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Windows 98 Glossary of Terms |
Did you know that when we are THUNKING, that's seems like a good thing.
"thunking
A translation process that converts a 16-bit value to its 32-bit equivalent."
I think I'll thunk for a while. It just seems faster that way:::)))
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
A high-performance, component-level interconnect for 3D-graphics applications.
accessibility
The extent to which computers are easy to use and available to a wide
range of users, including people with one or more physical disabilities.
Active Channel
A Web site that automatically delivers content to a user’s computer
on a regular schedule.
Active Desktop
An interface that integrates the Windows desktop with the Internet
Explorer browsing software to provide a single metaphor for accessing content
or applications.
Active Setup
An application that collects information about the user’s computer
before download of Internet Explorer begins, and then uses this information
to manage the download intelligently.
ActiveX
An umbrella term for Microsoft technologies that enable developers
to create interactive content for the World Wide Web. A set of language-independent
interoperability technologies that enable software components written in
different languages to work together in networked environments. The core
technology elements of ActiveX are COM and DCOM.
address class
A basis for differentiating networks of various sizes. The network
class can be determined from the first octet of its IP address.
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
A protocol for determining a host's Ethernet address from its Internet
address.
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
A system interface that provides a standard way to control power management
and Plug and Play functions of the computer hardware. ACPI allows the computer
motherboard to describe its device configuration and power control hardware
interface to Windows 98. This allows the operating system to automatically
turn on and off standard devices, such as CD-ROMs, network cards, hard
disk drives, and printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the
computer, such as VCRs, TVs, phones, and stereos.
Advanced Power Management (APM)
A software interface (defined by Microsoft and Intel) between hardware-specific
power management software (such as that located in a system BIOS) and an
operating system power management driver.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute.
API
See application programming interface.
applet
An HTML-based program built with Java that a browser temporarily downloads
to a user's hard disk, from which location it runs when the Web page is
open.
Application programming interface (API)
A set of routines that an application program uses to request and carry
out lower-level services performed by the operating system.
Architecture
The structure of all or part of a computer system. Also refers to the
design of system software.
ASPI
Advanced SCSI Programming Interface.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
A communications protocol defined for high-speed data communications.
Authenticode
A technology that makes it possible to identify who published a piece
of software and verify that it has not been tampered with.
Automatic proxy configuration file
A file that dynamically assigns browser proxy settings based on the
location of hosts.
BIOS
Basic I/O system. A set of routines that works closely with the hardware
to support the transfer of information between elements of the system,
such as memory, disks, and the monitor.
BIOS Parameter Block (BPB)
Information located inside the boot sector specific to the logical
drive information.
block device
A device such as a disk drive that moves information in groups of bytes
(blocks) rather than one byte at a time.
boot sector
First sector on a logical drive that includes code to boot that drive,
specific logical drive information, and error messages.
broadcast
In general terms, a transmission sent simultaneously to more than one
recipient. In Internet terminology, a transmission sent to a single address
to be forwarded to many recipients. In practice, Internet broadcasts function
only on local networks, because routers do not forward them.
broadcast client
A versatile personal computer that can receive and display broadband
digital and analog broadcasts, blending television with new forms of information
and entertainment. Broadcast client programming can include television,
audio, World Wide Web pages, and computer data content.
broadcast server
A computer that sends broadcast programming across a broadcast channel
to broadcast clients. The programming sent can include television, audio,
World Wide Web pages, and digital data such as stock prices, multimedia
magazines, and computer software.
browser
A client tool for navigating and accessing information on the Internet
or an intranet. A browser interprets hypertext markup language (HTML) and
displays information on a computer screen. A popular example is Microsoft
Internet Explorer.
bus
A set of hardwire lines used for data transfer among the components
of a computer system.
bus class driver
In Windows 98, a driver that provides an interface between the hardware
layer and bus minidrivers.
bus enumerator
A driver is responsible for creating the Windows 98 hardware tree.
cabinet
A file that contains one or more files, usually compressed.
call manager
The component that implements the media-specific signaling protocol
for virtual circuit (connection) management on connection-oriented networks.
CardBus
A 32-bit PC Card.
CD-ROM
Compact disc read-only memory. A laser-encoded optical memory storage
medium.
CDFS
CD-ROM file system, which controls access to the contents of CD-ROM
drives.
channel
A push technology that allows users to subscribe to a Web site to browse
offline, automatically display updated pages on their screen savers, and
download or receive notifications when pages in the Web site are modified.
Channel bar
An area on the user’s Active Desktop that displays all the subscribed
channels.
Channel Definition Format (CDF) file
A file that specifies the content of an Active Channel and when and
how that content should be delivered to the user.
CHAP
Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol.
checksum
A calculated value used to test data for the presence of errors that
can occur when data is transmitted or when it is written to disk.
chip set
A collection of integrated circuits designed to be used together for
a specific purpose.
clean boot
Booting or starting a computer using the minimum system files in the
operating system.
clean installation
Installation of an operating system on a new computer or a computer
with a reformatted hard disk.
client
A process that requests a service provided by another program (called
a server). See server.
Client for Microsoft Networks
A 32-bit, protected-mode file system driver to support all Microsoft
networking products that use the SMB file-sharing protocol.
cluster
A specified number of sectors grouped together by the FORMAT command.
The number is determined by the size of the logical drive. A cluster is
the smallest storage unit for storing files.
code page
An internal table that the operating system uses to relate the keys
on the keyboard to the characters displayed on the screen.
codec
Compression/decompression technology for digital video and stereo audio.
cold docking
Insertion or removal of a device in the system before which the device
must be powered off or restarted.
Compatibility mode
A mode protocol defined in IEEE P1284 that provides a byte-wide channel
from a computer to a peripheral.
Component Object Model (COM)
The object-oriented programming model that defines how objects interact
within a single application or between applications. In COM, client software
accesses an object through a pointer to an interface—a related set of functions
called methods—on the object.
compressed volume file (CVF)
A file with read-only, hidden, and system attributes, and that contains
a compressed drive.
container applications
Applications that maintain compound documents.
cookies
A means by which, under the HTTP protocol, a server or a script can
maintain state or status information on the client workstation. In other
words, a cookie is bits of information about a person's visit to a Web
page. A cookie can include such information as the way a Web page was customized
or how a visitor shopped on a Web site, or it can be used to track repeat
visits.
cooperative multitasking
A method by which the operating system requires an application to check
the message queue periodically and to relinquish control of the system
to other running applications.
Data Link Control (DLC)
An error-correction protocol in the Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
responsible for transmission of data between two nodes over a physical
link.
datagram
A packet of data and other delivery information that is routed through
a packet-switched network or transmitted on a local area network.
DDE
Dynamic Data Exchange. An interprocess communication method that allows
two or more programs running simultaneously to exchange data and commands.
DDI
Device driver interface.
DDK
Driver development kit.
default emulated LAN
A virtual network that acts like a traditional LAN.
default gateway
The gateway used to connect to the rest of the network.
demand paging
A method by which code and data are moved in pages from physical memory
to a temporary paging file on disk.
device class driver
In Windows 98, a driver that provides an interface between different
layers of the WDM architecture.
device node
The basic data structure for a given device, built by Configuration
Manager; sometimes called devnode. Device nodes are built into memory at
system startup for each device and enumerator with information about the
device, such as currently assigned resources. The complete representation
of all device nodes is referred to as the hardware tree.
Dial-Up Networking
A component of Windows NT and Windows 98 that makes it possible for
users to connect to remote networks such as the Internet or a private network.
digital ID
An electronic key, obtained from a certificate authority, that provides
a means for proving your identity on the Internet. Also called digital
certificate or authentication certificate.
DirectShow
A multimedia technology designed to play video, audio, and other multimedia
streams in a variety of formats that are stored locally or acquired from
Internet servers. DirectShow relies on a modular system of pluggable components
called filters arranged in a configuration called a filter graph.
DirectX
A low-level API that provides user- mode media interfaces for games
and other high-performance multimedia applications. DirectX is a thin layer,
providing direct access to hardware services, and takes advantage of available
hardware accelerators and emulates accelerator services when accelerators
are not present.
Distributed Component Object Model (Distributed COM) Additions to the Component Object Model (COM) that facilitate the transparent distribution of objects over networks and over the Internet.
distributed computing
Information processing in which computing tasks are divided into two
parts, one running on the client computer, the other on the server.
distribution media format (DMF)
A special read-only format for 3.5-inch floppy disks that permits storage
of 1.7 MB of data.
DIX
Digital/Intel/Xerox.
DLL
See dynamic-link library.
DNS
See Domain Name System.
dock
To insert or remove a device in a computer system.
docking station
A base unit into which you can insert portable hardware and that includes drive bays, expansion slots, and additional ports.
Domain Name System (DNS)
The naming service used on the Internet to provide standard naming
conventions for IP computers.
dotted decimal notation
A method of signifying IP addresses in which each set of eight bits
is separated from the next eight bits by a period.
Drive Parameter Block (DPB)
Identical to the BIOS Parameter Block, except that it is in memory.
Applications should access the DPB instead of the boot sector for logical
drive information. Proper programming guidelines have always stated that
applications should go through the operating system for information instead
of going to the hardware itself.
DVD
Optical disk storage that encompasses audio, video, and computer data.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
An industry-standard (TCP/IP) protocol that assigns Internet Protocol
(IP) configurations to computers. The DHCP-server computer makes the assignments,
and the client computer calls the server computer to obtain the address.
Dynamic HTML
A collection of features that extends the capabilities of traditional
HTML, giving Web authors more flexibility, design options, and creative
control over the appearance and behavior of Web pages.
dynamic-link library (DLL)
An API routine that user-mode applications access through ordinary
procedure calls. The code for the API routine is not included in the user’s
executable image. Instead, the operating system automatically modifies
the executable image to point to DLL procedures at run time.
emulated LAN
A virtual network that acts like a traditional LAN.
encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file
A file that prints at the highest possible resolution for your printer.
An EPS file may print faster than other graphical representations.
encryption
A way of making data indecipherable to protect it from unauthorized
viewing or use.
enhanced metafile (EMF)
A device-independent rendering of a print job that is much faster to
produce than a device-specific rendering.
enumeration
The process by which, during startup, the operating system identifies
Plug and Play devices by creating unique device IDs and reporting those
IDs to Device Manager.
exception handling
An event that occurs as a program runs and that requires software outside
the normal flow of control to be run.
explorer (Explorer) bar
In Internet Explorer, a way to browse through a list of links while
displaying the pages those links open in the right side of the window.
extended capabilities port (ECP)
A port that provides high-speed printing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. A document containing basic questions and
answers.
FAT file system
A file system based on a file allocation table, maintained by the operating
system, to keep track of the status of various segments of disk space used
for file storage.
FAT32
An enhancement of the File Allocation Table file system that supports
large drives with improved disk space efficiency.
Fiber distributed data interface (FDDI)
A standard for high-speed fiber-optic LANs.
File Allocation Table (FAT)
An area on the disk (floppy or logical drive) set aside to reference
file locations on that disk. The table is a chain identifying where each
part of a file is located. It acts similarly to a table of contents for
a book.
File Control Block (FCB)
A small block of memory temporarily assigned by a computer’s operating
system to hold information about an opened file.
firewall
A system or combination of systems that enforces a boundary between
two or more networks and keeps hackers out of private networks. Firewalls
serve as virtual barriers to passing packets from one network to another.
font mapping
Matching screen fonts to printer fonts.
frame
In broadcast television, a single screen-sized image that can be displayed
in sequence with other slightly different images to animate drawings. For
NTSC video, a video frame consists of two interlaced fields of 525 lines;
NTSC video runs at 30 frames per second. For PAL or SECAM video, a video
frame consists of two interlaced fields of 625 lines; PAL and SECAM video
runs at 25 frames per second.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. The Internet standard high-speed protocol for
downloading, or transferring, files from one computer to another.
gateway
A computer connected to multiple physical networks, capable of routing
or delivering packets between them.
GIF
See Graphics Interchange Format.
Gopher
An early Internet protocol and software program designed to search
for, retrieve, and display documents from remote computers or sites. Gopher
clients are used to connect to remote Gopher servers Interaction is typically
carried out through a menu hierarchy.
Graphics Device Interface (GDI)
The graphical system that manages what appears on the screen and provides
graphics support for printers and other output devices. One of three core
components in Windows 98.
Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)
A computer graphics file format developed in the mid-1980s by CompuServe
for use in photo-quality graphic image display on computer screens. Now
commonly used on the Internet.
hardware tree
The hierarchical representation of all the buses and devices on a computer.
HDLC
High-level Data Link Control. A protocol for information transfer in
which messages are transmitted in frames.
High Performance File System (HPFS)
An OS/2 file system that allows long file names.
HiPack
A file and folder compression format.
home page
The central document of a Web site, usually designated as the default
document. The starting point for a Web site or section of a Web site is
often referred to as the home page.
host ID
The portion of the IP address that identifies a particular computer
within a particular network ID.
host table
The HOSTS or LMHOST file that contains lists of known IP addresses
mapped to host names or NetBIOS computer names. Windows 98 uses this for
local name resolution if other methods are not available.
hot docking
Insertion of a device in the system while the device is running at
full power
HTML
See Hypertext Markup Language.
HTTP
See Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
Human Interface Device (HID) specification
The device class definition developed by the USB standards group for
HIDs. Serves as the basis for the WDM input device support, and unifies
input devices by providing flexible data reporting, typeless data, and
arrayed and variable input and output.
hyperlink
Also called simply a link. A way of jumping to another place on the
Internet. Hyperlinks usually appear in a different format from regular
text. You initiate the jump by clicking the link.
hypertext
Documents with links to other documents. Click a link to display the
other document. A hypertext document is a document structured in chunks
of text and marked up, usually using HTML, which is connected by links.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
A simple markup language used to create hypertext documents that are
portable from one platform to another. HTML files are simple ASCII text
files with codes embedded (indicated by markup tags) to indicate formatting
and hypertext links. The formatting language used for documents on the
World Wide Web.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
The underlying protocol by which Web clients and servers communicate.
HTTP is an application-level protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia
information systems. It is a generic, stateless, object-oriented protocol.
A feature of HTTP is the typing and negotiation of data representation,
allowing systems to be built independently of the data being transferred.
ICC
International Color Consortium.
ICM
Image Color Matching.
IDE
Integrated Device Electronics. A type of disk-drive interface where
the controller electronics reside on the drive itself, eliminating the
need for a separate adapter card.
IE
See Microsoft Internet Explorer.
IEAK
Internet Explorer Administration Kit. A set of tools that make possible
the fine-tuning of Internet Explorer browsing software installations.
IEAK Profile Manager
A tool that network or workgroup administrators can use to create custom
Active Desktop and Active Channel configurations and deploy them to users.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
impersonation
A technique by which one process can take on the security attributes
of another process, as when a server process impersonates a client process
to complete a task involving objects to which the server does not normally
have access.
INF file
A file that provides Windows 98 Setup with the information required
to set up a device, such as a list of valid logical configurations for
the device, the names of driver files associated with the device, and so
on. An INF file is typically provided by the device manufacturer on a disk.
Infrared Data Association (IrDA)
Publisher of a wireless connectivity standard, which makes it possible
to connect computers and hardware devices without using cables.
INI files
Initialization files used by Windows-based applications to store per-user
information that controls application startup. In Windows 98, such information
is stored in the registry, and INI files are supported for backward compatibility.
interactive television
Television combined with interactive content and enhancements.
Interlacing
A video display technique in which the electron beam refreshes (updates)
all odd-numbered scan lines in one sweep of the screen and all even-numbered
scan lines in the next. Interlacing takes advantage of both the screen
phosphor's ability to maintain an image for a short time before fading
and the human eye's tendency to average subtle differences in light intensity.
By refreshing alternate lines, interlacing halves the number of lines to
update in one screen sweep.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
An international association of member countries, each represented
by its leading standard-setting organization—for example, ANSI (American
National Standards Institute) for the United States. The ISO works to establish
global standards for communications and information exchange.
Internet
A set of dissimilar computer networks joined together by means of gateways
that handle data transfer and the conversion of messages from the sending
network to the protocols used by the receiving networks. These networks
and gateways use the TCP/IP suite of protocols.
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
The Internet group that assigns groups of IP addresses to organizations.
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
A network-level Internet protocol that provides error correction and
other information relevant to IP packet processing.
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
A consortium that introduces procedures for new technology on the Internet.
IETF specifications are released in Requests for Comments.
Internet Protocol (IP)
The part of TCP/IP that is responsible for addressing and sending TCP
packets over the network.
Internet Protocol Control Protocol (IPCP)
A protocol used to configure, enable, and disable IP Protocol modules
at both ends of the link.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A public provider of remote connections to the Internet.
interrupt
An asynchronous operating condition that disrupts normal execution
and transfers control to an interrupt handler. Interrupts are usually initiated
by I/O devices requiring service from the processor.
interrupt request (IRQ)
A method by which a device can request to be serviced by the device’s
software driver. The system board uses a programmable interrupt controller
to monitor the priority of the requests from all devices.
intranet
Use of Internet standards, technologies, and products within an enterprise
to function as a collaborative processing infrastructure. The term is generally
used to describe the application of Internet technologies on internal corporate
networks.
IP
Internet Protocol.
IP address
Internet Protocol address. A unique address that identifies a host
on a network. It identifies a computer as a 32-bit address that is unique
across a TCP/IP network.
IPX/SPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange /Sequenced Packet Exchange. On Novell
NetWare systems, IPX is a network layer protocol used in the file server
operating system; SPX is a transport layer protocol built on top of IPX
and used in client/server applications.
IRQ
See interrupt request.
ISA
Industry Standard Architecture. An 8-bit (and later, a 16-bit) expansion
bus that provides a buffered interface from devices on expansion cards
to the PC internal bus.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
A completely digital telephone /telecommunications network that carries
voice, data, and video information over the existing telephone network
infrastructure. It is designed to provide a single interface for hooking
up a telephone, fax machine, computer, and so on.
Java
A derivative of the C++ language, SunSoft's distributed programming
language, offered as an open standard.
JavaScript
A scripting language developed by Netscape Communications and Sun Microsystems,
Inc.
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)
A widely accepted international standard for compression of color image
files, sometimes used on the Internet.
JPEG
See Joint Photographic Experts Group.
kernel
One of three core components in Windows 98. It provides base operating system functionality, including file I/O services, virtual memory management, and task scheduling.
kernel mode
The processor mode that allows full, unprotected access to the system. A driver or thread running in kernel mode has access to system memory and hardware.
LAN
Local area network. A group of computers and other devices dispersed
over a relatively limited area and connected by a communications link that
enables any device to interact with any other device on the network.
layered architecture
An architecture in which each layer isolates portions of the services.
legacy
Any feature in the computer system based on older technology for which
compatibility continues to be maintained in other system components. In
the context of Windows 98, a non–Plug and Play feature.
Link Control Protocol (LCP)
A protocol that establishes, configures, and tests the integrity of
a data-link connection.
location
A set of dialing rules defining a place from which a user makes Dial-Up
Networking connection.
logical block addressing (LBA)
A method of accessing hard disk drives based on the extensions of INT
13.
logon script
A batch file that runs automatically every time the user logs on. It
can be used to configure a user’s working environment at every logon, and
it allows an administrator to control a user’s environment without managing
all aspects of it.
mailslot
A mechanism for one-to-one or one-to-many interprocess communications
(IPC).
master browse server
The computer that maintains the list of servers in a workgroup. Also
called browse master.
messaging application program interface (MAPI)
An open and comprehensive messaging interface used by programmers to
create messaging and workgroup applications—such as electronic mail, scheduling,
calendaring, and document management.
Microsoft Internet Explorer browsing software
A suite of Internet software that includes several communication and
collaboration tools in addition to the Internet client.
Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
A general-purpose management display framework for hosting administration
tools.
Microsoft Service for NetWare Directory Services
A service that enables Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks to log
into a Novell Directory Services (NDS) tree.
Microsoft Systems Management Server
An application used to install and maintain Microsoft Windows 98 on
networked computers.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A serial interface standard that
allows for the connection of music synthesizers, musical instruments, and
computers. The MIDI standard is based partly on hardware and partly on
a description of the way in which music and sounds are encoded and communicated
between MIDI devices.
MIDI stream
A technology used in advanced sound cards to play very complex MIDI
sequences with less CPU use.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. A standard that extends SMTP
to allow the transmission of such data as video, sound, and binary files
via Internet e-mail without translating them into ASCII format.
minidriver
A hardware-specific DLL that uses a Microsoft-provided class driver
to accomplish most actions through function calls and provides only device-specific
controls. Under WDM, the minidriver uses the class driver's device object
to make system calls.
miniport driver
A device-specific kernel-mode driver linked to a Windows NT or WDM
port driver, usually implemented as a DLL that provides an interface between
the port driver and the system.
mobile computing
Computing done by intermittently-connected users who access network
resources.
model computer
A computer on which all the components needed for other similar computers
in your organization have been installed.
MPEG
A standard designed by the Motion Pictures Experts Group for video
playback of NTSC quality from CD-ROM.
MS-CHAP
Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication.
Mt. Fuji specification
A specific command set used in DVD-ROM drives.
multicasting
Transmitting a message to multiple recipients at the same time. A point-to-many
networking model in which a packet is sent to a specific address, and only
those computers that are set to receive information from this address receive
the packet.
multihomed system
A computer that is configured with more than one IP address.
Multilink
A protocol that enables a computer to establish a dial-up connection
using two modems or ISDN devices.
multipoint data conferencing
A technology that allows two or more people to share information in
real time over the Internet or an intranet.
name resolution
The process used on the network for resolving a computer address as
a computer name, to support the process of finding and connecting to other
computers on the network.
named pipe(s)
An interprocess communication (IPC) mechanism that allows one process
to communicate with another local or remote process.
NDISWAN
Network driver interface specification wide area network.
NetBEUI
NetBIOS Extended User Interface. A local area network transport protocol
provided with Windows 98.
NetBIOS
Network basic input/output system. A software interface for network
communication.
NetBIOS Frames Control Protocol (NBFCP)
A protocol used to configure, enable, and disable the NetBEUI protocol
modules on both ends of a data link.
netmask
A binary value that defines which portion of the network address must
match in order for that route to be used.
network adapter
A hardware card installed in a computer that so it can communicate
on a network.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
A process that lets an entire network connect to a PPP server and appear
as a single IP address, thus helping to conceal IP addresses from external
hackers and to alleviate address space shortage.
Network Device Interface Specification (NDIS)
The interface for network drivers used in Windows and Windows NT operating
systems. All transport drivers call the NDIS interface to access network
adapters.
network ID
The portion of the IP address that identifies a group of computers
and other devices that are all located on the same logical network.
Nibble mode
A mode protocol defined in IEEE P1284 that provides a channel from
the peripheral to the host through which data is sent as 4-bit nibbles.
NLS
National language support. Services that ensure globally-aware information
handling.
NTFS
Windows NT file system.
object application
An application that acts as a server to provide various data objects
to be included in a compound document.
OnNow
A design initiative that seeks to create all the components required
for a comprehensive, system-wide approach to system and device power control.
OnNow is a term for a PC that is always on but appears off and that responds
immediately to user or other requests.
Open Datalink Interface (ODI)
A specification defined by Novell and Apple Computer to provide a protocol
and API for communicating with network adapter drivers, and to support
the use of multiple protocols by a network adapter driver.
Open Group, The
Parent company of a number of standards organizations including The
Active Group—now managing the core ActiveX technology, X/Open, and OSF.
OpenType
A font specification for Windows 98 that extends the TrueType font
standard by adding tables containing information for advanced multilingual
typesetting and typographic control.
option ROM
Optional read-only memory found on PC bus expansion cards. This ROM
usually contains additional firmware required to properly boot the peripheral
connected to the expansion card, for instance, a hard drive. Also referred
to as an expansion ROM.
OSI
Open Systems Interconnection (Reference Model).
packet
A transmission unit of fixed maximum size that consists of binary information
representing both data and a header containing an ID number, source and
destination addresses, and error-control data.
PANOSE
A font matching system based on a numeric classification of fonts according
to visual characteristics.
parse
To analyze or separate (for example, input) into more easily processed
components.
password
A unique string of characters that must be provided before logon or
access to a resource or service is authorized.
Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)
A security protocol that uses a two-way handshake for the peer to establish
its identity.
password caching
Automatically storing a password in a password list (PWL) file so that
whenever the user logs on again, the logon password unlocks the PWL file
and the resource passwords it contains.
PC Card
A trademark of PCMCIA. A removable device that is designed to be plugged
into a PC Card slot and used as a memory-related peripheral.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. A high-performance, 32-bit or 64-bit
bus designed to be used with devices that have high bandwidth requirements,
such as display subsystems.
PCMCIA
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which
standardizes credit card-sized interface cards used in portables and other
small computers.
permission scoping
Preventing permissions granted to a trusted component from being misused,
either intentionally or inadvertently, by a less trusted component.
permission signing
Allowing a signed cabinet file to specify securely not only the identity
of the signer but also the set of permissions being requested for the signed
classes.
Personal Information Exchange (PFX)
A set of public key-based security technologies that is part of the
Microsoft Internet security framework.
Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS)
A system providing for the voluntary rating of World Wide Web site
content by either the publisher of the page or a third-party rating group.
Plug and Play
A design philosophy and set of specifications that describe hardware
and software changes to the PC and its peripherals, making it possible
to add new components without having to perform technical procedures.
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
Protocol that enables a computer to securely connect to the Internet
or an intranet by tunneling through an Internet or LAN connection.
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol. An industry standard, a part of Windows 98
Dial-Up Networking, designed to ensure interoperability with remote access
software from other vendors. It is used in making point-to-point links,
especially with dial-up modem servers.
PPTP
See Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol.
preemptive multitasking
A method by which the operating system takes control away from or gives
control to another running task, depending on the needs of the system.
Private Communication Technology (PCT)
A protocol used to create a secure Internet or intranet channel.
protected mode
An operating mode supporting more advanced features than real mode,
including multitasking, data security, and virtual memory.
protocol
A set of rules and conventions by which two computers pass messages
across a network. Networking software usually implements multiple levels
of protocols layered one on top of another. Windows 98 includes NetBEUI,
TCP/IP, and IPX/SPX-compatible protocols.
protocol rollover
Sending ASF files over a default protocol and then trying to send them
via an alternative server or protocol if the original attempt fails.
proxy server
A server that acts as a go-between, converting information from Web
servers into HTML to be delivered to a client computer. It also provides
a way to deliver network services to computers on a secure subnet without
those computers needing to have direct access to the World Wide Web.
pull model
A broadcast model in which information is downloaded as it is requested.
push model
A broadcast model in which a server sends information to a large number
of clients on its own schedule, without waiting for requests. The clients
scan the incoming information, save the parts they have been instructed
to save, and discard the rest.
quality of service (QoS)
Network characteristics such as desired bandwidth and maximum acceptable
delay that an application can request from a network.
raster fonts
Fonts stored in files as bitmaps and rendered as an array of dots for
displaying on the screen and printing on paper. Raster fonts cannot be
cleanly scaled or rotated.
real mode
The backward-compatible mode of the Intel 80386 family. In real mode,
all of the CPU’s protection features are disabled, paging is not supported,
and program addresses correspond to physical memory addresses. The address
space is limited to 1 MB of physical memory and uses a memory segmentation
scheme. Real mode is compatible with 8086, the 8088, the 80186, and the
real mode of the 80286.
redirector
Networking software that accepts I/O requests for remote files, named
pipes, or mailslots and then sends (redirects) them to a network service
on another computer. Redirectors (also called network clients) are implemented
as file system drivers in Windows 98.
registry
The database repository for information about a computer’s configuration.
The registry supersedes use of separate INI files for all system components
and applications that know how to store values in the registry.
Registry Checker
A system maintenance program that finds and fixes registry problems
and backs up the registry.
Registry Editor
An application that is used to view and edit entries in the registry.
Registry key
An identifier for a record or group of records in the registry.
Remote Access Service (RAS)
A service that provides remote networking for telecommuters, mobile
workers, and system administrators who monitor and manage servers at multiple
branch offices.
remote administration
Administration of one computer by an administrator located at another
computer and connected to the first computer across the network.
remote procedure call (RPC)
A message-passing facility that allows a distributed program to call
services available on various computers in a network. Used during remote
administration of computers, RPC provides a procedural view, rather than
a transport-centered view, of networked operations.
Request for Comments (RFC)
An official document of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
that specifies the details for protocols included in the TCP/IP family.
resolver
Under DNS, a client that queries the name server across the network
to gain information about the domain name space.
resource reservation protocol (RSVP)
A signaling protocol that is used to establish connections with the
QoS requested by an application
RFC
See Request for Comments.
RIP
See Routing Information Protocol.
RIP listening
A process in which a computer listens in on RIP packets and adds information
gleaned from those packets to add entries to the route table. Also called
silent RIP.
robot
A fast, automated program, such as a search engine, indexing program,
or cataloging software, that requests Web pages much faster than humans
can.
root directory
A specific area set aside to store boot files and directories.
route table
A table that is used to determine where a computer routes packets.
Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
A protocol that determines the best path for routing traffic over a
network.
sandboxing
The Java security model, which provides control over how Java applets
can interact with a computer system.
script
A program consisting of a set of instructions to an application or
utility program.
scriptlet
A reusable Web page in which Dynamic HTML script has been written according
to certain conventions.
SCSI
Small computer standard interface. An I/O bus designed as a method
for connecting several classes of peripherals to a host system without
requiring modifications to generic hardware and software.
SDK
Software Development Kit. A kit that programmers can use to create
new applications.
secure password authentication (SPA)
Any authentication in which the actual password is not sent over the
network.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
A protocol that supplies secure data communication through data encryption
and decryption. SSL enables communications privacy over networks through
a combination of public key cryptography and bulk data encryption.
security zone
In Internet Explorer, a segment of the Internet or intranet assigned
a particular level of security.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
A data link protocol that allows transmission of IP data packets over
dial-up telephone connections, typically used by UNIX remote access servers.
server
For a LAN, a computer running administrative software that controls
access to all or part of the network and its resources. A computer acting
as a server makes resources available to computers acting as workstations
on the network. See client.
server message block (SMB)
The protocol developed by Microsoft, Intel, and IBM that defines a
series of commands used to pass information between network computers.
The redirector packages SMB requests into a network control block (NCB)
structure that can be sent over the network to a remote device. The network
provider listens for SMB messages destined for it and removes the data
portion of the SMB request so that it can be processed by a local device.
Service Advertising Protocol (SAP)
The Novell NetWare broadcasting protocol.
setup script
A text file that contains predefined settings for all the options specified
during setup.
share-level security
A security methodology in which passwords are used to restrict access
to shared resources on a peer server. The only security level available
on peer-to-peer networks.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
A protocol used for exchanging mail on the Internet.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
The Internet’s standard for remote monitoring and management of hosts,
routers, and other nodes and devices on a network. A TCP/IP-derived protocol
governing network management and monitoring network devices.
smart card
A small electronic device, approximately the size of a credit card,
that contains an embedded integrated circuit. Used for such tasks as storing
medical records, storing digital cash, and generating network IDs.
SNMP
See Simple Network Management Protocol.
socket
A software object used by a client to connect to a server; basic components
include the port number and the network address of the local host.
SOCKS
A protocol for traversing firewalls in a secure and controlled manner,
made publicly available by the Internet Engineering Task Force.
source routing
A method of routing data across bridges.
SPI
Service provider interface, a single, well-defined set of functions
used by Windows 98 to request network services.
step capture
A process in which a user captures digital-video data one frame at
a time.
Still Image Architecture (STI)
A WDM architecture for still image devices. A still image minidriver
provides support for still image devices, such as scanners and cameras.
stream
A continuous series of bits, bytes, or other small, structurally uniform
units.
streaming architecture
A model for interconnection of stream-processing components, in which
applications dynamically load data as they output it. Dynamic loading means
data can be broadcast continuously. See WDM streaming.
streaming data
Data continuously broadcast to an application. For example, a broadcast
client's user might subscribe to continuously broadcast sports scores.
subnet mask
A 32-bit value that allows the recipient of IP packets to distinguish
the network ID portion of the IP address from the host ID.
subscription
Stored information describing how a user will have access to an Active
Channel Web site, including frequency and method of access.
swap file
A hidden file on the hard drive that Windows uses to hold parts of
programs and data files that do not fit in memory.
system policies
Settings that allow an administrator to override local registry values
for user or computer settings.
System Policy Editor
A tool with which one can change many common registry settings for
an individual computer.
TAPI
See telephony application program interface.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A networking protocol
that allows computers to communicate across interconnected networks and
the Internet. Every computer on the Internet supports TCP/IP.
telephony application program interface (TAPI)
A set of calls that allows applications to control modems and telephones,
by routing application function calls to the appropriate “service provider”
DLL for a modem.
telnet
A protocol used for interactive logon to a remote computer.
thunking
A translation process that converts a 16-bit value to its 32-bit equivalent.
TrueType
A font specification by which fonts are stored as mathematical models
that define the outline of each character.
trust-based security
A cross-platform security model that adds intermediate levels of trust
to the Java security model.
tunneling
The process of sending packets to a computer on a private network by
routing them over some other network, such as the Internet.
TWAIN
An industry-standard software protocol and API that provides easy integration
of image data between input devices, such as scanners and still image digital
cameras, and software applications.
TWUNKER
A virtual device that allows communications between 32-bit and 16-bit
applications.
U Interface
A 2-wire ISDN circuit, essentially today's standard 1-pair telephone
company local loop made of twisted-wire. The U interface is the most common
ISDN interface and extends from the central office.
UDF
Universal Disk Format. A file system developed by the Optical Storage
Technology Association for storage of data on optical media.
UltraPack
A file and folder compression format that offers better compression
than standard or HiPack compression.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
A naming convention that uniquely identifies the location of a computer,
directory, or file on the Internet. The URL also specifies the appropriate
Internet protocol, such as HTTP or FTP.
Universal naming convention (UNC)
A way to specify a directory on a file server. UNC names are file names
or other resource names that begin with the string \\, indicating that
they exist on a remote computer.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. A bidirectional, isochronous, dynamically attachable
serial interface for adding peripheral devices such as game controllers,
serial and parallel ports, and input devices on a single bus.
User
One of three core components in Windows 98. It manages input from input
devices, output to the user interface, and interaction with the sound driver,
timer, and communications ports.
user profile
User-specific information contained in the file User.dat, which is
one of the two files in the Windows 98 registry.
VCACHE
A 32-bit, protected-mode cache driver, which replaces the 16-bit, real-mode
SMARTDrive disk cache software.
VCOMM
In Windows, a 32-bit protected-mode communications driver.
vector fonts
Fonts rendered from a mathematical model, in which each character is
defined as a set of lines drawn between points. Vector fonts can be scaled
to any size or aspect ratio.
version table
A file that contains a list of executable files, followed by the version
number of MS-DOS with which the applications were designed to run.
Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI)
The time period in which a television signal is not visible on the
screen because of the vertical retrace (the repositioning to top of screen
to start a new scan). Data services can be transmitted using a portion
of this signal.
VFAT
32-Bit File Access using protected-mode code to write to the disk.
In Windows 98 the 32-bit virtual File Allocation Table (VFAT) file system
is the primary file system.
Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA)
An industry standards organization focusing on IBM-compatible personal
computers.
Video Graphics Array (VGA)
A display standard for personal computers.
virtual memory
Memory that appears to an application to be larger and more uniform
than it is.
virtual private networking (VPN)
A technology by which one can securely connect to a remote server by
tunneling through an intermediary network.
virtualization
The act of managing a system resource so that more than one application
can use it at the same time.
VRML
Virtual Reality Modeling Language. A language for coding three-dimensional
HTML applications.
VxD
Virtual device driver. The x represents the type of device—for example,
a virtual device driver for a display is a VDD and a virtual device driver
for a printer is a VPD.
WDM
Win32 Driver Model. A 32-bit driver model based on the Windows NT driver
model that is designed to provide a common architecture of I/O services
for both Windows NT and Windows operating systems for specific classes
of drivers.
WDM Streaming (streaming)
An extension of the Microsoft DirectShow application programming interface
(API) based on the Windows Driver Model (WDM). WDM streaming provides the
kernel connection and streaming services used by the WDM streaming class
driver and by components of the next major versions of Microsoft Windows
NT and Microsoft Windows 98. In these operating systems, WDM streaming
provides low-level services in Ring 0 for the lowest latency streaming.
DirectShow provides higher-level features and control.
Webcasting
The automated delivery of personalized and up-to-date information via
the Internet or a corporate intranet.
Win32 Driver Model
See WDM.
Windows Internet Name Service (WINS)
A name resolution service that resolves Windows networking computer
names to IP addresses in a routed environment. A WINS server, which is
a Windows NT Server computer, handles name registrations, queries, and
releases.
Windows NT
The portable and secure, 32-bit, preemptive-multitasking member of
the Microsoft Windows operating system family. Windows NT Server provides
centralized management and security, advanced fault tolerance, and additional
connectivity.
Windows NT file system (NTFS)
The file system designed for use specifically with the Windows NT operating
system. NTFS supports file system recovery and extremely large storage
media, in addition to other advantages. It also supports object-oriented
applications by treating all files as objects with user-defined and system-defined
attributes.
wizard
An interactive Help utility within an application that guides the user
through each step of a particular task.
Workgroup Advertising
A method of implementing browsing for large NetWare networks that include
computers running Windows 98 or Windows 95.
World Wide Web (WWW)
Also called the Web. The graphical Internet hypertext service that
uses the HTTP protocol to retrieve Web pages and other resources from Web
servers. Pages on the Web usually contain hyperlinks to other pages, documents,
and files.
write-behind caching
Temporarily storing data in memory before it is written on disk for
permanent storage.
Zero Administration Initiative for Windows
An initiative to establish a management infrastructure in Microsoft
Windows that will allow managers to automate processes and more effectively
exercise centralized management.
