Abuse@ucla.edu

UCLA's mechanism for reporting any real or perceived abuses of computers or technology.

ACD

Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) software provides the capability to distribute a large number of incoming calls placed to one or more directory numbers among a fixed group of ACD agents.

AIS

UCLA's Administrative Information Systems department

AOL

America Online, an Internet Service Provider.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Exchange. ASCII files are often referred to as "text" files or "plain text" files. They contain no formatting information.

ATM

Asynchronous Transfer Model. See Webopedia's definition of ATM.

ATS

Academic Technology Services department.

AV

Audio-Visual.

B

bandwidth

The capacity of a network or data connection to transmit data.

B&AS

UCLA's Business & Administrative Services organization.

BBS

Bulletin Board Service.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. See Webopedia's definition of BIOS.

bit

bi nary digi t , the smallest unit of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1.

 

bits per second (or bps)

Measure of data transmission for a modem or network. As the name implies, bits per second is the number of bits that pass a certain point in one second.

BOL (Bruin OnLine)

A suite of software programs designed to help UCLA students, faculty, and staff set up their computer to use the campus network and the Internet. BOL is available for all the latest PC and Apple operating systems

browser (or Web browser)

An application (such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer) that locates and displays a Web page, allowing the user to interactively jump from place to place by selecting highlighted text or graphics. (See link.)

BruinCard

UCLA's enterprise-wide ID card.

Bruin OnLine (see BOL)

A suite of software programs designed to help UCLA students, faculty, and staff set up their computer to use the campus network and the Internet. BOL is available for all the latest PC and Apple operating systems

byte

Abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character . On almost all modern computers , a byte is equal to 8 bits

Cable Modem

Internet connection via your cable television connection.

CAD

Computer-aided Design

CalRen-2

California Research and Education Network.

Campus Backbone Network (CBN)

UCLA's campus-wide network infrastructure and link to the internet, maintained by Communications Technology Services.

Campus Directory

UCLA's campus telephone and email address directory.  Maintained by CTS and updated by departmental update coordinators.

CBT

Computer-Based Training. A self-training system for software and programming.

CCC

Campus Computing Cooperative.  IT consortium run by and consisting of a representative from each academic school or division at UCLA.

CDH

Center for Digital Humanities.

CDI

Center for Digital Innovation at UCLA's School of the Arts & Architecture.

CDL

California Digital Liibrary

CD-ROM

Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. A compact disc formatted for data storage. Most CD-ROMs can store 650 megabytes of data.

CENIC

Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California. CENIC is a statewide organization to develop network infrastructure for higher education institutions.

CGI

Common Gateway Interface. CGI is a part of a Web server that allows the functionality of a Web page to be extended by calling other programs on the server that perform actions beyond the scope of regular HTML. CGI programs can help make Web pages more interactive.

CIO

Chief Information Officer, a common corporate position managing enterprise-wide IT.

CITI

Committee on IT Infrastructure (formerly Enterprise Computing Committee )

CLICC

College Library Instructional Computing Commons

Client/server

A network arrangement with a server and one or more clients. Both the server and the clients are stand-alone computers. The server provides resources (such as data management) and allows clients to share information with each other. Examples of client/server applications used at UCLA include URSA (the Web-based Student Information System) and QDB (UCLA's Data Warehouse.

Cluster Computing

Scientific and research based computing architecture offered through Academic Technology Services.

CNSI

California Nanosystems Institute.

COBOL

Common Business Oriented Language. A programming language developed in the 1960s and still used in business applications.

Computer Labs

UCLA has many computer labs available to students.

 

Computing Resources Guide (students)

A guide to help students learn about campus resources related to computers and technology. 

CPU

Central Processing Unit. Think of the CPU, or microprocessor, as the brain of a computer system. The CPU is a chip that deciphers and initiates your commands.

CSC

Computing Support Coordinator.  Overall technology coordinator for an organization and representative to the campus wide CSC program.

CSG

Common Systems Group. The Common Systems Group (CSG) is a technical planning oversight committee appointed and chaired by the Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology.

CTS

Communications Technology Services, a B&AS department managing such things as the campus network, BOL, and telephone services,. See the CTS Web site.

Data Warehouse

General definition.  UCLA's Data Warehouse is called the QDB. 

DB

Database.

DBA

Database Administrator.

DCP

UCLA's Disabilities & Computing Program works closely with key partners on campus to help coordinate and provide computing services for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, UCLA's Disabilities and Computing Program

DDOS

Distributed Denial of Services attack

 

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. In some systems, the device's IP address can even change while it is still connected.

dial-up service

Internet access provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The user connects with the ISP using a modem connected to a telephone line. UCLA provides dial-up service for students, faculty, and staff through BruinOnLine.

digital

Using a limited, predetermined numbering system to measure or represent the flow of data. Modern computers are digital because they use the fixed binary digits 0 and 1 to represent all data.

Digital Imaging

Digital imaging is a wide field that includes digital photography , scanning , and composition and manipulation of bit-mapped graphics.

Digital Library

UCLA or California Digital Library

DIMM

Dual Inline Memory Module. A circuit board on which RAM memory chips are mounted.

distance learning

The integration of technology in educational courses whereby students may view and participate in lectures from various locations, or on an individual basis (using CD-ROMs, for instance). Various forms of computer-based communication (email, newsgroups, videoconferencing, electronic forums) may be used to facilitate class discussions, faculty "office hours," and communication among students and between faculty and students. (See the Office of Instructional Development.)

Distributed Denial of Services (DDOS)

An attack caused by virus, sending out so many messages/requests to a particular server that it is overwhelmed. An infected machine can send out thousands of requests.

DNS

Domain Name Service. In a Web address (URL), the domain name is the portion just after "http://". For example, in "http://www.ucla.edu/", the domain name is "www.ucla.edu". But having these addresses in text format is just a convenience for us humans. Computers see everything as numbers, including addressing information (see IP address). The Domain Name Service is simply a two-way translation so computers can understand the text-based addresses that are convenient for us to use, and so that we don't have to memorize long strings of numbers. Managed by Communications Technology Services.

download

To transfer a file from a remote computer - through a network connection or modem - to the hard drive of the user's computer.

dpi

Dots per inch. A resolution measure for printers and computer monitors.

DSA

Departmental Security Administrator.  Local departmental representative accountable for establishing central campus (AIS) logon IDs and access to applications.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line- DSL makes use of existing telephone wiring for high-speed connectivity. This allows DSL subscribers to access the Internet and use their telephone on the same line.

DUC

Directory Update Coordinator. The DUC is the person for your department who is responsible for updating phone numbers,email adresses and other related information in the UCLA Campus Directory . See UCLA Directory Services.

DVD

Digital Video Disc. A special type of CD-ROM with greater data storage capacity and access rate. Most commonly used as a medium for movies and other video data.

EDB

Employee DataBase. Maintained by the UC Office of the President, EDB is Personnel/Payroll System's primary repository of employee information.

electronic mail (Email)

An electronic document (usually a message) sent to a person or group on the Internet. When used as a verb, "email" refers to the act of sending such a document over the Internet.

Ergonomics

The science concerned with designing safe and comfortable machines for humans. The Environmental, Health and Safety department provides ergonomic services.

Ethernet

A local area network architecture that supports a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps. Ethernet is probably the most common way in which LANs are constructed. One particular implementation of Ethernet is 10baseT. A newer implementation, 100baseT, permits a 100 Mbps data transfer rate.

expansion card

A special purpose circuit board that can be inserted into your computer to give it additional capabilities. See for example network interface card.

FAQ

Frequently-Asked Questions. A common information resource on Web sites. FireWire (AKA IEEE 1394) -- A very fast external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b). Products supporting the 1394 standard go under different names, depending on the company. Apple, which originally developed the technology, uses the trademarked name FireWire . Other companies use other names, such as i.link and Lynx, to describe their 1394 products. A single 1394 port can be used to connect up 63 external devices. In addition to its high speed, 1394 also supports isochronous data -- delivering data at a guaranteed rate. This makes it ideal for devices that need to transfer high levels of data in real-time , such as video devices.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. A standard protocol for transferring files between computers over a network.

gigabyte (GB)

Amount of computer storage equivalent to approximately 1 billion bytes or 1,000 megabytes. This measurement is often used when measuring the capacity of hard drives or other storage devices.

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format. One of the two most commonly used formats for Web graphics. Best suited for illustrations and graphic art. See also JPEG.

GIS

Geographic Information System. Specialized database for storing and manipulating geographic information. Academic Technology Services supports the ArcGIS software used to access this data.

GPL

G eneral P ublic L icense , the license that accompanies some open source software that details how the software and its accompany source code can be freely copied, distributed and modified. The most widespread use of GPL is in reference to the GNU GPL, which is commonly abbreviated simply as GPL when it is understood that the term refers to the GNU GPL. One of the basic tenets of the GPL is that anyone who acquires the material must make it available to anyone else under the same licensing agreement. The GPL does not cover activities other than the copying, distributing and modifying of the source code. A GPL is also referred to as a copyleft , in contrast to a copyright that identifies the proprietary rights of material.

Gradebook

Faculty employ the Electronic Gradebook, so that students can access a range of new services, including online review of grades, academic progress, messages from their professors and other information that is viewable 24 hours a day over the Internet from their individual MyUCLA page.

GUI

Graphical User Interface. The most commonly used computer interface, exemplified by Microsoft Windows and MacOS. Typical elements of a GUI are a mouse interface and a system of visual directories that look like file folders.

hard drive

The main device a computer uses to permanently store and retrieve information. These drives are sealed boxes typically found inside the computer. Also called a "hard disk."

home page

The main page of a Web site that provides links to other pages on the site or related sites.

HSSEAS

Henry Samueli School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Also SEAS, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences)

HTML

HyperText Markup Language. A standardized programming language used to create electronic documents, especially Web pages, that contain connections (links) to other related documents.

HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The protocol that enables the World Wide Web.

hypertext

A system that links text, pictures, and programs in a file so that, when selected, it automatically displays a related file. Web pages are filled with hypertext.

BruinTech

UCLA's communication mechanism for all issues related to technology and computing.

information technology (field of)

General term used to describe technologies that help produce, manipulate, store, communicate, or disseminate information.

infrastructure

A network of interconnected computers and communications systems. Essential elements include wiring, fiber optics, radio, video and/or cellular broadcast signals.

Internet

A global network linking millions of computers for communications purposes. The Internet was developed in 1969 for the U.S. military and gradually grew to include educational and research institutions. In the last five years, connections to, and use of, the Internet have mushroomed, primarily due to the popularity of the Web and email.

Internet 2

Internet 2 is a nationwide project to develop the next generation of computer network applications to facilitate the research and education missions of universities. UC Davis has joined over 180 leading universities, in partnership with industry and government, to develop and deploy the advanced network applications and technologies that will comprise Internet 2. For more information, see the Internet 2 Web site.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An organization that provides access to the Internet, usually for a fee.

IP

Internet Protocol. See TCP for more information.

IP address

Internet Protocol address. The address of a computer on a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) network. IP addresses are written as four groups of up to three digits (e.g., 164.67.133.78).

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network. A high-speed networking infrastructure.

ISP

Internet Service Provider. An organization that provides access to the Internet, usually for a fee.

IT

Information Technology

ITPB

Information Technologies Planning Board. Part of the UCLA's campus governance structure for information technology.

JPEG

Joint Photographic Experts Group. Together with GIF, JPEG (or JPG) is one of the two commonly used image formats on the Web. JPEG format is best suited to photographic images.

Kbps

Kilobits per second. A measure of data transmission speed.

Kerberos password

A highly encrypted code that protects confidential or secure information from being accessed by unauthorized users.

kilobyte (KB)

An amount of storage equivalent to 1,024 bytes, or about 1,000 characters of information.

KST Data

Official UCLA contract supplier of PCs and peripherals for departmental or home use.

LAN

Local area network. Two or more computers, usually within a single room or building, that are connected so they can communicate and interact with each other.

laser printer

A type of printer that utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. Laser printers produce very high-quality print and are very adept at printing graphics. Because laser printers are nonimpact printers, they are much quieter than dot-matrix printers. They are also relatively fast, printing from about 4 to 20 pages of text per minute (ppm).

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. A type of display used especially in small portable electronic devices (digital watches & clocks, cell phones, PDAs, etc.)

LDAP

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. A set of protocols for accessing information directories.

link

On the Web, a connection that, when selected (or clicked on), will take users to another Web page. A link can be in the form of text (usually appearing as underlined blue text) or images which are coded to act as links. Links are also referred to as "hyperlinks."

Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system derived from the Unix operating system. It is used most commonly to run servers.

listserv (AKA email lists)

An email list server. A computer program that maintains lists of email addresses. Bruin Online manages the UCLA email list service, known as Mailman.

login

The process by which a user enters an account name and password to access a time-sharing computer.

LoginID

A two- to eight-character name that a user gives to his/her computing account. The LoginID is also known as login name, account name, usercode, or username.

LSIC

Life Sciences Instructional Computing

machine language

The language that computers can "understand," machine language is entirely numerical. Programs written by human beings must be translated by a computer into machine language before they can be used.

Magneto-Optical (MO) Drive

A type of disk drive that combines magnetic disk technologies with CD-ROM technologies. Like floppy disks, they are removable; however, they are faster than floppies and can store more than 200 megabytes.

Mailman

UCLA's campus wide system for managing email lists (previously call listservs).

mainframe

A very large computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers.

Mbps

Megabits (i.e., one million bits) per second. A measure of data transmission speed.

megabyte (MB)

A measurement of computer storage that equals 1,048,576 bytes. Bytes are typically represented in computer terminology by an upper case "B." Colloquially referred to as a "meg."

MHz

Megahertz, or one million cycles per second. A measure of the speed of a microprocessor (sometimes referred to as the computer's "clock speed").

MIME type

MIME stands for "Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions" and is a data specification which allows non-ASCII files to be sent over the Internet. Email programs (such as Eudora) and Web browsers are configured to interpret a variety of standard MIME types so they can transmit and receive graphics, audio, video, and formatted text files.

modem

A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line, and the most common way for people to connect to the Internet. There are two modems involved in making a connection: one that connects the user's computer to the phone jack and, at the other end of the line, the modem that communicates with a networked computer.

modem pool

Bruin OnLine provides modem dial-up access to the campus network through three banks (or pools) of 56Kbps modems. Access through all modem services requires a valid university LoginID and password. When a modem dials up the network, it is automatically switched to one of the available modems in that modem pool.

MP3

A digital audio format providing near-CD quality sound with relatively small file sizes.

MPEG

Motion Picture Experts Group. Refers to a multimedia graphics format.

multimedia

The combination of audio, video, animation, and graphics. Multimedia software presents information in all these contexts. Multimedia computers are required to run these types of programs.

my.ucla

NAM

Network Access Module. A special jack into which a printer or computer is plugged to connect to a network.

netiquette

Short for "Internet etiquette," netiquette refers to standards of courtesy in electronic communications.

network

A set of conjoined computers that can share storage devices, peripherals, and applications. Networks may be connected directly by cable connection, or indirectly by telephone lines or satellites, and can be part of a small-office system or global web of numerous other networks.

network access ports

On-campus stations (desks or booths) designated for laptop hookup to the Internet via the UCD campus network. All are equipped with special jacks called "NAMs" and electrical outlets.

network interface card

An expansion card that allows the computer to connect with a network.

newsgroup

A virtual forum focusing on a specific subject. The collected email entries (known as news articles) can be perused by all Internet users. On this campus, many newsgroups allow people to discuss academic and recreational interests.

NIC

See network interface card.

NOC

Network Operations Center, a unit of Communications Technology Services.

NOS

Network operating system. An operating system that includes extra capabilities for connecting computers and devices into a local area network.

NPACI

National Partnership for Advanced Computing Infrastructure. A national collaborative organization.

NSF

National Science Foundation.

NTTF

National Telecommunications Task Force. NTTF is the driving force behind Internet 2.

OASIS

Online Applications Support Information Systems, the operating system used to support user applications by Administrative Information Systems.

OCR

Optical Character Recognition. Refers to both the process of scanning text from a printed page into a digital text file and to the type of software which carries this process out.

OID

Office of Instructional Development.

OIT

Office of Information Techology. Department led by UCLA's Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, manages the institutional IT planning process and oversees institutional outcomes.

open access lab

A campus computer room that is available for students to use at any time during normal operating hours. A campus computing account is required to use the open access computer rooms.

open source

Computer programs or operating systems for which the source code is publicly available are referred to as open-source software. Inherent in the open source philosophy is the freedom of a distributed community of programmers to modify and improve the code. The most widely known example of open-source software is the Linux operating system.

ORION 2

UCLA's Library Online Catalog.

OS

Operating System. The software on your computer that controls the basic operation of the machine. The opeating system performs such tasks as recognizing keyboard input, sending output to the monitor, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling other connected devices such as disk drives and printers.

PCS

Personal Communications Services. Term describing a series of second-generation wireless technologies. PCS technologies all share the characteristics of being completely digital and operating at the 1900 MHz frequency range.

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant. Generic term for handheld devices such as Palm Pilots that are commonly used to store address and calendar information. Newer models include networking features.

PDF

Portable Document Format. Refers to a file format in which formatted documents can be transferred over the Internet. PDF files are readable with Adobe Acrobat Reader, an application which can be downloaded from the Adobe Web site at no charge.

PIC

Program in Computing

platform

A combination of hardware and system software forming the basis for a computer system. Examples include Macintosh, PC, NT, and UNIX. The term "cross-platform" refers to programs and formats that can be used on more than one platform.

POP

Post Office Protocol. POP is a way of retrieving email from an email server (called a POP server), such as the UC Davis email servers where your email messages are stored before you pick them up. See more information about POP servers.

PPP

Point-to-Point Protocol. A method of connecting a computer to the Internet.

protocol

A set of formal rules and procedures which your computer must support in order to communicate with other computers on a network or through the Internet.

RAM

Random Access Memory. RAM is commonly considered synonymous with main memory (i.e., the memory available to programs in use on a computer), but this is a simplification of the actual meaning. Physically, RAM consists of memory chips or chip modules (e.g., SIMMs or DIMMs) which attach to the computer's logic board. Memory modules can continue to be added as long as open slots are available on the logic board.

remote access

A service which makes it possible to connect to a network such as the campus network or the Internet from a distant location (such as your home or your favorite vacation spot).

ResNet

A data and video network available to most UCLA Student Housing residents.

RFI

Request for Information.

RFP

Request for Proposals.

RFQ

Request for Quotation.

ROM

Read-only Memory. Refers to computer memory in which data or programs have been permanently encoded and which can be accessed but not altered. For example, a CD-ROM is a compact disc onto which digital information has been "burned", and the contents of most CD-ROM disc cannot be altered without special equipment.

RTF

Rich Text Format. A document format which allows documents to retain their formatting when transferred between platforms and over the Internet.

scanner

A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translate the information into a form the computer can use. A scanner works by "digitizing" an image and placing it on the computer as a file.

Scanning

Scanning is used to detect and, usually, disinfect machines with viruses. Sophos and McAfee scan individual machines. There is more powerful software to scan networks. Keeping these programs up to date helps prevent infection

SCSI

Small Computer System Interface (pronounced "scuzzy"). An interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers. Hardware components for implementing a SCSI interface include connector ports on computers and cables for connecting peripheral devices to the computer. SCSI is gradually being supplanted by the newer USB standard.

SEAS

School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Also HSSEAS, Henry Samuelir School of Engineering & Applied Sciences)

server

The control computer on a local-area network (LAN). The server controls software, access to printers, and other parts or functions of the network. The server is usually connected to workstations that share the main system's resources.

SGML

Standard Generalized Markup Language. A set of standards for document markup tags. SGML rules formed the basis for HTML.

SIMM

Single Inline Memory Module. A circuit board on which RAM memory chips are mounted.

site license

A license that gives permission to use a software package on more than one system. Site licenses are a means of providing a bulk rate to companies and schools that want to use software on many computers. UCLA has been able to negotiate special pricing for many applications that are used widely on campus. Software Central.

SLA

Service Level Agreement.

SLC

Science Learning Center

SLIP

Serial Line Internet Protocol. As with PPP, SLIP is a method to connect computers to the Internet, but it is older and less reliable than PPP.

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol for transferring email messages from one server to another.

software

Sets of instructions or data that tell a computer what to do. Software is often divided into two categories: system software, which includes the operating system (e.g., Windows 95, MacOS) and all utilities that enable the computer to function; and applications software, which includes programs that perform specific tasks (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, and databases).

 

Software Central

ATS's Software Central provides information about software available to UCLA at educational or volume discounts and  works with the UCLA Purchasing Department to negotiate and implement volume software license agreements.

source code

Computer programs or operating systems are originally written by a human being in a programming language. This is called the source code of the software. To be actually used by a computer, the program has to be translated by the computer from the source code into the machine language that the computer understands and can execute. This translation process is referred to as compiling.

spam

Unsolicited bulk email, usually advertising, on the Internet or Usenet newsgroup postings sent to large numbers of people. It is considered inappropriate to send such mail. See the UC Davis site on email spam.

SPARC

Scalable Processor Architecture. A proprietary technology for computer workstations developed by Sun Microsystems.

SRDB

Student Records Data Base.  Registrar's Office data warehouse for student-related data.

SSC

Social Science Computing

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer. A protocol allowing secure transmission of confidential material via the Internet.

STC

Student Technology Center.

T1 line

A dedicated digital communications connection supporting data rates of 1.544Mbits per second. A T1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each of which supports 64Kbits per second. Each channel can carry voice or data traffic.

TCO

Total Cost of Ownership. A measure of the value of a product which factors in maintenance expenses as well as purchase price.

TCP

Transmission Control Protocol. Together with Internet Protocol (IP), TCP is one of the core protocols underlying the Internet. The two protocols are usually referred to as a group, by the term "TCP/IP." TCP enables two computers to establish a connection and exchange information. TCP guarantees delivery of data and also guarantees that information packets will be delivered in the same order in which they were sent.

telecommute

To work at home or some other location remote from one's place of employment, making use of a computer, telephone, fax, and/or modem to receive job assignments and send in completed work.

telnet

terminal emulation program for TCP/IP networks such as the Internet. The Telnet program runs on your computer and connects your PC to a server on the network. You can then enter commands through the Telnet program and they will be executed as if you were entering them directly on the server console. This enables you to control the server and communicate with other servers on the network. To start a Telnet session, you must log in to a server by entering a valid username and password. Telnet is a common way to remotely control administer servers.

TIFF

Tagged Image File Format. A widely-supported bitmap image format most often used in print publications.

Unix

A computer operating system developed in the early 1970s. Unix (pronounced "YOU-nicks") is widely used in high-end workstations and servers. Many variants of Unix have been developed, including Sun Solaris, Free BSD, and Linux.

UPS

Uninterruptable Power Supply. A power supply device that you can plug your computer into. Includes a battery to keep your computer running in the event of a power outage. A UPS can usually keep your computer up for several minutes after a power outage, enabling you to save files and shut the computer down safely.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator. Technical term for a Web address. For example, the URL of this document is http://.

URSA

University Records System Access

USB

Universal Serial Bus. An interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers. Hardware components for implementing a USB interface include connector ports on computers and cables for connecting peripheral devices to the computer. The USB standard supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices. USB is gradually replacing SCSI as the dominant peripheral interface standard.

videoconference

A discussion made possible by electronic communications between two or more people in different locations. Participants view each other on screens; real-time sound and video is transmitted between locations via the network. (See the Classroom Technology Services Web site.)

virus

A program designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. Some viruses additionally are designed to damage data or halt operations on a system. Viruses can spread through diskettes, CD-ROMs, email attachments, and the Internet. (See the Quick Tip on viruses at http://xbase.ucdavis.edu/itx/article.cfm?art=307.)

Visualization Portal

The Visualization Portal was created to enhance and highlight research projects being done at UCLA and to be a meeting place where people on campus can come to learn about new information technologies. Part of Academic Technology Services.

VLAN

Virtual LAN. VLANs allow departments that are dispersed at two or more locations to connect all their users to one departmental network. This overcomes the constraint that is associated with Local Area Networks (LANs), which can only group together users who are located in the same geographical vicinity, such as a small building or one section of a building.

VPN

Virtual Private Network.

VR

Virtual Reality.

VRAM

Video RAM. A specialized RAM for use in digital video equipment.

VRML

Virtual Reality Markup Language. Allows display of 3-dimensional imagery on the Web.

WAN

Wide Area Network. A computer network covering a large geographical area, usually consisting of two or more LANs.

Web browser

See Browser.

Web casts

To use the Internet to broadcast live or delayed audio and/or video transmissions, much like traditional television and radio broadcasts.

Web page (or Web document)

A document, usually written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), that can be accessed on the Internet. Web pages can contain information, graphics, and hyperlinks to other Web pages and files.

Web server

A combination of computer hardware and special software used to store Web pages.

Web site

A collection of Web pages. Provides information such as text, graphics, and audio files to users as well as connections ("hypertext links," "hyperlinks," or just "links") to other Web sites on the Internet. This online guide, for instance, is a Web site.

Wireless

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network.

WORM

worm n. [from `tapeworm' in John Brunner's novel "The Shockwave Rider", via XEROX PARC] A program that propagates itself over a network, reproducing itself as it goes. Compare virus. Nowadays the term has negative connotations, as it is assumed that only crackers write worms. Perhaps the best-known example was Robert T. Morris's Great Worm of 1988, a `benign' one that got out of control and hogged hundreds of Suns and VAXen across the U.S. See also cracker, RTM, Trojan horse, ice.

Source: The Jargon File

World Wide Web (WWW or The Web)

A graphical interface for the Internet, composed of Internet servers that provide access to documents that in turn provide hyperlinks to other documents, multimedia files, and sites.

WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get (pronounced "whizzywig"). Characteristic of a program or application which displays formatted material on the screen so that it looks the same as it will appear when printed out.

XML

Extensible Markup Language. Like HTML, XML is a markup language, but unlike HTML, it is not limited to Web documents. Another difference is the markup tags in HTML define how the elements thus tagged are displayed, whereas the tags in XML define the data contained in the tagged elements. XML is expected to eventually bring about great changes in the delivery of information on the Web.

Zip disk

A high-capacity floppy disk developed by Iomega Corporation. Zip disks are slightly larger than conventional floppies and can hold either 100 MB or 250 MB of data.