of a monitor screen by leaving the monitor on
`and keeping a bright, unchanging image on the
`screen for extended periods. Such an image will re-
`main visible after the monitor is turned off. Burning
`in was a danger with older PC monitors; it is no
`longer a concern with most new PC monitors. Also
`called ghosting.
`burst' n. Transfer of a block of data all at one time
`without a break. Certain microprocessors and certain
`buses have features that support various types of
`burst transfers. See also burst speed (definition 1).
`bursty vb. To break fanfold continuous-feed paper
`apart at its perforations, resulting in a stack of sepa-
`rate sheets.
`burster n. A device used to burst, or break apart at the
`perforations. fanfold continuous-feed paper.
`burst extended-data-out RAM n. See BEDO RAM.
`burst mode n. A method of data transfer in which
`information is collected and sent as a unit in one
`high-speed transmission. In burst mode, an input/
`output device takes control of a multiplexer channel
`for the time required to send its data. In effect, the
`multiplexer. which normally merges input from sev-
`eral sources into a single high-speed data stream,
`becomes a channel dedicated to the needs of one de-
`vice until the entire transmission has been sent. Burst
`mode is used both in communications and between
`devices in a computer system. See also burst'.
`burst rate n. See burst speed (definition 1).
`burst speed n. 1. The fastest speed at which a device
`can operate without interruption. For example. vari-
`ous communications devices (as on networks) can
`send data in bursts, and the speed of such equipment
`is sometimes measured as the burst speed (the speed
`of data transfer while the burst is being executed).
`Also called burst rate. 2. The number of characters
`per second that a printer can print on one line with-
`out a carriage return or linefeed. Burst speed mea-
`sures the actual speed of printing, without
`consideration of the time taken to advance paper or
`to move the print head back to the left margin. Al-
`
`most always. the speed claimed by the manufacturer
`is the burst speed. By contrast, throughput is the
`number of characters per second when one or more
`entire pages of text are being printed and is a more
`practical measurement of printer speed in real-life
`situations.
`bursty adj. Transmitting data in spurts, or bursts.
`rather than in a continuous stream.
`bus n. A set of hardware lines (conductors) used for
`data transfer among the components of a computer
`system. A bus is essentially a shared highway that
`connects different parts of the system—including the
`processor, disk-drive controller, memory, and input/
`output ports—and enables them to transfer informa-
`tion. The bus consists of specialized groups of lines
`that carry different types of information. One group
`of lines carries data; another carries memory ad-
`dresses (locations) where data items are to be found;
`yet another carries control signals. Buses are charac-
`terized by the number of bits they can transfer at a
`single time, equivalent to the number of wires within
`the bus, A computer with a 32-bit address bus and a
`16-bit data bus, for example, can transfer 16 bits of
`data at a time from any of memory locations.
`Most PCs contain one or more expansion slots into
`which additional boards can be plugged to connect
`them to the bus.
`bus enumerator n. A device driver that identifies de-
`vices located on a specific bus and assigns a unique
`identification code to each device. The bus enumera-
`tor is responsible for loading information about the
`devices onto the hardware tree. See also bus, device
`driver, hardware tree.
`bus extender n. 1. A device that expands the capacity
`of a bus. For example. IBM PC/AT computers used a
`bus extender to add onto the earlier PC bus and allow
`the use of 16-bit expansion boards in addition to 8-
`bit boards. See also bus. 2. A special board used by
`engineers to raise an add-on board above the
`computer's cabinet, making it easier to work on the
`circuit board.
`business graphics )1. See presentation graphics.
`business information system n. A combination of
`computers, printers, communications equipment, aid
`other devices designed to handle data. A completely
`automated business information system receives,
`processes, and stores data; transfers information
`needed; and produces reports or printouts on de-
`
`66
`
`
`
`database
`database (cid:9)
`
`data conferencing
`
`database n. A file composed of records, each contain-
`database n. A file composed ofrecords, each contain-
`ing fields together with a set of operations for search-
`ing fields together with a set of operations for search-
`ing, sorting, recombining, and other functions.
`ing, sorting, recombining, and other functions.
`database administrator n. One who manages a data-
`database administrator n. One who manages a data-
`base. The administrator determines the content, inter-
`base. The administrator determines the content, inter-
`nal structure, and access strategy for a database,
`nal structure, and access strategy for a database,
`defines security and integrity, and monitors perfor-
`defines security and integrity, and monitors perfor-
`mance. Acronym: DBA. Also called database manager.
`matce. Acronym: DBA. Also called database manager.
`database analyst n. One who provides the analytic
`database analyst n. One who provides the analytic
`functions needed to design and maintain applications
`functions needed to design and maintain applications
`requiring a database.
`requiring a database.
`database designer n. One who designs and implements
`database designer n. One who designs and implements
`functions required for applications that use a database.
`functions required for applications that use a database.
`database engine n. The program module or modules
`database engine n. The program module or modules
`that provide access to a database management system
`that provide access to a database management system
`(DBMS).
`(DBMS).
`database machine n. 1. A peripheral that executes
`database machine n. 1. A peripheral that executes
`database tasks, thereby relieving the main computer
`database tasks, thereby relieving the main computer
`from performing them. 2. A database server that per-
`from performing them. 2. A database server that per-
`forms only database tasks.
`forms only database tasks.
`database management system n. A software inter-
`database management system n. A software inter-
`face between the database and the user. A database
`face between the database and the user. A database
`management system handles user requests for data-
`management system handles user requests for data-
`base actions and allows for control of security and
`base actions and allows for control of security and
`data integrity requirements. Acronym: DBMS. Also
`data integrity requirements. Acronym: DBMS. A/so
`called database manager. See also database engine.
`called database manager. See also database engine.
`database manager n. See database administrator,
`database manager n. See database administrator,
`database management system.
`database management system.
`database publishing n. The use of desktop publishing
`database publishing n. The use of desktop publishing
`or Internet technology to produce reports containing
`or Internet technology to produce reports containing
`information obtained from a database.
`information obtained from a database.
`database server n. A network node, or station, dedi-
`database server ,?. A network node, or station, dedi-
`cated to storing and providing access to a shared data-
`cated to storing and providing access to a shared data-
`base. Also called database machine.
`base. A/so called database machine.
`database structure n. A general description ofthe
`database structure n. A general description of the
`format of records in a database, including the number
`format of records in a database, including the number
`of fields, specifications regarding the type of data that
`of fields, specifications regarding the type of data that
`can be entered in each field, and the field names used.
`can be entered in each field, and the field names used.
`data bit n. In asynchronous communications, one of a
`data bit n. In asynchronous communications, one of a
`group of from 5 to 8 bits that represents a single char-
`group of from 5 to 8 bits that represents a single char-
`acter of data for transmission. Data bits are preceded
`acter of data for transmission. Data bits are preceded
`by a start bit and followed by an optional parity bit
`by a start bit and followed by an optional parity bit
`and one or more stop bits. See also asynchronous
`and one or more stop bits. See also asynchronous
`transmission, bit, communications parameter.
`transmission, bit, communications parameter.
`data buffer n. An area in memory where data is tem-
`data buffer n. An area in memory where data is tem-
`porarily stored while being moved from one location
`porarily stored while being moved from one location
`to another. See also buffer'.
`to another. See also bufferl.
`
`data bus n. See bus.
`data bus n. See bus.
`data cable n. Fiber-optic or wire cable used to transfer
`data cable n. Fiber-optic or wire cable used to transfer
`data from one device to another.
`data from one device to another.
`data capture n. 1. The collection of information at the
`data capture n. 1. The collection ofinformation at the
`time of a transaction. 2. The process of saving on a
`time of a transaction. 2. The process of saving on a
`storage medium a record of interchanges between a
`storage medium a record of interchanges between a
`user and a remote information utility.
`user and a remote information utility.
`data carrier n. See carie.r (definition 1).
`data carrier n. See carrier (definition 1).
`Data Carrier Detected n. See DCD (definition l).
`Data Carrier Detected n. See DCD (definition 1).
`data chaining z. The process of storing segments of
`data chaining n. The process of storing segments of
`data in noncontiguous locations while retaining the
`data in noncontiguous locations while retaining the
`ability to reconnect them in the proper sequence.
`ability to reconnect them in the proper sequence.
`data channel n. See channel (definition 1).
`data channel n. See channel (definition 1).
`data collection n. 1. The process of acquiring source
`data collection n. 1. The process of acquiring source
`documents or data. 2. The grouping of data by means
`documents or data. 2. The grouping ofdata by means
`of classification, sorting, ordering, and other organiz-
`of classification, sorting, ordering, and other organiz-
`ing methods.
`ing methods.
`datacom n. Short for data communications. See com-
`datacom n. Short for data communications. See com-
`munications.
`munications.
`data communications r. See communications.
`data communications n. See communications.
`data compaction n. See data compression.
`data compaction n. See data compression.
`data compression n. A means of reducing the amount
`data compression n. A means of reducing the amount
`of space or bandwidth needed to store or transmit a
`of space or bandwidth needed to store or transmit a
`block of data, used in data communications, facsimile
`block of data, used in data communications, facsimile
`transmission, file storage and transfer, and CD-ROM
`transmission, hle storage and transfer, and CD-ROM
`publishing. Also called data compaction.
`publishing. Also called data compaction.
`data conferencing n. Simultaneous data communica-
`data conferencing z. Simultaneous data communica-
`tion among geographically separated participants in a
`tion among geographically separated participants in a
`meeting. Data conferencing involves whiteboards and
`meeting. Data conferencing involves whiteboards and
`other software that enable a single set of files at one
`other software that enable a single set of files at one
`location to be accessed and modified by all partici-
`location to be accessed and modified by all partici-
`pants. See the illustration. See also desktop
`pants. See the illustration. See also desktop
`conferencing, whiteboard. Compare video
`conferencing, whiteboard. Compare video
`conferencing.
`conferencing.
`
`Data conferencing.
`Data conferencing.
`
`L23
`123
`
`
`
`D
`
`digital audio/video connector (cid:9)
`
`Digital Micromirror Device j,
`
`digital audio/video connector n. An interface on
`some high-end video cards or TV tuner cards that
`allows the simultaneous transmission of digital audio
`and video signals. Also called DAV connector. See
`also interface (definition 3). video adapter.
`digital broadcast satellite n. See direct broadcast
`satellite.
`digital camera n. A type of camera that stores photo-
`graphed images electronically instead of on traditional
`film. A digital camera uses a CCD (charge-coupled
`device) element to capture the image through the lens
`when the operator releases the shutter in the camera;
`circuitry within the camera then stores the image cap-
`tured by the CCD in a storage medium such as solid-
`state memory or a hard disk. After the image has been
`captured, it is downloaded by cable to the computer
`using software supplied with the camera. Once stored
`in the computer, the image can be manipulated and
`processed much like the image from a scanner or re-
`lated input device. See also charge-coupled device.
`digital cash n. See e-money.
`digital certificate n. 1. An assurance that software
`downloaded from the Internet comes from a reputable
`source. A digital certificate provides information about
`the software—such as the identity of the author and
`the date on which the software was registered with a
`certificate authority (CA), as well as a measure of
`tamper-resistance. 2. A user identity card or "driver's
`license" for cyberspace. Issued by a certificate author-
`ity (CA), a digital certificate is an electronic creden-
`tial that authenticates a user on the Internet and
`intranets. Digital certificates ensure the legitimate
`online transfer of confidential information, money, or
`other sensitive materials by means of public encryp-
`tion technology. A digital certificate holder has two
`keys (strings of numbers): a private key held only by
`the user. for "signing" outgoing messages and de-
`crypting incoming messages; and a public key, for use
`by anyone. for encrypting data to send to a specific
`user. See also certificate authority, encryption, private
`key, public key.
`digital communications n. Exchange of communica-
`tions in which all information is transmitted in binary-
`encoded (digital) form.
`digital computer n. A computer in which operations
`are based on two or more discrete states. Binary digi-
`tal computers are based on two states, logical "on" and
`
`"off," represented by two voltage levels, arrange-
`ments of which are used to represent all types of
`information—numbers, letters, graphics symbols.
`and program instructions. Within such a computer,
`the states of various circuit components change con-
`tinuously to move, operate on, and save this infor-
`mation. Compare analog computer.
`Digital Darkroom n. A Macintosh program devel-
`oped by Silicon Beach Software for enhancement of
`black-and-white photographs or scanned images.
`digital data service n. See DDS:
`digital data transmission n. The transfer of informa-
`tion encoded as a series of bits rather than as a fluc-
`tuating (analog) signal in a communications ch
`digital display n. A video display capable of ren
`only a fixed number of colors or gray shades. Ex-
`amples of digital displays are IBM's Monochrome
`Display. Color/Graphics Display. and Enhanced
`Display. See also CGA. EGA. MDA. Compare ana-
`log display.
`digital DNA n. 1. Broadly, a reference to the bits
`comprise digital information, 2. In the gaming
`world, a technology called "Cyberlife" that
`biological DNA in the creation and developm
`trainable creatures known as Norris. Like real
`digital DNA is passed from parent to offspring
`determines the artificial creature's characteris
`and adaptability.
`digital fiat panel port n. An interface designed to
`allow direct connection between a flat panel
`for and a computer without requiring an anal
`digital conversion. Acronym DFR
`digital tight processing projector n. See DIY
`digital line n. A communications line that c
`formation only in binary-encoded (digital)
`minimize distortion and noise interference, a
`line uses repeaters to regenerate the signal
`cally during transmission. See also repeater.
`pare analog line.
`digital linear tape n. A magnetic storage m
`used to back up data. Digital linear tape allows
`faster transfer of data compared with other tape
`nologies. Acronym: DLT.
`Digital Micromirror Device n. The circuit
`ogy behind Texas Instruments' Digital Light
`Mg, used in image projectors. A Digital Mi
`
`138
`
`
`
`applications as television and film,
`to weather mapping, machine vision.
`-based pattern recognition. See also
`ent, video digitizer.
`n. A light-sensitive integrated circuit or
`ted circuits used in scanners. digital
`video cameras.
`a. A typesetting device that can transfer
`y text and artwork from computer files
`paper or film. Imagesetters print at high
`(commonly above 1,000 dpi) and are usu-
`pt-compatible.
`member n. A number that must be ex-
`the product of a real number and i, where
`sum of an imaginary number and a real
`a complex number. Although imaginary
`are not directly encountered in the uni-
`te "1.544i megabits per second"), some
`titles, especially in electrical engineer-
`mathematically like the real and imagi-
`of complex numbers. Compare complex
`real number.
`n. The processes involved in the capture,
`s. display. and printing of graphical images.
`fmap-fort rt. Acronym for Internet Message
`t Protocol 4. The latest version of IMAP, a
`I for an e-mail program to gain access to
`and bulletin-board messages stored on a mail
`Unlike POP3, a similar protocol. IMAP al-
`user to retrieve messages efficiently from
`ban one computer. Compare POP3.
`See Internet Mail Consortium.
`n. Acronym for in my humble opinion. IMHO.
`e-mail and in online forums, flags a statement
`e writer wants to present as a personal opinion
`than as a statement of fact. See also IMO.
`in Game n. See Turing test.
`ate access n. See direct access, random access.
`ate operand n. A data value, used in the ex-
`a of an assembly language instruction, that is
`aed in the instruction itself rather than pointed
`m address in the instruction.
`ate printing n. A process in which text and
`ig commands are sent directly to the printer
`it being stored as a printing file and without
`of an intermediate page-composition prove-
`r a file containing printer setup commands.
`
`inclusive OR
`
`IMO rt. Acronym for in my opinion. A shorthand
`phrase used often in e-mail and Internet news and
`discussion groups to indicate an author's admission
`that a statement he or she has just made is a matter of
`judgment rather than fact. See also IhiHO.
`impact printer n. A printer, such as a wire-pin dot-
`matrix printer or a daisy-wheel printer, that drives an
`inked ribbon mechanically against the paper to form
`marks. See also daisy-wheel printer, dot-matrix
`printer. Compare nonimpact printer.
`impedance n. Opposition to the flow of alternating
`current. Impedance has two aspects: resistance, which
`impedes both direct and alternating current and is al-
`ways greater than zero: and reactance, which impedes
`alternating current only. varies with frequency. and can
`be positive or negative. See also resistance.
`import vb. To bring information from one system or
`program into another. The system or program receiv-
`ing the data must somehow support the internal for-
`mat or structure of the data. Conventions such as the
`TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) and PICT formats
`(for graphics files) make importing easier. See also
`PICT. TIFF. Compare export.
`inactive window n. In an environment capable of dis-
`playing multiple on-screen windows, any window
`other than the one currently being used for work. An
`inactive window can be partially or entirely hidden
`behind another window, and it remains inactive until
`the user selects it. Compare active window.
`in-band signaling n. Transmission within the voice
`or data-handling frequencies of a communication
`channel.
`in-betweening n. See tween.
`Inbox n. In many e-mail applications, the default
`mailbox where the program stores incoming mes-
`sages. See also e-mail, mailbox. Compare Outbox.
`incident light n. The light that strikes a surface in
`computer graphics. See also illuminance.
`in-circuit emulator n. See ICE (definition 2).
`INCLUDE directive a. A statement within a source-
`code file that causes another source-code file to be
`read in at that spot. either during compilation or dur-
`ing execution. It enables a programmer to break up a
`program into smaller files and enables multiple pro-
`grams to use the same files.
`inclusive OR n. See OR.
`
`231.
`
`
`
`Maned development environment
`
`intelligence
`
`r 1.2 Types of Integrated Circuits
`Elements
`Ivory
`in the lOs
`I-scale integration (SSI)
`in the 100s
`0u-scale integration (MSI)
`Pat* integration (LSI)
`in the 1.000s
`in the
`-large-scale integration
`100.000s
`irLSD
`i-laree-scale integration
`1.000,000
`LSI)
`or more
`grated development environment n. A set of
`:grated tools for developing software. The tools
`generally run from one user interface and consist
`a compiler, an editor, and a debugger. among oth-
`Acronym: IDE.
`Fated Device Electronics n. See IDE (defini-
`it I).
`rated injection logic n. A type of circuit design
`t uses both NPN and PNP transistors and does not
`Aire other components, such as resistors. Such
`exits are moderately fast, consume little power.
`I can be manufactured in very small sizes. Acro-
`a: FL, Ill.. Also called merged transistor logic.
`r also NPN transistor, PNP transistor.
`prated Services Digital Network n. See ISDN.
`grated Services LAN n. See isochronous network
`pined software n. A program that combines sev-
`eral applications, such as word processing, database
`management. and spreadsheets. in a single package.
`Such software is "integrated" in two ways: it can
`Inetsfer data from one of its applications to another.
`Helping users coordinate tasks and merge information
`created with the different software tools; and it pro-
`vides the user with a consistent interface for choos-
`leg commands, managing files, and otherwise
`interacting with the programs so that the user will not
`have to master several, often very different, pro-
`grams. The applications in an integrated software
`package are often not, however, designed to offer as
`much capability as single applications, nor does inte-
`grated software necessarily include all the applica-
`tions needed in a particular environment.
`itegration n. 1. In computing. the combining of dif-
`ferent activities, programs. or hardware components
`into a functional unit. See also integral modem, inte-
`grated software. ISDN. 2. In electronics, the process
`
`of packing multiple electronic circuit elements on a
`single chip. See also integrated circuit. 3. In math-
`ematics, specifically calculus. a procedure performed
`on an equation and related to finding the area under a
`given curve or the volume within a given shape.
`integrator n. A circuit whose output represents the
`integral, with respect to time. of the input signal—
`that is. its total accumulated value over time. See the
`illustration. Compare differentiator.
`
`Input
`
`Output
`
`0
`-0
`
`a
`E
`
`Time
`
`Integrator. An example of the action of an integrator circuit.
`integrity n. The completeness and accuracy of data
`stored in a computer. especially after it has been ma-
`nipulated in some way. See also data integrity.
`intellectual property n. Content of the human intel-
`lect deemed to be unique and original and to have
`marketplace value—and thus to warrant protection
`under the law. Intellectual property includes but is
`not limited to ideas; inventions; literary works;
`chemical, business. or computer processes: and com-
`pany or product names and logos. Intellectual prop-
`erty protections fall into four categories: copyright
`(for literary works, art, and music), trademarks (for
`company and product names and logos), patents (for
`inventions and processes). and trade secrets (for reci-
`pes, code, and processes). Concern over defining and
`protecting intellectual property in cyberspace has
`brought this area of the law under intense scrutiny.
`intelligence n. 1. The ability of hardware to process
`information. A device without intelligence is said to
`be dumb; for example, a dumb terminal connected to
`a computer can receive input and display output but
`cannot process information independently. 2. The
`ability of a program to monitor its environment and
`initiate appropriate actions to achieve a desired state.
`For example. a program waiting for data to be read
`from disk might switch to another task in the mean-
`time. 3. The ability of a program to simulate human
`thought. See also artificial intelligence. 4. The ability
`of a machine such as a robot to respond appropriately
`to changing stimuli (input).
`
`239
`
`(cid:9)
`
`
`tch
`
`layered interface
`
`and ISDN are methods for providing high-speed last-
`mile data service through twisted-pair copper wires.
`See also DSL, ISDN, twisted-pair wiring. Compare
`local loop.
`A circuit or circuit element used to maintain a
`particular state, such as an or off, or logical true or
`false. A latch changes state only in response to a par-
`ticular input. See also flip-flop.
`binding n. See dynamic binding.
`!ncy n. The time required for a signal to travel
`from one point on a network to another. See also
`ping' (definition 1).
`TeX' or LATEX n. A document preparation system
`based on TeX. developed by Leslie Lamport. By us-
`ing simple. intuitive commands for text elements
`such as headers. LaTeX lets the user focus more on
`document content than document appearance. See
`uLso header (definition 1), TeX.
`11WV vb. To process a LaTeX file. See also LaTeX'.
`ech vb. To activate an application program (espe-
`cially on the Macintosh) from the operating system's
`user interface.
`!weber n. In Mac OS. a program that organizes fre-
`quently used applications and programs and that allows
`the user to execute them with a single mouse click.
`leper n. 1. The protocol or protocols operating at a par-
`ticular level within a protocol suite, such as IP within
`the TCP/IP suite. Each layer is responsible for provid-
`kg specific services or functions for computers ex-
`dtanging information over a communications network
`(such as the layers in the ISO/O51 reference model)
`and information is passed from one layer to the next.
`Although different suites have varying numbers of
`lents, generally the highest layer deals with software
`motractions at the application level, and the lowest
`governs hardware-level connections between different
`computers. See the table. See also ISO/OSI reference
`model. protocol stack, TCP/113. 2. In communications
`mad distributed processing. a set of rules and standards
`drat handles a particular class of events.
`buffed architecture ri. The division of a network
`model into multiple discrete layers, or levels. through
`which messages pass as they are prepared for trans-
`mission. In a layered architecture. protocols at each
`ker provide specific services or functions and rely
`ma protocols in the layers above and below them for
`ler needed services, See also protocol.
`
`Table L.1 Layers in she ISO/051 reference model.
`
`ISO/OSI layer (cid:9)
`Application (cid:9)
`(highest level) (cid:9)
`Presentation (cid:9)
`
`Session (cid:9)
`
`Transport (cid:9)
`
`Network (cid:9)
`
`Data-link (cid:9)
`
`Physical (cid:9)
`
`Focus
`Program-to-program
`transfer of information
`Text formatting and display,
`code conversion
`Establishing, maintaining. and
`coordinating communication
`Accurate delivery, service
`quality
`Transport routes, message
`handling and transfer
`Coding. addressing, and
`transmitting information
`Hardware connections
`
`layered interface n. In programming. one or more
`levels of routines lying between an application and
`the computing hardware and separating activities
`according to the type of task the activities are de-
`signed to carry out. 'Ultimately. such an interface
`makes it easier to adapt a program to different types
`of equipment. See the illustration.
`
`Application
`program
`
`Application
`program
`
`User mode
`
`Kernel mode
`
`System
`
`y
`File system
`
`Memory and I/O device management
`
`Layered interface.
`
`263
`
`(cid:9)
`
`
`ROT13 encryption
`
`row
`
`servers at lower levels of the hierarchy, the DNS is
`able to match a "friendly" Internet address. such as
`rnicrosoft.com, with its numerical counterpart, the IP
`address. Root servers thus contain the data needed
`for referrals to name servers at the highest level of
`the hierarchy. There are 13 root servers in the world.
`located in the United States, the United Kingdom,
`Sweden, and Japan. Also called root name server.
`See also DNS (definition 1), DNS server, top-level
`domain.
`ROT13 encryption n. A simple encryption method in
`which each letter is replaced with the letter of the
`alphabet 13 letters after the original letter, so that A
`is replaced by N, and so forth; N, in turn, is replaced
`by A. and Z is replaced by M. ROT13 encryption is
`not used to protect messages against unauthorized
`readers; rather, it is used in newsgroups to encode
`messages that a user may not want to read, such as
`se