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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Streaming Definition
Streaming Definition
Data streaming, commonly seen in the forms of audio and video streaming, is when a multimedia file can be played back without being completely downloaded first. Most files, like shareware and software updates that you download off the Internet, are not streaming data. However, certain audio and video files like Real Audio and QuickTime documents can be streaming files, meaning you can watch a video or listen to a sound file while it's being downloaded to your computer. ...
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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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Export Definition
Export Definition
Export is a command usually found within a program's File menu (File → Export...). It is similar to the File → Save As... command, but is typically used for more specific purposes. For example, instead of simply saving a file with a different name or different format, "Export" might be used to save parts of a file, create a backup copy of a file, or save a file with customized settings.
Since the Export command is only used for specific purposes, it is not available in ...
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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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Cloud Definition
Cloud Definition
The term "cloud" comes from early network diagrams, in which the image of a cloud was used to indicate a large network, such as a WAN. The cloud eventually became associated with the entire Internet, and the two terms are now used synonymously. The cloud may also be used to describe specific online services, which are collectively labeled "cloud computing."
Examples of popular cloud-based services include web applications, SaaS, online backup, and other types of online s...
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Internet of Things Definition
Internet of Things Definition
The Internet of Things, commonly abbreviated "IoT," is an umbrella term that refers to anything connected to the Internet. It includes traditional computing devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, but also includes a growing list of other devices that have recently become Internet enabled. Examples include home appliances, automobiles, wearable electronics, security cameras, and many other things.
In order for a device to be part of the Internet ...
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Backbone Definition
Backbone Definition
Just like the human backbone carries signals to many smaller nerves in the body, a network backbone carries data to smaller lines of transmission. A local backbone refers to the main network lines that connect several local area networks (LANs) together. The result is a wide area network (WAN) linked by a backbone connection.
The Internet, which is the ultimate wide area network, relies on a backbone to carry data over long distances. The Internet backbone consists of...
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Traceroute Definition
Traceroute Definition
When computers communicate over the Internet, there are often many connections made along the way. This is because the Internet is made up of a network of networks, and two different computers may be on two separate networks in different parts of the world. Therefore, if a computer is to communicate with another system on the Internet, it must send data through a series of small networks, eventually getting to the Internet backbone, and then again traveling to a smalle...
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Website Definition
Website Definition
A website, or Web site, is not the same thing as a Web page. Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, they should not be. So what's the difference? To put it simply, a Web site is a collection of Web pages. For example, Amazon.com is a Web site, but there are millions of Web pages that make up the site. Knowing the difference between these two terms can save you a lot of embarrassment.
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