Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to appropriate section of the glossary or type the term on which you want to search.

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ASP

(Active Server Page) a Microsoft system for developing Web pages. ASP is an HTML document that contains embedded server-side scripting. Web servers compatible with ASP can execute these server-side scripts. On the user side, an ASP is a standard HTML document viewable using any Web browser. see HTML.

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assembler

a program that translates assembly language into machine language. see assembly language, machine language.

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assembly language

programming language that is one step more complex than machine language which is the lowest level programming language.

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assicons

a funny variation on smileys and emoticons.

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associate

to designate that a particular file always be opened with a specific program. Some files may only be opened with specific software while the user may be able to choose one of several applications when opening certain files.

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asterisk

( * ) the star shaped character on the computer or typewriter keyboard used to mark a footnote. In many computer operating systems and applications an asterisk is used as a wildcard symbol. see wildcard.

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Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

see ADSL

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Asynchronous Transfer Mode

see ATM

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ATM

(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) A network technology for both local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs) that supports realtime voice and video as well as data. The topology uses switches that establish a logical circuit from end to end, which guarantees quality of service (QoS). However, unlike telephone switches that dedicate circuits end to end, unused bandwidth in ATM's logical circuits can be appropriated when needed. For example, idle bandwidth in a videoconference circuit can be used to transfer data.

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attachment

(attached file) an added file attached to an email transmission. Most modern email programs allow users to attach files simply by left clicking on an “Attach File” button and following directions. The file must be opened independently of the email message.