Jargon and their definitions:
active desktop: Enhanced functionality that enables webpages to be turned into desktop items that are updated automatically. A webpage can also be turned into wallpaper, allowing a workgroup homepage to be readily visible on each user's computer with links to related information on the intranet. Active Desktop supports active channels, or subscriber-based content delivery systems. It is available on Windows 98 and Internet Explorer versions 4.0 and higher.
active server page: A specification for a dynamically created webpage that utilizes ActiveX scripting -- usually vb script: javascript has nothing to do with Java. This confusion was created by Netscape, which parasitically named the scripting language for its browser "javascript" to capitalize on the success of the Java programming language. Java, the programming language, is what's called a compiled language. It's written using English-language words and then translated by the computer into something that the computer can understand. Script is written in English as well, but is only understood and translated by the browser, not the computer itself. javascript is basically an advance on HTML coding that is used to provide functionality in webpages -- rollovers, pull-down menus, and so on.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Pronounced "jay-peg," JPEG is an ISO/ITU standard for compressing still images. Using discrete cosine transform, it provides lossy compression (you lose some data from the original image) with ratios up to 100:1 and higher. It depends on the image, but ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 may provide little noticeable loss. The more the loss can be tolerated, the more the image can be compressed. Compression is achieved by dividing the picture into tiny pixel blocks, which are halved over and over until the appropriate ratio is achieved. JPEG is implemented in software and hardware, with the latter providing sufficient speed for real-time, on-the-fly compression.
kernel: The central part of the Linux operating system that oversees all other operations. It loads first and stays in the memory throughout the operation of the OS.
kilobyte: In decimal systems, kilo stands for 1,000, but in binary systems, a kilo is 1,024 (2 to the 10th power). Technically, a kilobyte is 1,024 bytes, but it is often used loosely as a synonym for 1,000 bytes.
LAN (local area network): A communications network that serves users within a relatively small area. Most LANs serve just one building or a group of buildings. A LAN's servers run the programs and hold the data that all users on the LAN share. The users' individual PCs are workstations (clients) which access the serves as needed.
limiter: A signal processor used to keep audio signals from exceeding a set level.
line level: The standard volume level for routing audio signals. For pro audio gear, line level is set at +4dBv and for consumer gear it is -10dBv.
Linux: A Unix-like operating system that runs on many different types of computers. Linus Torvalds wrote the Linux operating system while he was a college student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Instead of making it proprietary and trying to sell it, Torvalds gave it away, so anyone who wanted to develop for it could do so. But don't run out and download Linux just because it's free. It's not a consumer operating system, and it requires a very high level of skill to install and run. It's a flavor of the Unix operating system -- on which most of the Internet runs -- and is mainly used by programmers as a development tool. Linux, which has attracted a passionate cult following among programmers, represents the latest entry in the worldwide race for domination of the PC desktop and computer server markets.
LFO (low-frequency oscillator): Low-frequency signals used to modulate other signals for vibrato and other effects.
LPT: The typical designation for a computer's connection to a printer or other device through a parallel port. The name originally stood for "line printer terminal," but the LPT port can be used for other devices as well, such as a video camera.
macro: A mini-program that performs a series of keystrokes, commands or other functions that have been recorded into it. Calling the macro (usually through pressing a combination of keys) causes the actions recorded in the macro to be run in sequence. Macros are often used to enter words or phrases that you use frequently.
megabit: One million bits. Abbreviated as Mb, Mbit, and M-bit.
megabyte (MB): A measure of computer processor storage and real and virtual memory; a 2 to the 20th power byte, or 1,048,576 bytes in decimal notation.
memory: The electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor can reach quickly. When your computer is in normal operation, its memory usually contains the main parts of the operating system and some or all of the application programs and related data that are being used.
META tag: A special HTML tag that identifies a webpage's contents. META tags do not have any influence on the appearance of the page, but instead hold information such as keywords for search engine, descriptions of the site, and update histories. The information in META tags is often used in the indexes of search engines.
microprocessor: A silicon chip that contains a CPU, or central processing unit. This is the brain of any computing device.
MIDI (pronounced "middy"): Short for musical instrument digital interface, MIDI is a standard protocol for communication between musical devices such as synthesizers and PC sound cards. At minimum, MIDI defines the codes for a musical event, such asa note's pitch, length, volume, and other attributes, like vibrato, attack, and delay time. The MIDI standard is supported by most synthesizers, allowing MIDI music to be played by an orchestra of separate MIDI instruments. The MIDI standard is also utilized by musical editing and composition software.
modem: A device that allows a computer to transmit data over telephone lines. It is the most common way that people connect to the Internet. A modem modulates data by converting it to audible tones that can be transmitted over a telephone line, and then demodulates received signals to get the data. A high-speed cable or DSL modem is highly recommend for transferring audio data across the internet.
monitor: The display screen for a computer.
monitors: Special speakers that have a very flat frequency response and are used during recording and mixing.
motherboard: The central nervous system of a microcomputer. Typically it contains the CPU, BIOS, RAM, and mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive.
mouse: A handheld device that a computer user can use to move the on-screen pointer without having to resort to key commands.
MP3 (MPEG-1, Layer 3): Developed in Germany by the Fraunhofer Institute in 1991, MP3 is an audio compression technology. As part of the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 specifications, it compresses CD-quality sound by a factor of 12 using perceptual audio coding. It provides almost the same high fidelity as a CD. MP3 music files, played via software or a handheld device, make it possible to download high-quality audio from the Web quickly.
multiplier: The function that determines the speed of the processor, which, in turn, is a multiple of the bus speed.
multitrack recording: The process of recording multiple sound sources to individual isolated tracks that are synchronized to record and playback in time.
Napster: A peer-to-peer file-sharing format developed to trade mass amounts of music files over the Internet. Lawsuits forced the original version to be shut down, but the Napster technology is set to re-emerge as a subscription-based service.
near field monitor: Speakers that are designed to be placed in relatively close proximity to the listener and used to monitor recording and playback.
noise floor: The level of noise that an audio device produces, measured in negative dB. The lower the dB level, the quieter the device is.
normalization: Adjusting sound files so the volume is consistent.
Nyquist's theorem: States that a sampling device must capture samples at twice the frequency of sound being sampled to avoid aliasing.
OCR (optical character recognition): A branch of computer science that involves reading text on paper and translating the images into a form that computer users can manipulate.. When a text document is scanned into the computer, it is turned into a bitmap, or picture, of the text. OCR software identifies letters and numbers by analyzing the light and dark areas of the bitmap. When it recognizes a character, it converts it into ASCII text. Advanced OCR programs can recognize hand printing.
OEM (original equipment manufacturer): A misleading term for a company that buys computers in bulk from a manufacturer , then customizes the machines and sells them under its own name. The term is a misnomer because OEMs aren't the original manufacturers. Another term for OEM is VAR (value-added reseller ).
oscillator: An electrical device that uses varying voltages to oscillate at different frequencies, thereby producing musical notes.
overclocking: Running your processor at a speed faster than it's rated. Most processors can run faster than their rated speed with some sacrifice of reliability.
over-sampling: A technique in which each sample coming from the D/A converter is sampled multiple times. The samples are then interpolated creating an anti-aliasing effect.
Q (bandwidth): The bandwidth of an equalizer band.
quantize: Forcing the notes in a MIDI sequence to fall on the nearest beat.
QuickTime: A sound, video, and animation system developed by Apple Computer. A QuickTime file can contain up to 32 tracks of audio, video, MIDI or other time-based control information. Apple also provides a version of QuickTime for Windows.
rack: A special type of storage shelf used to house pro audio gear. The height of rack mount gear is often expressed as a whole rack unit (meaning it occupies one entire rack space) or a half rack unit (half the vertical size of a whole rack unit).
RAM (random access memory): A common type of computer memory that functions as a machine's primary workspace. It can be accessed randomly. That is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the bytes before or after itThe more RAM your computer has, the more efficiently it will operate.
RAS (remote access services): A Windows NT feature that allows remote users to log into an a LAN using a modem, X.25 connection, or WAN link. RAS is compatible with network protocols including TCP/IP, IPX, and NetBEUI.
raster: A pattern of horizontal lines displayed on a computer or TV monitor. As the part of a monitor's screen that is actually being used to display images, it's a bit smaller than the physical dimensions of the display screen itself. It varies for different resolutions. Most monitors have controls that allow you to move or resize the raster.
RealAudio (.RA): The standard for streaming audio data over the Web. Developed by RealNetworks, RealAudio supports FM-stereo-quality sound. To hear a webpage that includes a RealAudio sound file, you need a RealAudio player or plug-in, a program that is freely available from a number of places, including Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
release: The final stage of a sound's envelope.
removable media: Information storage that allow users to remove the stored information if necessary. Examples of removable media include disks and magnetic tapes. The most popular form or removable media for audio is the CD-R.
resolution: The degree of clarity an image displays.The term is most often used to describe the sharpness of bit-mapped images on monitors, but of course it also applies to images on printed pages, as expressed by the number of dots-per-inch (dpi). x. For example, a 300-dpi printer can print 300 dots in an inch-long line., or 90,000 dots per square inch. For monitors, screen resolution signifies the number of dots (pixels) on the screen. For example, a 640x480 pixel screen can display 640 dots on each of 480 lines, or about 300,000 pixels. Screens of different sizes have different dpi measurements. Printers, monitors, scanners, and other I/O devices are often classified as high resolution, medium resolution, or low resolution, but the corresponding degrees of clarity improve along with the technology.
resonance: The persistence of a tone, usually caused by sympathetic vibration.
reverb: The persistence of an acoustic signal after the original signal has ceased.
ripping: Using software to extract raw audio data from a music CD.
ROM (read-only memory): A storage chip that typically contains hard-wired instructions for use when a computer starts up.
RSA: A public-key encryption technology created by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman of RSA Data Security, Inc. The key has two parts, one private and one public. Both parts are required for decryption. The RSA algorithm takes into account the inefficiency of factoring very large numbers. Therefore, decrypting an RSA key requires e enormous amounts of time and computer processing power. Used in Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and other applications that require industrial-strength encryption, the RSA algorithm has become a standard, especially for data sent over the Internet.
RSI (repetitive strain injury): Ailments of the hands, neck, back, and eyes due to computer use.
Samba: An SMB (server message block) daemon that emulates SMB services for a Linux box.
sampling frequency: The rate at which measurements of an audio signal are taken during A/D and D/A conversion. A higher sampling rate makes for a higher-fidelity audio signal.
ScanDisk: a DOS and Windows utility that detects various errors on hard disk. It can repair some of them. In DOS, run ScanDisk by entering scandisk at the prompt and pressing the Enter key. In Windows 95 or 98, run ScanDisk by selecting Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools->ScanDisk.
scanner: A device that converts paper documents or photos into a format that can be viewed on a computer and manipulated by the user.
SCSI (small computer system interface): Pronounced "scuzzy," SCSI is the standard port for Macintosh computers and is common in PCs and Unix boxes as well. SCSI is really a family of interfaces, ranging from the relatively primitive SCSI-1 to the spiffy new Wide Ultra2 SCSI. It offers some advantages over IDE, a similar port, including a higher data access rate (up to 80 MBps, depending on the type) and the ability to connect a number of devices to one port. SCSI can control seven devices, while IDE can control only two. SCSI hard drives are commonly used for audio applications as they generally can read and write data faster than can an IDE drive.
semiconductor: A substance, usually a solid chemical element or compound, that can conduct electricity under some conditions but not others, making it a good medium for the control of electrical current. Its conductance varies depending on the current or voltage applied to a control electrode, or on the intensity of irradiation by infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, or X rays.
send: See auxiliary send.
sequencer: A device that stores MIDI data.
server: The business end of a client/server setup, a server is usually a computer that provides the information, files, webpages, and other services to the client that logs on to it.
shareware: Shareware is not software. Rather, it's a marketing method. When you buy software at your local computer store, you have to pay for the product before you see it. With shareware, you can try before you buy. That way you know whether it will meet your needs before you pay anything.
shelving EQ: An EQ that is designed to boost or cut a selected frequency and tapers off at a fixed slope.
.SHS files: Windows95/98/NT "scraps" -- usually dragged onto the desktop to be used as shortcuts. Trojan Horses can be hidden within .SHS files. Your computer does not need .SHS files. If you come across .SHS files, delete them.
SIMM (single in-line memory module): A narrow circuit board that holds memory chips. It plugs into a SIMM socket on a motherboard or memory board. Usually, a SIMM holds up to 8 chips on a Macintosh or 9 chips on a PC. Unlike memory chips, SIMMs are measured in bytes rather than bits. SIMMs, which are generally available in configuration from 1MB to 32MB, are easier to install than individual memory chips.
signal to noise ratio (S/N): The difference between the nominal signal level and the residual noise floor, usually expressed in decibels.
SMART (self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology): An open standard within hardware and software that automatically monitors a disk drive's health and reports of potential failure. All major hard-drive manufacturers use SMART to detect imminent disk problems and report the danger to the computer user. The user can then take appropriate action, which typically means backing up critical data stored on the disk -- before the drive becomes unusable.
SMB: A file-sharing protocol that Windows uses to share files and resources, such as printers, across a network.
software: Computer programs that instruct the computer. Some examples are word processors, spreadsheets, and games.
sound card: The card that processes audio data on a PC. It's often a PCI card, but it can also be USB or FireWire based. Or it can be built into the computer's motherboard.
system exclusive: A MIDI message that is used to transmit data to a specific MIDI device that is in a chain. See also bulk dump.
semiconductor: A substance, usually a solid chemical element or compound, that can conduct electricity under some conditions but not others, making it a good medium for the control of electrical current. Its conductance varies depending on the current or voltage applied to a control electrode, or on the intensity of irradiation by infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, or X-rays.
shareware: Shareware is not software. Rather, it's a marketing method. When you buy software at your local computer store, you have to pay for the product before you see it. With shareware, you can try before you buy. That way you know whether it will meet your needs before you pay. There are many high-quality shareware music applications available on the Internet.
SIMM (single in-line memory module): A small circuit board that can hold a group of memory chips. Typically, SIMMs hold up to eight RAM chips (on Macintoshes) or nine RAM chips (on PCs). Unlike memory chips, SIMMs are measured in bytes rather than bits. SIMMs are easier to install than are individual memory chips.
software: Computer programs that instruct the computer. Some examples are word processors, spreadsheets, and games.
spam: Electronic junk mail. Some people define spam as any unsolicited email. A narrower definition is unsolicited advertising, most commonly for credit cards, weight loss methods, and pyramid schemes, sent to a mailing list or newsgroup.
S/PDIF: The Sony/Phillips Digital Interface. Carries up to 24-bit data.
spreadsheet: Software that simulates a paper spreadsheet, or worksheet, in which columns of numbers are summed for budgets and plans. A spreadsheet appears on-screen as a matrix of rows and columns, the intersections of which are identified as cells. Spreadsheets can have thousands of cells and can be scrolled horizontally and vertically in order to view them.
SRAM (static RAM): RAM (random access memory) that retains data bits in its memory as long as power is being supplied. Unlike DRAM (dynamic random access memory), which stores bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not have to be periodically refreshed. SRAM provides faster access to data and is more expensive than DRAM. It is used for a computer's cache memory and as part of the digital-to-analog converter on a video card.
streaming:Refers to the continuous transmission of data, typically audio or video, so it can be processed as a steady stream. Streaming technologies are increasingly important as the Internet grows because many users don'tt have fast enough Internet connections to download large multimedia files quickly. With streaming, the client browser or plug-in can start displaying the data as sound and pictures before the entire file has been transmitted. If the streaming client receives the data more quickly than required, it must save the excess data in a buffer. If the data arrives too slowly, its display will appear choppy.
suite (also known as an "office suite"): A set of applications designed to work together. A suite typically includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, and database programs. Some of the programs may be available separately, while others come only in the bundle. Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office and Lotus SmartSuite are the major business application suites for Windows. Sun's StarOffice is a new contender that is expected to become popular. Although Windows provides integration features such as cut-and-paste and compound document creation, the suites provide additional tools to move data from one application more easily into another. In addition, common functions such as spell checking can be installed once and shared among all programs. While no single application suite has the best program in each category, they have become very popular because they come on one CD-ROM, are upgradable as a single unit, and training is available for the entire package.
sustain: The part of the ADSR envelope that determines where the sound will decay while the note or key is depressed.
synching: The process of linking two devices together in order to exchange data or work from the same documents. For example, a DAT can be synched to a PC and be used to store audio data while still being controlled by the PC.
TCP/IP (transmission control protocol): An Internet protocol for moving data from one computer to another. IP, or Internet protocol, is also an essential part of the Internet data transmission process. The Internet protocol coordinates the addressing and packaging of the data packets that make up the article.
terminal: A device with a screen and keyboard that relies on a mainframe or another computer for intelligence.
thumbnail: A miniature representation of a page or image. A thumbnail program may be stand-alone or part of a desktop-publishing or graphics program. Thumbnails take considerable time to generate, but provide a convenient way to browse through multiple images before retrieving the one you need. A number of programs let you click on the thumbnail to retrieve the item it represents.
TIFF (tagged image file format): A common ile format for storing bit-mapped images on computers. The images may display any resolution, and they can be monochrome, gray-scaled, or in full color. TIFF file extensions often end with .tif.
timecode: Timecode is a signal that contains a chronological record of the absolute time in a recording. It is used for synchronizing different recorders. It can be used for electron
