object: A structure in an object-oriented program that consists of variables and methods. It's analogous to a subroutine in procedural languages.
object code: The actual program code a computer executes. Programmers write in source code, which a compiler converts into object code (also called executable code, binary code, or machine code). Object code is specific to a particular microprocessor architecture, so a program compiled for an x86 processor won't run on a PowerPC processor or vice versa.
object popping: The disconcerting effect when an object in a game suddenly switches between two levels of detail. Lowers the realism and interrupts the visual smoothness of a game.
objects: Modules of information.
obstruction effects: An effect that simulates sound after it's passed through an object, such as a wall. It does not require geometry attributes.
occlusion: A blockage or occlusion in audio is the difference between hearing a sound without barriers and then behind, say, a door or wall.
OCR: Optical Character Recognition. Generally refers to converting data from a scanned image into text. Different algorithms for recognizing characters offer more accurate recognition.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Companies that take the raw components and make a final product for consumers to buy. It usually refers to the company that'll make the part you buy-for example, Diamond Multimedia and STB are OEMs who make videocards based on technology bought from chip makers.
OGL multitexturing: short for OpenGL multitexturing.
onboard cache: On a hard drive, the memory (usually between 512K and 2MB) that serves as a bridge between the drive's mechanical platters and the bus interface on the system's motherboard. By storing some of the platters' data on high-speed onboard cache, the hard drive can keep the system fed with a steady stream of fast-moving data. If the system can't find the necessary information on onboard cache, it will next turn to the mechanical platters, a much slower proposition.
100BaseT: Also called Fast Ethernet. This is a high-speed version of the IEEE 802.3u standard that allows data to be transmitted at speeds of 100Mbps instead of only 10Mbps. This requires that all machines have 100BaseTX nodes that are connected to a hub or switch that supports 100BaseTX using at least Category 5 (Cat-5) telephone cabling.
100BaseTX: Another version of Fast Ethernet, it consists of two pairs of high-quality twisted-pair wires. See 100BaseT.
128-bit memory interface: Refers to how many simultaneous bits of memory can be accessed for data storage and retrieval--the bigger the number of bits, the wider the data channel, the more data that can be pushed in a given processing cycle.
one-trick pony: The world's first circus, the Cuffling Cousins Circus, made its first appearance under the Big Top in the mid-1800s. Sadly, the circus only lasted for one performance because the only act they had--in addition to 100 clowns stuffing themselves into a cute little covered wagon--was a pony. The pony wasn't well trained or particularly smart, and could only do one trick playing dead. Unfortunately, the pony wasn't a big hit with the crowd, which then rioted, demanding its money back. Since then, the term "one-trick pony" has referred to something, or someone, who has only one discernable trait or notable characteristic.
Onyx: A very expensive, proprietary computer by SGI. Onyx is used primarily by CAD developers, web servers, and special effects post-production houses.
OOP: Object-oriented programming. OOP is not a programming language, but rather an approach to designing languages and programs. Object-oriented programs consist of independent modules that interact with each other in carefully defined ways. OOP is intended to speed development and improve reliability by encouraging code reuse.
OpenGL: Open Graphics Language. An easy-to-use (for programmers anyway) graphics API created by Silicon Graphics. It's generally accepted in the high-end workstation market. In the Windows 9X world, OpenGL plays David to Microsoft's Direct3D Goliath or vice versa. It's a Chevy versus Ford debate with both sides locked and loaded.
OpenGL ICD: OpenGL Installable Client Driver. The original OpenGL driver model. Partial implementation allows a 3D accelerator to run OpenGL-accelerated 3D games (e.g., Quake II). Full implementation allows the card to support OpenGL acceleration in 3D rendering applications (e.g., 3D Studio Max).
operand: A numeric value or register address used by a program instruction. For example, an instruction that adds 2 and 3 might have two immediate operands (2 and 3) or the addresses of two registers that hold those values. A third operand might be the address of a register in which the CPU stores the result.
optical zoom: Method of magnifying a digital image that employs optical magnification via lens differential.
optimized: In web graphics, this is a color palette that has had all unused colors removed, making for a smaller, faster loading image.
OrangeBook: Defines CD-Recordable (CD-R) discs with multisession capability.
organic wipes: A transition between two video shots that have a natural feel to them.
orgy: Secret ceremonial rites held in honor of an ancient Greek or Roman deity and usually characterized by ecstatic singing and dancing. Frequently involving drunken revelry and/or excessive sexual indulgence.
oscilloscope: An instrument used to view electronic waveforms.
OSR2.1: An update to the venerable Windows 95 that was released only on new machines. Stands for OEM Service Release.
out-of-order execution: The ability of a microprocessor to rearrange the order of program instructions while the program is running. It's a technique for using the processor's internal resources more efficiently. However, the processor always saves the results of the instructions in their original program order.
output device: Wherever computer files are viewed, whether it's a low-resolution environment such as the monitor or low-end printer, or high-resolution such as a laser printer or film imagesetter.
overclock: To purposefully alter the clock timing of a microprocessor
beyond its factory specs in a desperate attempt to squeeze out more performance.
Often results in unreliable operation.
P6: A CPU architecture family, of which the Pentium Pro,
Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron, and Xeon processors are currently members.
The P6 core debuted with the Pentium Pro in the first half of 1995. It is
defined by a deep pipeline that addresses cache bottlenecks, closely coupled
and on-die L2 cache, fixed-length instructions called "micro-ops," and out-of-order
execution. For a detailed explanation of these terms, please see our CPU White
Paper in the Re:Print section of www.maximumpc.com.
packet storm: A network problem caused by a faulty device that won't stop broadcasting useless data over the network. (Packets are bundles of binary data.) Packet storms can slow down network traffic until someone shuts off the faulty device and corrects the problem.
packet writing: A method of writing data onto a CD in small increments. This is very different from Track-at-Once and Disc-at-Once methods. The packets of data written are either variable or fixed length.
PADS: Sometimes a signal is too "hot," or in lay terms, loud, for the channel it's coming in on, so you "pad" the sound or attenuate it by some (usually fixed) value such as -20db or conversely "gain" it by +4db.
PAL: Phased Alternating Line is the European equivalent to NTSC. If you're working with PAL video, you'll want to set your capture rate to 25 frames per second.
Pantera: Nothing rocks harder. Except maybe Duran Duran.
parallel: The ability to process a number of different CPU instructions simultaneously.
parallelizable: Refers to the problematic way that Windows NT handles multiple streams of graphic data.
parameter: In programming, a value passed from one program to another, from one part of a program to another part of the same program, or from a program to an operating system. The parameter may be a number, a text string, or some other value that passes information to the receiver. Parameters are often required when calling APIs.
parent: By attaching one object to another (parenting) you can create complex movement. For example, a hand is parented or joined to the forearm, the forearm parented to the upper arm, etc. By creating a parent chain you can move one object and have others follow and at the same time they can still have individual motion of their own.
parity checking: A way to verify the accuracy of data transmitted over the SCSI bus. One bit in the transfer is used to make the sum of all the 1 bits either odd or even (for odd or even parity). If the sum is not correct, an error message appears.
parse: To delete or separate.
particle effects: Effects produced by 3D engines, such as sparks, smoke, or very small objects that are usually in motion.
partition: A logical volume of a hard drive. Partitioning divides storage space into multiple pieces. Each piece is assigned a different drive letter.
partition table: This defines the boundaries of the primary partition, extended partitions and logical drives. It resides in the MBR in Track 0.
Pascal: A programming language devised in the 1970s for teaching the concepts of structured programming. It was a reaction against earlier languages that were loosely structured. Pascal has since evolved into a powerful language for professional software development.
PC100: A stringent memory specification used in the current top-of-the-line x86 machines. It calls for such things as six-layer boards, basically higher quality, and separate traces for power.
PCB: Printed Circuit Board. Any one of the familiar green or brown boards that features chips and other types of electronic circuitry. Motherboards, videocards, network cards--they're all PCBs.
PCI latency timer: Adjusts wait states for the PCI bus--or how long the PCI bus will wait for the slower ISA bus to catch up (the wait states preserve system stability). If you're not running any ISA devices, you can set your BIOS to keep waits to a minimum.
PCI: Peripheral Component Interface. 32/64-bit expansion slot/bus interface (running at 33MHz, or half the system-bus speed, and occasionally at 66MHz) developed to help break the slow 8/16-bit Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus bottleneck, which ran at 8MHz. This faster bus allows faster data transfers, thus speeding up any input/output. Videocards, I/O cards, SCSI cards, and other high-speed devices benefit greatly from the PCI interface's faster speeds.
PCL3: Hewlett-Packard's Printer Control Language is the most popular language used to communicate with printers.
PCMCIA: Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. Portable device standard most commonly used in notebook PCs. Now more commonly known as PC card.
PCMCIA Type II: Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. Small credit card-sized devices used mostly in mobile applications for such things as modems, hard drives and RAM. Also referred to as PC card. Type II calls for a maximum thickness of 5.5mm.
PD: Phase-change Dual disk. A rewritable optical disk standard from Panasonic introduced in 1995 that incorporates phase-change technology. PD cartridges are 5.25 inches and can hold up to 650MB. It can also be rewritten to approximately 500,000 times. PD drives became a niche technology used primarily by graphic and print houses.
peer-to-peer networking: A simple way of connecting multiple computers together without a central server. Each computer on the network is "equal" or a peer to every other computer. It's a convenient way to share files, printers, and other resources.
per-object polygon allowances: The amount of detail allocated to various objects in a 3D scene. Without continuous level of detail, these allowances are fixed. With continuous level of detail these allowances can vary based on scene complexity and client-machine performance.
per-pixel mip-mapping: As opposed to per-polygon mip-mapping, this technique applies effects to the scaled textures of a 3D polygon model on a pixel-by-pixel basis, creating more natural results. An example would be a light ball traveling down a hall. With per-pixel mip-mapping, the light cast on the walls has a smooth gradient. With per-polygon, the vertices of the polygons define the effect.
perceptual parameters: Parameters are based not on physical measurements (such as the size of a room) or engineering convenience (such as the coefficient in an equation), but instead on the way we would perceive and describe what we hear. For example, we might say that a particular room was highly reverberant or not very reverberant, so degree of reverberation would be a perceptual parameter.
perspective correct: Correctly applying bitmap graphics (textures) onto a polygon that will appear in 3D space, regardless of position or perspective. Without perspective correction, textures shimmer and dance about the polygon, causing visual deformation and general unhappiness.
Phase Change: A rewritable optical disk technology developed by the Panasonic division of Matsushita. Unlike magnetic disk media, a high-intensity laser pulse is used to change the bits on the surface of the media from a natural crystalline reflective state to an amorphous dull state which doesn't reflect light. A low-intensity laser pulse is then used to read the data in the amorphous state while a medium-intensity laser pulse is used to restore the crystalline structure (which would happen in a format). The technology is used by Panasonic's PD drive, CD-RWs, and DVD-RAM drives.
photolithography: A process used to transfer circuitry designs to the surface of silicon (in the case of an integrated circuit, such as a CPU) or glass (in the case of a flat-panel monitor's TFT assembly). First, a photomask, or stencil, of the circuitry layout is created. Next, the silicon or glass is coated with a light-sensitive film. Now light is shot through the photomask and onto the light-sensitive film, which reacts by hardening in the areas defined by the photomask's outline. Finally, the silicon or glass is exposed to either acid or hot ions, which etch away the unhardened areas.
physics engine: The underlying programming and mathematical code within a gaming engine that determines how objects will react within the gaming world. It's used to simulate gravity, friction, and other real-world attributes.
physics subsystem: The part of the engine that understand how physics works. It is, ideally, an independent part so it can be replaced or upgraded without significant changes to the engine itself.
pin-outs: The collection of pins that attach a chip--such as a CPU or 3D accelerator--to the motherboard. All Sockect 7 CPUs share an identical pin-out array. Conversely, most 3D accelerators have their own custom array. SocketX would create a pin-out array standard.
pipeline: An assembly line for program instructions. A pipelined function unit in a microprocessor separates the execution of a program instruction into multiple stages. Instructions flow through the pipeline like cars on a factory assembly line: multiple instructions are in various states of completion. See also authoring pipeline and rendering pipeline.
pipeline-processing: when a microprocessor begins executing a second instruction before the first has been completed. Several instructions are in the pipeline simultaneously, each at a different processing stage.
pitch shifting: The process by which a recording of a single note is transformed into other notes of the scale during wavetable synthesis.
pivot points: A pivot point allows you to set the point of rotation of an object, light, camera etc.
pixel: The smallest unit of resolution on a video screen. Everything on the screen is formed of pixels. More pixels are better, because the screen can display more detailed images. Screen resolution is often expressed in pixels--1024x768 means a screen displays 1024 pixels horizontally by 768 pixels vertically, for a total of 786,432 pixels.
pixelation: The effect of individual picture elements (pixels) becoming visible. Generally this is the result of undersized texture maps being magnified when the view is set close to the polygon object.
pixelfx2: A term specific to 3Dfx Voodoo2 cards, it refers to a solo graphics processor chip that handles frame buffer/z-buffer duties. At least two texelfx2 chips are needed for it to work properly in a Voodoo2 configuration.
platform: The combination of an operating system and a microprocessor architecture that determines what kind of software can run on a computer. An example of a platform is Windows 98 on an Intel x86-compatible processor. The Macintosh is a different platform because it runs the Mac OS on a PowerPC processor.
platter: A round magnetic plate that constitutes part of a hard drive. Most platters require two read/write heads, one for each side.
plug-ins: A software module that adds a specific feature or service to a software application. For example, web browers include plug-ins to view video or hear audio.
PNG: Portable Network Graphic. Bitmap image format created to replace GIFs when patent claims threatened to shut down the web.
point sampling: Refers to textures that are displayed on-screen without any smoothening filters applied. This will result in lost detail and pixels being blocky.
polygon: A 2D figure (usually a triangle or rectangle) that's the building block of a 3D screen object. It usually takes hundreds or thousands of polygons to form the skeleton of a 3D object.
polygon count: The number of texture-mapped triangles (otherwise known as polygons) that make up an object or character.
polygon primitives: A term used to describe the most basic of polygon shapes, such as a square or triangle. By molding several of these primitives together, you can build an approximated shape of an object you wish to create. Think of them as building blocks for a much larger polygon object.
pooh-pooh: Treat with disdain, as if it's something solid and smelly that comes out of an animal's bum.
POP3: Post Office Protocol 3. A standard protocol for sending and receiving mail on the Internet. Most internet service providers support this.
portal technology: A web technology that allows multiplayer gaming over the Internet.
POTS: Short for potentiometer. These are the little round knobs that you turn left and right. Usually used for things that have basically two states, such as a Left/Right (with that panning in between) or Quiet/Loud (such as a volume control on a stereo or old TV).
preprocesses: The procedure that a programmer follows to convert regular 3D data into a special form that can be used with a continuous-level-of-detail system such as MRG.
primary bus: The IDE interface can control up to four devices spread across two buses--the primary bus and the secondary bus. Computers typically boot off hard drives connected to the primary bus.
primitives: Basic geometry such as a sphere, cone, or cube that you use to modify and build larger, more complex objects. Primitives help speed the modeling process because it saves you from having to build a lot of shapes from scratch, especially common shapes that will repeatedly occur in your work.
PRML channel: The Partial-Response, Maximum-Likelihood technique differentiates noise from a good signal by measuring the rate of change at various intervals of the rising waveform. It uses digital signal processing (DSP) to reconstruct data and increase the number of bits that can be recorded.
procedural language: The opposite of OOP. Programs written in procedural languages tend to be monolithic, while OOP encourages the division of a program into independent modules that are reusable in future programs. The latest versions of procedural languages such as C, BASIC, and Pascal have adopted some concepts of OOP.
procedure: A type of subroutine that generally does not return a value when called. A procedure named SaveFile might save a file on disk, then return control to the calling program or routine without returning a value. (See function and method.)
processing pipeline: The path through which data passes in a CPU or graphics processor; The larger the bandwidth (i.e., 128-bit versus 64-bit) the more data the processor can handle.
processor mode: A particular operational state dictated by a processor's architecture. Operating systems must comply with the mode or risk failure.
proprietary dithering algorithm: The instruction set that a videocard uses to render pixels to the screen.
Proprietary: Hardware or software that is owned or controlled by an individual, group, or company.
protocol: A formally defined way to perform an action. Diplomatic protocols specify how to greet foreign dignitaries; computer protocols specify interactions between computing devices and programs. For example, HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) defines how web servers and browsers should exchange data over the Internet.
P6: Intel's code name for a sixth-generation x86 microprocessor chip. The Pentium Pro was the first P6-series processor, followed by the Pentium II, Celeron, and Xeon.
pundits: So-called experts who frequently offer (presumably knowledgeable) opinions on their special subjects. Many pundits are analysts who make a full-time living by studying, writing, and talking about a specific subject.