Glossary

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Landline
Refers to standard communications systems that use fixed, in-ground and telephone pole cables as opposed to wireless services.

Laptop/Notebook
A portable computer that's not confined to one location and can typically fit in a user's lap.

• See also: Desktop

Laser Printer
A popular type of printer that uses dry ink or toner to produce pages that don't smear upon output. Appropriate for high printing needs.

• See also: Inkjet Printer

Latency
The time between initiating a request in a computer and receiving an answer.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
A display technology used in flat-panel monitors.

• See also: Flat Panel/Screen

Local Area Network (LAN)
A communications network within a building or complex.

• See also: Wireless LAN (WLAN)

Local Loop
The connection between a carrier's central office to the phone lines in a subscriber's home or office.

Local Storage
Refers to storing content at a user's location.

Macintosh (Mac)
Apple Computer's brand of personal computer.

• See also: Personal Computer (PC)

Malware
A harmful program designed to destroy or disrupt a user's computer.

• See also: Virus, Spyware

Media Center PC
A computer that's made to combine multiple entertainment devices into one unit.

Mobile
Wireless technology that travels with a user, such as a laptop or cell phone.

Modem
A device that enables a computer to transmit and receive information over telephone lines.

Monitor
The TV-like part of the computer that displays information.

• See also: Display

MP3
A file containing a song or other audio data that uses the MPEG standard.

• See also: MPEG, Napster

MPEG-1/2/3/4
A family of standards designed by the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) for the delivery of video to consumer devices. Each number specifies its own data rate and resolution.

Multifunction Printer (MFP)
A printer that can also send faxes, scan documents and make copies.

• See also: All-In-One Printer

Multimedia
A variety of technologies that combine visual and audio media for the purpose of communication and/or entertainment.

Napster
A subscription-based MP3 music download service.

• See also: MP3

Network
A wired or wireless system, such as the Internet, that transmits voice, video and/or data between users.

• See also: Internet

Network Adapter
A device that connects a computer to a network.

Networked Storage
Refers to data files kept on a central storage system, such as a server, rather than one's own computer.

• See also: Storage

Offline
Describes a connection that is broken or not connected to the Internet.

• See also: Online

On Demand
Refers to receiving a service when asked for, not according to a predetermined schedule.

Online
Describes an active connection to the Internet.

• See also: Offline

Open Source
Any program whose code is available for use or modification by others.

Optical Digital Cable
Offers one of the best reproductions of digital signals available as long as cables aren't bent.

Pager
A pocket-size device that receives alert signals and/or short messages.

Pay As You Go
Service that is paid for as it's used, instead of billed for at the end of each month.

Personal Computer (PC)
Refers to a personal computer, including desktops and laptops, designed for a single user.

• See also: Desktop, Laptop, Macintosh (Mac)

PC Card
A credit card-size memory or input/output device that fits into a computer.

Peer-To-Peer Communications (P2P)
The transmission of files between two similar computers over a network.

Peripheral Device
A device that connects into a computer, such as a printer, keyboard or mouse.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Handheld electronic devices, such as a BlackBerry, that lets a user access the Internet, send e-mail, organize a schedule and more.

• See also: Handheld, Blackberry

Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
Records, saves and plays back TV programs from a hard drive instead of traditional video tape. Also known as a "DVR." TiVo is a popular brand.

• See also: DVR

Pixels
Tiny dots that make up a picture.

• See also: DPI

Plasma
Display technology used in many large-screen, flat-panel TVs.

Plug and Play
Automatic set-up of peripheral devices to a computer, such as a printer or multimedia device.

• See also: Peripheral Device

Podcast
An audio broadcast that has been converted to an audio file for playback in a digital music player or computer.

Printer
A device that prints text and/or illustrations on paper.

• See also: Laser Printer, Inkjet Printer

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)
A device that connects telephones with the public telephone network.

Progressive Scanning
A method that transmits and presents an entire picture on a television screen in one pass, reducing flickering.

• See also: Interlaced Scanning

Protocol
An agreed-on format for transmitting data between two devices.