Read-only Definition
A read-only file or storage device contains data that cannot be modified or deleted. While data can be accessed or "read" from a read-only file or device, new data cannot be added or "written" to the device.
Most operating systems, such as Windows and OS X allow you to mark individual files as read-only. In Windows, you can right-click a file and select Properties to view more information about the file. You can click the Read-only checkbox (located in the General ta...
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Technical
DRM Definition
DRM Definition
Stands for "Digital Rights Management." DRM refers to a collection of systems used to protect the copyrights of electronic media. These include digital music and movies, as well as other data that is stored and transferred digitally. For example, the Apple iTunes Music Store uses a DRM system to limit the number of computers that songs can be played on. Each audio file downloaded from the iTunes music store includes information about the owner of the file and how many times t...
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Sample Definition
Sample Definition
A sample is a digital representation of an analog signal. Both digital video and digital audio files are created using samples. The quality of the sample is determined by the sampling rate, or the bit rate the signal is sampled at.
What we see and hear in the real world is in analog format (our bodies process analog information). Computers, on the other hand, can only understand digital information. Therefore, audio and video signals must be converted to a digital format in...
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Format Definition
Format Definition
The term "format" has several meanings, related to 1) disk formatting, 2) page formatting, and 3) file formats.
1) Disk formatting
In order for storage media, such as a hard drive or flash drive to be recognized by your computer, it first needs to be initialized, or "formatted." Formatting a disk involves testing the disk and writing a new file system onto the disk. This enables the computer to read the disk's directory structure, which defines the way files and folders ...
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NTFS Definition
NTFS Definition
Stands for "New Technology File System." NTFS is a file system introduced by Microsoft with Windows NT and is supported by subsequent versions of Windows, such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP. NTFS has a number of advantages over the previous file system, named FAT32 (File Allocation Table). One major advantage of NTFS is that it includes features to improve reliablity. For exmaple, the new technology file system includes fault tolerance, which automatically repairs hard driv...
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HFS Definition
HFS Definition
Stands for "Hierarchical File System." HFS is the file system used for organizing files on a Macintosh hard disk. When a hard disk is formatted for a Macintosh computer, the hierarchical file system is used to create a directory that can expand as new files and folders are added to the disk. Since HFS is a Macintosh format, Windows computers cannot recognize HFS-formatted drives. Windows hard drives are typically formatted using WIN32 or NTFS file systems.
Since HFS was no...
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File System Definition
File System Definition
Most people have several thousand files on their computer's hard disk, so imagine how hard it would be to find anything if the files were not organized. Fortunately, all hard disks use a file system, which organizes all the files on the disk. The file system is created when you initialize or format your hard disk. It sets up the root directory and subsequent directories beneath it. The file system allows you to create new files and folders, which are added to differen...
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Vector Definition
Vector Definition
Mathematically, a vector is a quantity, defined by both magnitude and direction. For example, a vector could be illustrated by an 1 inch arrow pointing at a 30 degree angle. Another vector may be 2.5 inches and point at a 160 degree angle. In the computer world, vectors are used to define paths in certain types of images, such as EPS files and Adobe Illustrator documents. These images are often called vector graphics since they are comprised of vectors, or paths, instead o...
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Real-Time Definition
Real-Time Definition
When an event or function is processed instantaneously, it is said to occur in real-time. To say something takes place in real-time is the same as saying it is happening "live" or "on-the-fly." For example, the graphics in a 3D action game are rendered in real-time by the computer's video card. This means the graphics are updated so quickly, there is no noticeable delay experienced by the user. While some computer systems may be capable of rendering more frames per seco...
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Smart Home Definition
Smart Home Definition
A smart home is a house or other dwelling with automated or remotely controlled components. Some "smart" components require a proprietary interface though most smart home features can be controlled by a mobile device or computer.
While there are no technical requirements for a smart home, a basic smart home might have remote controlled lighting and an automated thermostat. If your home has a smart lighting system, for example, you can configure different lights to t...
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