America Online, commonly known as AOL, played a pivotal role in the adoption of Internet services in the 1990s, offering dial-up service, online messaging, and various digital media services.
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as decision-making, speech recognition, visual perception, and language translation.
Automation refers to the process of operating devices or systems using automatic techniques, which may involve mechanical, electronic, or robotic methods.
In computing terminology, a 'Black Box' frequently refers to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), or any device that delivers answers to complex problems without revealing the inner working or processes involved.
A cellular telephone, or cell phone, is a wireless telephone that communicates through a network of antenna towers, commonly known as cells. Users are automatically transferred from cell to cell as they move, ensuring continuous communication.
Cisco Systems, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a leading provider of high-speed networking hardware and telecommunications technology.
A clone is an exact or nearly exact duplicate of an original entity. In biology, clones refer to genetically identical copies of an organism. In business and technology contexts, cloning refers to duplicating digital devices or media.
Cloud computing offers a modern approach to computing where end users connect to a network of remote servers to run applications, store data, and leverage computing power, enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for local infrastructure.
In the context of technology and computing, the term 'compatible' refers to the ability of two devices or systems to work together without special adaptation. This typically means that hardware or software from different manufacturers can operate in conjunction with one another seamlessly.
The term 'core' has multiple definitions across various fields including technology, economics, and hardware, among others. This article provides a detailed definition, examples, frequently asked questions, related terms, and suggested resources for further study.
Data compression is a technology that reduces the size of a computer file, which is especially crucial for files used on Web pages, like graphics and sound files. Compression methods are categorized as lossless or lossy.
Disintermediation refers to the removal of intermediaries from financial transactions. This process, driven by technology, deregulation, and globalization, reduces costs but may increase credit risk.
A computer memory device consisting of a platter with a magnetically encoded surface that retrieves data by being spun past read heads. Disks can be internal (hard disks) or removable. A common example is the Compact Disc (CD).
The term 'dot-com' refers to companies and businesses that operate primarily on the Internet and have a web presence, typically associated with the .com (commercial) domain extension.
An electronic typewriter is an advanced version of the traditional typewriter that features electrical components to enhance the typing experience, typically including memory storage, spell-check, and sometimes a small display screen.
Exporting is the process of shipping goods produced in one country for sale in another and the transfer of data from one computer or application to another. This term has significant relevance in international trade and data handling.
Facebook is a popular social networking site launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard College roommates in 2004, which allows users to connect with friends, family, and other people around the world.
Facsimile transmission, often referred to as 'fax,' is the telephonic transmission of scanned printed material (both text and images) to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device.
An enthusiastic computer specialist; a person with an intense interest in computers to the exclusion of other human activities. The term is usually not considered an insult.
Google is a search engine owned by Google Inc., recognized as the largest and most popular on the Web. Its influence has become so pervasive that 'google' has been adopted as a verb in the English language.
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a user-friendly way of interacting with a computer that utilizes visual elements such as icons, menus, and a pointer device. GUIs help simplify commands and improve the overall user experience by providing intuitive and accessible controls.
Growth accounting is a method used in economics to determine the contribution of different factors (such as labor, capital, and technology) to economic growth.
An inkjet printer is a type of printer that forms characters and images by firing tiny droplets of ink onto paper. It is often used as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive laser printer for various printing applications.
An integrated circuit, abbreviated as IC, is an electronic device consisting of many miniature transistors and other circuit elements on a single silicon chip. These components work together to perform complex functions, making ICs fundamental to modern electronic devices.
Internet Explorer is a popular web browser developed by Microsoft. It was one of the most widely used web browsers in the early 2000s until it was gradually phased out in favor of more modern browsers.
The iPad, a hugely successful mobile tablet computer produced by Apple Inc., revolutionized mobile computing and expanded the use of apps since its 2010 release.
The iPhone is a popular portable phone that also serves as a web browser, camera, and music and video player developed by Apple Inc.
A laptop, also known as a notebook computer, is a small, portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor, typically having a thin LCD or LED computer screen mounted on the inside top lid of the clamshell and an alphanumeric keyboard on the inside of the bottom lid. Laptops are designed for mobile use and can run on a battery or an external power supply.
A line printer is a high-speed printer used for computer output, capable of printing an entire line of text at once and achieving high speeds suitable for large-scale printing tasks.
Low-tech products use earlier or less developed technology, often characterized by simplicity and ease of use. These products typically have fewer technological complexities and are designed to fulfill basic needs or functions without incorporating advanced technical elements.
A printed pattern that can be read or scanned by a specific device, usually an electronic device. This technology is crucial for various applications such as grocery product labels, checks, and more.
A Multifunction Device (MFD) refers to an office machine that incorporates the functions of multiple devices in one, such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. These devices are designed to improve operational efficiency, save space, and reduce costs.
OEM refers to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. The term also describes software or supplies initially bundled with computer peripherals.
Open architecture is a type of computer architecture whose details are made fully public, allowing other manufacturers to create compatible hardware and software. The architecture of the original IBM PC is an example of open architecture.
A patch is a small alteration to a computer program, primarily installed as a correction. Though patches are mainly used to fix bugs or plug security vulnerabilities, they can also add functionalities to enhance an aging program's competitiveness.
Patent warfare refers to the practice of utilizing multiple patents with varied expiration dates covering different aspects of the same invention, intending to block competition post the original patent's expiration.
PC or P.C. stands for Personal Computer, typically referring to a general-purpose computer for individual use. It also stands for Professional Corporation, a legal business entity formed by certain professionals who provide licensed services in various fields.
A personal computer (PC) is a versatile computer designed for use by an individual. The term PC historically refers to IBM-compatible computers, in contrast to Apple Macintosh computers.
A mathematical formula that describes the relationship between various inputs and the output they produce, often used to analyze the efficiency and productivity of firms or entire industries.
The term 'Pushing the Envelope' involves working close to, or at, the extent of personal, physical, or technological limits, often to achieve groundbreaking advancements or surpass existing limitations.
RFID is the use of radio signals to recognize, from a few feet away, a tiny device (RFID chip) built into items such as price tags, ID cards, and passports. It is also used for tracking pets through subdermal implants.
Refresh in computing refers to the action of clearing part or all of a computer screen and redrawing it. It is commonly used to resolve issues such as web pages 'hanging' or not loading properly.
Reverse engineering is the process whereby a competitor's product is completely dismantled to learn everything about it, usually for the purpose of replication.
Technology refers to the developed applications for industry and the industrial arts, used to enhance and streamline processes through the use of applied science. It encompasses advancements in various fields such as electronics, computer science, and engineering.
A touchpad is a built-in pointing device for laptops and notebooks that serves as a substitute for an external mouse, enabling users to navigate and interact with their devices using finger gestures.
Voice recognition refers to a computer's ability to recognize spoken commands and act on them as if they were keyboard or mouse commands, and to enable dictation input. Despite advancements, the technology is still evolving and can produce errors even after training to accommodate a user's accent and speech.
Windows, a graphical user interface introduced by Microsoft in the 1980s, revolutionized the way users interacted with computers by providing a user-friendly and visually appealing environment, significantly impacting personal and business computing.
The term 'wipeout' refers to the complete erasure or removal of data, which can occur deliberately or inadvertently, often in digital contexts such as computers, disks, or storage devices.
