|
|
|
Glossary of Internet & Computer 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
-
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
|
|
|
|
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.
|
programming language- the instructions used in creating computer programs. There are a great number of programming languages in existence and no one language is suitable for writing all types of programs. The language a programmer uses to create an application will depend on the desired properties of the program. Some programming languages lend themselves to mathematical and analytical functions while others are better suited for creating business or data processing applications. The programming language field is wide and complex, encompassing a large number of disciplines.
PROM- (Programmable Read-only Memory) a type of memory chip that differs from RAM in that once a program has been written to the chip, it cannot be changed.
prompt- a request by a computer asking the user to do something such as enter information. In most cases, the computer will cease functioning until the request is met. For example, when logging on to the Internet, the computer will ask for a password before connecting.
proprietary- features exclusive to a particular company’s product that add distinctive qualities to the product and often give it an edge in the marketplace. A proprietary component of a software program may be protected by a trademark or copyright and is not available to other manufacturers for use. For example, Worden Brothers, the creators of TC2000 stock tracking software, have included in their software a proprietary feature called Moneystream. This tool measures institutional and individual investor dollars flowing into and out of a stock, but only Worden Brothers know the exact parameters used for measuring Moneystream. Proprietary features are present in many hardware devices as well as in software.
protected mode- a computer standard that guarantees particular programs receive a portion of memory for individual operation.
protocol- a pre-set parameter used by a computer to communicate with another computer over a network. Protocols include how data is compressed, and the method for recognizing and acknowledging the sender of data over a modem.
proxy server- existing between a client Web browser and a real server, a computer that caches common and often requested Web pages and holds them for easier access by users. Proxy servers allow for faster access to Web pages for groups of users in a particular area. For example, quick access to popular online services such as America Online is provided by AOL’s many proxy servers, which are positioned regionally.
public domain- software, clipart, photographs, music and other intellectual property that is available for use by the general public for free. Public domain items may be un-copyrighted or intellectual property where the copyright has run out and now available for anyone to use.
pull- to call for information from a Web server. The majority of Internet activity is currently based on pull technology. That is, a user requests information from a server. The opposing concept, called push, is oriented toward a user having information broadcast or transmitted to them as a subscriber.
pull-down menu- a list of options or selections a user calls for by selecting a choice offered from a menu bar or other on-screen prompt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
A few words from Tech Support:
"If you need to buy a computer for your daughter in college, feel free to pick our brains while we're taking a leak. We're good at talking shop with our dicks in our hands."
|
|
|
 |
