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`PUBLISHED BY
`PUBLISHED BY
`Microsoft Press
`Microsoft Press
`A Division of Microsoft Corporation
`A Division of Microsoft Corporation
`One Microsoft Way
`One Microsoft Way
`Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
`Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
`Copyright © 1999 by Microsoft Corporation
`Copyright© 1999 by Microsoft Corporation
`All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
`All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
`or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.
`or by any means without the written permission of the publisher .
`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
`Microsoft Computer Dictionary. -- 4th ed.
`Microsoft Computer Dictionary. -- 4th ed.
`p. cm.
`p. cm.
`Previous eds. published under title: Microsoft Press computer
`Previous eds . published under title : Microsoft Press computer
`dictionary
`dictionary
`ISBN 0-7356-0615-3
`ISBN 0-7356-0615-3
`2. Microcomputers Dictionaries.
`1. Computers Dictionaries.
`2. Microcomputers Dictionaries.
`1. Computers Dictionaries.
`I. Microsoft Press computer dictionary.
`I. Microsoft Press computer dictionary .
`QA76.15.M538 1999
`1999
`QA76 .15.M538
`004'.03--dc21
`004' .03--dc21
`
`99-20168
`99-20168
`CIP
`CIP
`
`Printed and bound in the United States of America.
`Printed and bound in the United States of America.
`1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MLML
`4 3 2 1 0 9
`4 3 2 1 0 9
`1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MLML
`Distributed in Canada by ITP Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited.
`Distributed in Canada by ITP Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited .
`A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
`A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library .
`Microsoft Press books are available through booksellers and distributors worldwide. For further information
`Microsoft Press books are available through booksellers and distributors worldwide. For further information
`about international editions, contact your local Microsoft Corporation office or contact Microsoft Press
`about international editions, contact your local Microsoft Corporation office or contact Microsoft Press
`International directly at fax (425) 936-7329. Visit our Web site at mspress.microsoft.com
`International directly at fax (425) 936-7329. Visit our Web site at mspress .microsoft.com.
`Macintosh, Power Macintosh, QuickTime, and True Type fonts are registered trademarks of Apple Computer,
`Macintosh, Power Macintosh, QuickTime, and TrueType fonts are registered trademarks of Apple Computer,
`Inc. Kodak is a registered trademark of the Eastman Kodak Company. Intel is a registered trademark and Indeo
`Inc . Kodak is a registered trademark of the Eastman Kodak Company . Intel is a registered trademark and lndeo
`is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Active Desktop, Active Directory, ActiveMovie, Active Platform, ActiveX,
`is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Active Desktop, Active Directory , ActiveMovie, Active Platform, ActiveX,
`Authenticode, BackOffice, DirectInput, DirectX, Microsoft, Microsoft Press, MS-DOS, MSN, NetMeeting,
`Authenticode, BackOffice, Directlnput, DirectX, Microsoft, Microsoft Press, MS-DOS, MSN, NetMeeting,
`Net.Show, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual J++, WebTV, WebTV Network, Win32, Win32s, Windows,
`NetShow, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual J++, WebTV, WebTV Network, Win32, Win32s, Windows,
`Windows NT, and XENIX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
`Windows NT, and XENIX are either registered trademarks or trademark s of Microsoft Corporation in the
`United States and/or other countries. PANTONE is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Other product and
`United States and/or other countries. PANTONE is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Other product and
`company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
`company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
`The example companies, organizations, products, people, and events depicted herein are fictitious. No associa-
`The example companies, organizations, products, people, and events depicted herein are fictitious. No associa(cid:173)
`intended or should be inferred.
`is
`tion with any real company, organization, product, person, or event
`tion with any real company, organization, product, person, or e ·ent is intended or should be inferred.
`
`Acquisitions Editor: Christey Bahn
`Acquisitions Editor: Christey Bahn
`Project Editor: Kim Fryer
`Project Editor: Kim Fryer
`
`
`
`close
`close 1
`
`CMOS
`CMOS
`
`m
`
`C
`
`close' n. An FTP command that instructs the client to
`close 1 n. An Ff P command that instructs the client to
`close the current connection with a server. See also
`close the current connection with a server. See also
`FTP' (definition 1), Web site.
`FfP 1 (definition 1), Web site.
`close? vb. 1. To end an application's relationship with
`close 2 vb. 1. To end an application's relationship with
`an open file so that the application will no longer be
`an open file so that the application will no longer be
`able to access the file without opening it again. 2. To
`able to access the file without opening it again. 2. To
`end a computer's connection with another computer
`end a computer's connection with another computer
`on a network.
`on a network.
`close box n. In the Macintosh graphical user interface,
`close box n. In the Macintosh graphical user interface,
`a small box in the left corner of a window's title bar.
`a small box in the left corner of a window's title bar.
`Clicking on the box closes the window. Compare
`Clicking on the box closes the window. Compare
`close button.
`close button .
`close button n. In the graphical user interface for
`close button n. In the graphical user interface for
`Windows 9x, Windows NT, and the X Window Sys-
`Windows 9x, Windows NT, and the X Window Sys(cid:173)
`tem, a square button in the right corner (left corner in
`tem, a square button in the right corner (left corner in
`X Windows) of a window's title bar with an x mark
`X Windows) of a window's title bar with an x mark
`on it. Clicking on the button closes the window. Also
`on it. Clicking on the button closes the window. A lso
`called X button. Compare close box.
`called X button . Compare close box.
`closed architecture n. 1. Any computer design whose
`closed architec(ure n. 1. Any computer design whose
`specifications are not freely available. Such propri-
`specifications are not freely available. Such propri (cid:173)
`etary specifications make it difficult or impossible
`etary specifications make it difficult or impossible ·
`for third-party vendors to create ancillary devices
`for third-party vendors to create ancillary devices
`that work correctly with a closed-architecture ma-
`that work correctly with a closed-architecture ma(cid:173)
`chine; usually only its original maker can build pe-
`chine; usually only its original maker can build pe(cid:173)
`ripherals and add-ons for such a machine. Compare
`ripherals and add-ons for such a machine. Compare
`open architecture (definition 1). 2. A computer sys-
`open architecture (definition 1). 2. A computer sys(cid:173)
`tem that provides no expansion slots for adding new
`tem that provides no expansion slots for adding new
`types of circuit boards within the system unit. The
`types of circuit boards within the system unit. The
`original Apple Macintosh was an example of a closed
`original Apple Macintosh was an example of a closed
`architecture. Compare open architecture (definition 2).
`architecture . Compare open architecture (definition 2).
`closed file n. A file not being used by an application.
`closed file n. A file not being used by an application.
`An application must open such a file before reading
`An application must open such a file before reading
`or writing to it and must close it afterward. Compare
`or writing to it and must close it afterward. Compare
`open file.
`open file.
`closed shop n. A computer environment in which ac-
`closed shop n. A computer environment in which ac(cid:173)
`cess to the computer is restricted to programmers and
`cess to the computer is restricted to programmers and
`other specialists. Compare open shop.
`other specialists . Compare open shop.
`closed system n. See closed architecture (definition 2).
`closed system n. See closed architecture (definition 2).
`cloth ribbon n. An inked ribbon generally used with
`cloth ribbon n. An inked ribbon generally used with
`impact printers and typewriters. The print element
`impact printers and typewriters . The print element
`strikes the ribbon and drives it against the paper so as
`strikes the ribbon and drives it against the paper so as
`to transfer ink; then the ribbon advances slightly to
`to transfer ink ; then the ribbon advances slightly to
`make fresh ink available. A cloth ribbon is wrapped
`make fresh ink available. A cloth ribbon is wrapped
`onto a spool or loaded into a cartridge that is made to
`onto a spool or loaded into a cartridge that is made to
`fit the printer used. Cloth ribbon, although adequate
`fit the printer used. Cloth ribbon, although adequate
`for most tasks, is sometimes replaced by film ribbon
`for most tasks , is sometimes replaced by film ribbon
`when the crispest possible output is called for. How-
`when the crispest possible output is called for. How-
`
`ever, a cloth ribbon, which re-inks itself by capillary
`ever, a cloth ribbon, which re-inks itself by capillary
`action, is usable for multiple impressions, unlike a
`action, is usable for multiple impressions, unlike a
`film ribbon. Compare carbon ribbon.
`film ribbon . Compare carbon ribbon .
`cluster n. 1. An aggregation, such as a group of data
`cluster n. 1. An aggregation , such as a group of data
`points on a graph. 2. A communications computer
`points on a graph . 2. A communications computer
`and its associated terminals. 3. In data storage, a
`and its associated terminals. 3. In data storage, a
`disk-storage unit consisting of a fixed number of sec-
`disk-storage unit consisting of a fixed number of sec(cid:173)
`tors (storage segments on the disk) that the operating
`tors (storage segments on the disk) that the operating
`system uses to read or write information; typically, a
`system uses to read or write information ; typically, a
`cluster consists of two to eight sectors, each of which
`cluster consists of two to eight sectors, each of which
`holds a certain number of bytes (characters). 4. A
`holds a certain number of bytes (characters) . 4. A
`group of independent network servers that operate—
`group of independent network servers that operate(cid:173)
`and appear to clients—as if they were a single unit. A
`if they were a single unit. A
`and appear to clients-as
`cluster network is designed to improve network ca-
`cluster network is designed to improve network ca(cid:173)
`pacity by, among other things, enabling the servers
`pacity by, among other things, enabling the servers
`within a cluster to shift work in order to balance the
`within a cluster to shift work in order to balance the
`load. By enabling one server to take over for another,
`load. By enabling one server to take over for another,
`a cluster network also enhances stability and mini-
`a cluster network also enhances stability and mini(cid:173)
`mizes or eliminates downtime caused by application
`mizes or eliminates downtime caused by application
`or system failure. See also client/server architecture.
`or system failure . See also client/server architecture.
`cluster controller n. An intermediary device that is
`cluster controller n. An intermediary device that is
`situated between a computer and a group (cluster) of
`situated between a computer and a group (cluster) of
`subsidiary devices, such as terminals on a network,
`subsidiary devices, such as terminals on a network,
`and is used to control the cluster.
`and is used to control the cluster.
`clustering n. The grouping of multiple servers in a
`clustering n. The grouping of multiple servers in a
`way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to
`way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to
`client computers on a network. Clustering is a means
`client computers on a network. Clustering is a means
`of increasing network capacity, providing live backup
`of increasing network capacity, providing live backup
`in case one of the server fails, and improving data
`in case one of the server fails , and improving data
`security. See also cluster (definition 4), server.
`security. See also cluster (definition 4), server.
`cluster network n. See cluster.
`cluster network n. See cluster.
`CMI n. Acronym for computer-managed instruction.
`CMI n. Acronym for computer-managed instruction.
`Any type of teaching that uses computers as educa-
`Any type of teaching that uses computers as educa(cid:173)
`tional tools. See also CAI, CBT.
`tional tools . See also CAI, CBT.
`CMOS IC* mos\ n. 1. Acronym for complementary
`CMOS \C'mos\ n. 1. Acronym for complementary
`metal-oxide semiconductor. A semiconductor tech-
`metal-oxide semiconductor. A semiconductor tech(cid:173)
`nology in which pairs of metal-oxide semiconductor
`nology in which pairs of metal-oxide semiconductor
`field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), one N-type and
`field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), one N-type and
`the other P-type, are integrated on a single silicon
`the other P-type , are integrated on a single silicon
`chip. Generally used for RAM and switching appli-
`chip. Generally used for RAM and switching appli(cid:173)
`cations, these devices have very high speed and ex-
`cations, these devices have very high speed and ex(cid:173)
`tremely low power consumption. They are, however,
`tremely low power consumption . They are, however,
`easily damaged by static electricity. See also
`easily damaged by static electricity . See also
`MOSFET, N-type semiconductor, P-type semicon-
`MOSFET , N-type semiconductor, P-type semicon(cid:173)
`ductor. 2. The battery-backed memory used to store
`ductor. 2. The battery-backed memory used to store
`parameter values needed to boot PCs, such as the
`parameter values needed to boot PCs, such as the
`type of disks and the amount of memory, as well as
`type of disks and the amount of memory, as well as
`the clock/calendar time.
`the clock/calendar time.
`
`90
`90
`
`
`
`iveware
`liveware
`
`localization
`localization
`
`liveware n. A slang term for people, to distinguish
`liveware n. A slang term for people, to distinguish
`hem from hardware, software, and firmware. Also
`them from hardware, software, and firmware . Also
`called wetware.
`called wetware.
`LLC n. Acronym for Logical Link Control. In the
`LLC n. Acronym for Logical Link Control. In the
`IEEE 802. specifications, the higher of two
`IEEE 802.x specifications, the higher of two
`sublayers that make up the ISO/OSI data-link layer.
`sublayers that make up the ISO/OSI data-link layer.
`The LLC is responsible for managing communica-
`The LLC is responsible for managing communica(cid:173)
`ions links and handling frame traffic. See also IEEE
`tions links and handling frame traffic. See also IEEE
`302.x, MAC.
`802 .x, MAC.
`load' n. 1. The total computing burden a system car-
`load 1 n. 1. The total computing burden a system car(cid:173)
`ries at one time. 2. In electronics, the amount of cur-
`ries at one time . 2. In electronics, the amount of cur(cid:173)
`rent drawn by a device. 3. In communications, the
`rent drawn by a device . 3. In communications , the
`amount of traffic on a line.
`amount of traffic on a line .
`load? vb. To place information from storage into
`load 2 vb. To place information from storage into
`memory for processing, if it is data, or for execution,
`memory for processing, if it is data, or for execution,
`if it is program code.
`if it is program code.
`load-and-go adj. In reference to a routine, able to
`load-and-go adj. In reference to a routine, able to
`begin execution immediately, once loaded. The term
`begin execution immediately, once loaded. The term
`is commonly used in reference to compilers and the
`is commonly used in reference to compilers and the
`machine code they generate.
`machine code they generate .
`load balancing n. 1. In distributed processing, the
`load balancing n. 1. In distributed processing, the
`distribution of activity across two or more servers in
`distribution of activity across two or more servers in
`order to avoid overloading any one with too many
`order to avoid overloading any one with too many
`requests from users. Load balancing can be either
`requests from users. Load balancing can be either
`static or dynamic. In the former, the load is balanced
`static or dynamic. In the former, the load is balanced
`ahead of time by assigning different groups of users
`ahead of time by assigning different groups of users
`to different servers. In the latter, software refers in-
`to different servers. In the latter, software refers in(cid:173)
`coming requests at runtime to whichever server is
`coming requests at runtime to whichever server is
`most capable of handling them. 2. In client/server
`most capable of handling them. 2. In client/server
`the process of reducing
`network administration,
`network administration,
`the process of reducing
`heavy traffic flows either by dividing a busy network
`heavy traffic flows either by dividing a busy network
`segment into multiple smaller segments or by using
`segment into multiple smaller segments or by using
`software to distribute traffic among multiple network
`software to distribute traffic among multiple network
`interface cards working simultaneously to transfer
`interface cards working simultaneously
`to transfer
`information to a server. 3. In communications, the
`information to a server. 3. In communications,
`the
`process of routing traffic over two or more routes
`process of routing traffic over two or more routes
`rather than one. Such load balancing results in faster,
`rather than one . Such load balancing results in faster,
`more reliable transmissions.
`more reliable transmissions.
`loaded line n. A transmission cable fitted with loading
`loaded line n. A transmission cable fitted with loading
`coils, usually spaced about a mile apart, that reduce
`coils, usually spaced about a mile apart, that reduce
`amplitude distortion in a signal by adding inductance
`amplitude distortion in a signal by adding inductance
`(resistance to changes in current flow) to the line.
`(resistance to changes in current flow) to the line.
`Loaded lines minimize distortion within the range of
`Loaded lines minimize distortion within the range of
`frequencies affected by the loading coils, but the coils
`frequencies affected by the loading coils, but the coils
`also reduce the bandwidth available for transmission.
`also reduce the bandwidth available for transmission.
`loader n. A utility that loads the executable code of a
`loader n. A utility that loads the executable code of a
`program into memory for execution. On most micro-
`program into memory for execution . On most micro(cid:173)
`computers, the loader is an invisible part of the oper-
`computers , the loader is an invisible part of the oper-
`
`ating system and is automatically invoked when a
`ating system and is automatically invoked when a
`program is run. See also loader routine, load module.
`program is run. See also loader routine, load module .
`loader routine n. A routine that loads executable code
`loader routine n. A routine that loads executable code
`into memory and executes it. A loader routine can be
`into memory and executes it. A loader routine can be
`part of an operating system or it can be part of the
`part of an operating system or it can be part of the
`program itself. See also loader, overlay (definition 1).
`program itself . See also loader, overlay 1 (definition 1).
`load module n. An executable unit of code loaded
`load module n. An executable unit of code loaded
`into memory by the loader. A program consists of
`into memory by the loader. A program consists of
`one or more load modules, each of which can be
`one or more load modules, each of which can be
`loaded and executed independently. See also loader.
`loaded and executed independently . See also loader.
`load point n. The beginning of the valid data area on
`load point n. The beginning of the valid data area on
`a magnetic tape.
`a magnetic tape.
`load sharing n. A method of managing one or more
`load sharing n. A method of managing one or more
`tasks, jobs, or processes by scheduling and simulta-
`tasks, jobs, or processes by scheduling and simulta(cid:173)
`neously executing portions of them on two or more
`neously executing portions of them on two or more
`microprocessors.
`microprocessors.
`load shedding n. In electrical systems, the process of
`load shedding n. In electrical systems, the process of
`turning off power to some electronic equipment in
`turning off power to some electronic equipment in
`order to maintain the integrity of the power supply to
`order to maintain the integrity of the power supply to
`other connected devices. See also UPS.
`other connected devices. See also UPS .
`local adj. 1. In general, close at hand or restricted to a
`local adj. 1. In general, close at hand or restricted to a
`particular area. 2. In communications, a device that
`particular area. 2. In communications, a device that
`can be accessed directly rather than by means of a
`can be accessed directly rather than by means of a
`communications line. 3. In information processing,
`line. 3. In information processing,
`communications
`an operation performed by the computer at hand
`an operation performed by the computer at hand
`rather than by a remote computer. 4. In program-
`rather than by a remote computer. 4. In program(cid:173)
`ming, a variable that is restricted in scope, that is,
`ming , a variable that is restricted in scope, that is,
`used in only one part (subprogram, procedure, or
`used in only one part (subprogram, procedure, or
`function) of a program. Compare remote.
`function) of a program. Compare remote.
`local area network n. See LAN.
`local area network n. See LAN.
`local bus n. A PC architecture designed to speed up
`local bus n. A PC architecture designed to speed up
`system performance by allowing some expansion
`system performance by allowing some expansion
`boards to communicate directly with the micropro-
`boards to communicate directly with the micropro(cid:173)
`cessor, bypassing the normal system bus entirely. See
`cessor, bypassing the normal system bus entirely. See
`also PCI local bus, VL bus.
`also PCI local bus, VL bus.
`local bypass n. A telephone connection used by some
`local bypass n. A telephone connection used by some
`businesses that links separate buildings but bypasses
`businesses that links separate buildings but bypasses
`the telephone company.
`the telephone company.
`localhost n. The name that is used to represent the
`Iocalhost n. The name that is used to represent the
`same computer on which a TCP/IP message origi-
`same computer on which a TCP/IP message origi(cid:173)
`nates. An IP packet sent to localhost has the IP address
`nate s. An IP packet sent to localhost has the IP address
`127.0.0.1 and does not actually go out to the Internet.
`127.0.0.1 and does not actually go out to the Internet.
`See also IP address, packet (definition 1), TCP/IP.
`See also IP address, packet (definition 1), TCP/IP .
`localization n. The process of altering a program so
`localization n. The process of altering a program so
`that it is appropriate for the area in which it is used.
`that it is appropriate for the area in which it is used.
`For example, the developers of a word processing
`For example, the developers of a word processing
`program must localize the sorting tables in the pro-
`program must localize the sorting tables in the pro-
`
`271
`271
`
`Ill
`
`
`
`QAM \kwam\ n. See quadrature amplitude modula(cid:173)
`tion, queued access method.
`QBE n. See query by example.
`QIC n. 1. Acronym for quarter-inch cartridge. A
`storage technology used with tape backup drives
`and cartridges . A means of backing up data on com(cid:173)
`puter systems, QIC represents a set of standards
`devised to enable tapes to be used with drives from
`different manufacturers . The QIC standards specify
`the length of tape, the number of recording tracks,
`and the magnetic strength of the tape coating , all of
`which determine the amount of information that can
`be written to the tape. Older QIC-80 drives can hold
`up to 340 MB of compressed data. Newer versions
`can hold more than 1 GB of information. 2. A con(cid:173)
`sortium of quarter-inch tape manufacturers. Quar(cid:173)
`ter-Inch Cartridge Drive Standards Inc . (QIC)
`establishes standards for the production of quarter(cid:173)
`inch tapes. For example, QIC-40 and QIC-80, de(cid:173)
`signed to use a PC's floppy disk drive controller ,
`are called the "floppy tape standards."
`QOS or QoS n. See quality of service .
`quadbit n. A set of 4 bits representing one of 16 pos(cid:173)
`sible combinations. In communications, quadbits are
`a means of increasing transmission rates by encoding
`4 bits at a time, instead of 1 or 2. The 16 quadbits are
`0000,0001,0010,0011,0100,0101,0110,0lll
`,
`1000, 1001, 1010, 1011, 1100, 1101, 1110, and 1111.
`Compare nibble .
`quadrature amplitude modulation n. In communi(cid:173)
`cations, an encoding method that combines ampli(cid:173)
`tude modulation and phase modulation to create a
`constellation of signal points, each representing one
`unique combination of bits that can be identified
`with one possible state that the carrier wave can be
`in. Acronym: QAM. See also amplitude modulation ,
`constellation, phase-shift keying, trellis -coded
`modulation.
`
`quadrature encoding n. The most common method
`used to determine in which direction a mouse is mov(cid:173)
`ing. In mechanical mice, movement of the mouse ball
`is translated into horizontal or vertical movement by
`a pair of turning disks, one disk for horizontal move(cid:173)
`ment and one disk for vertical movement, each of
`which makes and breaks contact with two sensors
`located on it. The two sensors are placed out of phase
`with each other, and the mouse notes which sensor
`receives contact first. The phrase quadrature encod(cid:173)
`ing comes from the fact that each sensor sends a
`square-wave signal 90 degrees out of phase with the
`other. If the first signal occurs before the second, the
`mouse is assumed to have been moved in one direc(cid:173)
`tion; if the second signal occurs before the first , the
`mouse is assumed to have been moved in the oppo(cid:173)
`site direction. See also mechanical mouse, mouse,
`optomechanical mouse.
`quality assurance n. A system of procedures carried
`out to ensure that a product or a system adheres or
`conforms to established standards. Also called qual(cid:173)
`ity control.
`quality of service n. 1. Generally, the handling capac(cid:173)
`ity of a system or service; the time interval between
`request and delivery of a product or service to the
`client or customer. 2. In computer technology, the
`guaranteed throughput (data transfer rate) level.
`quantity n. A number-positive or negative, whole or
`fractional-that
`is used to indicate a value.
`quantize vb. To divide an element into separate, dis(cid:173)
`tinct units (quanta) and to assign a value to each re(cid:173)
`sulting unit, especially in the domain of time .
`Compare digitize.
`quantum n. 1. In communications, the unit resulting
`from division of a signal by quantization. 2. A por(cid:173)
`tion of time allotted on a time-sharing system. Com(cid:173)
`pare time slice. 3. An amount of something; as, in
`physics, a unit of radiant energy.
`quarter-inch cartridge n. See QIC (definition 1).
`
`367
`
`
`
`window definition function
`window definition function
`
`Windows 98
`Windows 98
`
`window definition function n. A resource associated
`window definition function n. A resource associated
`with a window in a Macintosh application. The
`with a window in a Macintosh application . The
`Macintosh Window Manager calls this function to
`Macintosh Window Manager calls this function to
`perform such actions as drawing and resizing the
`perform such actions as drawing and resizing the
`window. Also called WDEF.
`window. Also called WDEF.
`windowing environment n. An operating system or
`windowing environment n. An operating system or
`shell that presents the user with specially delineated
`shell that present s the user with specially delineat ed
`areas of the screen called windows. Windowing envi-
`areas of the screen called windo ws. Windowing envi(cid:173)
`ronments typically allow windows to be resized and
`ronments typically allow windows to be resized and
`moved around on the display. The Macintosh Finder,
`moved around on the display. The Macintosh Finder,
`Windows, and the OS/2 Presentation Manager are all
`Windows, and the OS/2 Presentation Manager are all
`examples of windowing environments. See also
`examples of windowing environments . See also
`graphical user interface, window.
`graphical user interface, window.
`window random access memory n. See WRAM.
`window random access memory n. See WRAM .
`Windows n. An operating system introduced by Micro-
`Windows n. An operating system introduced by Micro(cid:173)
`soft Corporation in 1983. Windows is a multitasking
`soft Corporation in 1983. Windows is a multitasking
`graphical user interface environment that runs on
`graphical user interface environment that runs on
`MS-DOS-based computers (Windows 3x and Win-
`MS-DOS-based computers (Windows 3x and Win(cid:173)
`dows for Workgroups), and as a self-contained oper-
`dows for Workgroups) , and as a self-contained oper(cid:173)
`ating system for desktop computers (Windows 9x),
`ating system for desktop computers (Windows 9x),
`workstations (Windows NT Workstation, Windows
`workstations (Windows NT Workstation, Windows
`2000 Professional), and network servers (Windows
`2000 Professional), and network servers (Windows
`NT Server, Windows NT Enterprise Edition, Win-
`NT Server, Windows NT Enterprise Edition, Win(cid:173)
`dows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced
`dows 2000 Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced
`Server). Windows provides a standard graphical inter-
`Server). Windows provides a standard graphical inter(cid:173)
`face based on drop-down menus, windowed regions
`face based on drop-down menus, windowed regions
`on the screen, and a pointing device such as a mouse.
`on the screen, and a pointing device such as a mouse.
`Windows 2000 n. A line of desktop operating systems
`Windows 2000 n. A line of desktop operating systems
`and network servers announced by Microsoft in 1998.
`and network servers announced by Microsoft in 1998.
`Designed to replace the NT line of products, Win-
`Designed to replace the NT line of products, Win(cid:173)
`dows 2000 is built upon the NT kernel and features
`dows 2000 is built upon the NT kernel and features
`an interface that closely resembles Windows NT and
`an interface that closely resembles Windows NT and
`Windows 9x. Included in the Windows 2000 line are
`Windows 9x. Included in the Windows 2000 line are
`Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server,
`Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server,
`Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and Windows 2000
`Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and Windows 2000
`Datacenter Server. Windows 2000 was originally
`Datacenter Server. Windows 2000 was originally
`announced as Windows NT 5.0. See also Windows.
`announced as Windows NT 5.0. See also Windows.
`Windows 2000 Advanced Server n. Microsoft's net-
`Windows 2000 Advanced Server n. Microsoft's net(cid:173)
`work server for larger organizations. Designed to
`work server for larger organizations . Designed to
`replace Windows NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition, it sup-
`replace Windows NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition, it sup(cid:173)
`ports up to four-way SMP, large physical memories,
`ports up to four-way SMP, large physical memories ,
`and database-intensive work. It integrates clustering
`and database-intensive work. It integrates clustering
`and load balancing support. See also SMP, Windows.
`and load balancing support. See also SMP, Windows .
`Windows 2000 Datacenter Server n. Microsoft's
`Windows 2000 Datacenter Server n. Microsoft's
`network server for larger organizations. Considered
`network ser



