Media Definition
In general, "media" refers to various means of communication. For example, television, radio, and the newspaper are different types of media. The term can also be used as a collective noun for the press or news reporting agencies. In the computer world, "media" is also used as a collective noun, but refers to different types of data storage options.
Computer media can be hard drives, removable drives (such as Zip disks), CD-ROM or CD-R discs, DVDs, flash memory, USB driv...
Read More
Directory Definition
Directory Definition
A directory is another name for a folder. File systems use directories to organize files within a storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. For example, system files may be located in one directory, while user files may be stored in another.
While directories often contain files, they may also contain other directories, or subdirectories. The user folder, for instance, may include directories such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos. Each of these directories may contain...
Read More
Platform Definition
Platform Definition
In the computer world, a "platform" typically refers to a computer's operating system. For example, a Dell computer running Windows XP would be considered to be running on a Windows platform. An iMac, on the other hand, runs on the Macintosh platform. It is a more generic way of referring to a computer's operating system than having to specify, for example, Windows XP Professional SP 2, or Mac OS X 10.3.5. The term platform is often used when referring to what kind of co...
Read More
Program Definition
Program Definition
Program is a common computer term that can be used as both a noun and a verb. A program (noun) is executable software that runs on a computer. It is similar to a script, but is often much larger in size and does not require a scripting engine to run. Instead, a program consists of compiled code that can run directly from the computer's operating system.
Examples of programs include Web browsers, word processors, e-mail clients, video games, and system utilities. These prog...
Read More
Root Definition
Root Definition
In the computer world, "root" refers to the top-level directory of a file system. The word is derived from a tree root, since it represents the starting point of a hierarchical tree structure. The folders within the tree represent the branches, while the actual files are considered the leaves. However, unlike a real life tree, a data tree can be visualized upside down, with the root at the top and directories and sub directories spanning downward.
The root node of a file ...
Read More
Interface Definition
Interface Definition
The term "interface" can refer to either a hardware connection or a user interface. It can also be used as a verb, describing how two devices connect to each other.
A hardware interface is used to connect two or more electronic devices together. For example, a printer typically connects to a computer via a USB interface. Therefore, the USB port on the computer is considered the hardware interface. The printer itself also has a USB interface, which is where the other ...
Read More
Storage Device Definition
Storage Device Definition
A computer storage device is any type of hardware that stores data. The most common type of storage device, which nearly all computers have, is a hard drive. The computer's primary hard drive stores the operating system, applications, and files and folders for users of the computer.
While the hard drive is the most ubiquitous of all storage devices, several other types are common as well. Flash memory devices, such as USB keychain drives and iPod nanos are popul...
Read More
DVI Definition
DVI Definition
Stands for "Digital Video Interface." DVI is a video connection standard created by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). Most DVI ports support both analog and digital displays. If the display is analog, the DVI connection converts the digital signal to an analog signal. If the display is digital, no conversion is necessary.
There are three types of DVI connections: 1) DVI-A (for analog), 2) DVI-D (for digital), and 3) DVI-I (integrated, for both analog and digital). ...
Read More
Sampling Definition
Sampling Definition
Before digital recording took over the audio and video industries, everything was recorded in analog. Audio was recorded to devices like cassette tapes and records. Video was recorded to Beta and VHS tapes. The media was even edited in analog format, using multichannel audio tapes (such as 8-tracks) for music, and film reels for video recordings. This method involved a lot of rewinding and fast-forwarding, which resulted in a time-consuming process.
Fortunately, digital r...
Read More
Sound Card Definition
Sound Card Definition
The sound card is a component inside the computer that provides audio input and output capabilities. Most sound cards have at least one analog line input and one stereo line output connection. The connectors are typically 3.5 mm minijacks, which are the size most headphones use. Some sound cards also support digital audio input and output, either through a standard TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connection or via an optical audio port, such as Toslink connector.
While there are ...
Read More