Multiplatform Definition
If a software program is developed for multiple operating systems, it is considered to be "multiplatform." Since Microsoft Word runs on both the Windows and Macintosh platform, it is a multiplatform application.
In the consumer gaming market, multiplatform games run on more than one gaming machine. For example, a sports game developed for Xbox, Playstation, GameCube, and PC would be a multiplatform game. If a game is developed exclusively for one system, i.e. "Th...
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Crossplatform Definition
Crossplatform Definition
Software that can run on multiple types of computer systems. For example, the graphics program Adobe Photoshop and the word processor Microsoft Word are both available for the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Therefore, Photoshop and Word are considered to be crossplatform applications.
While "crossplatorm" is typically used to describe computer software, it can refer to hardware as well. For example, peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, and ...
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I/O Definition
I/O Definition
Stands for "Input/Output" and is pronounced simply "eye-oh." Computers are based on the fundamental idea that every input results in an output. For example, if you are running a word processor program and type a sentence on your keyboard, the text will appear on the screen. The keyboard is an input device and the screen is an output device. You might also print the text using a printer, which is another output device. The computer's CPU handles all the I/O operations, sending...
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Laptop Definition
Laptop Definition
Laptop computers, also known as notebooks, are portable computers that you can take with you and use in different environments. They include a screen, keyboard, and a trackpad or trackball, which serves as the mouse. Because laptops are meant to be used on the go, they have a battery which allows them to operate without being plugged into a power outlet. Laptops also include a power adapter that allows them to use power from an outlet and recharges the battery.
While portable ...
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ADC Definition
ADC Definition
Stands for "Analog-to-Digital Converter." Since computers only process digital information, they require digital input. Therefore, if an analog input is sent to a computer, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is required. This device can take an analog signal, such as an electrical current, and digitize it into a binary format that the computer can understand.
A common use for an ADC is to convert analog video to a digital format. For example, video recorded on 8mm film o...
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DAW Definition
DAW Definition
Stands for "Digital Audio Workstation." A DAW is a digital system designed for recording and editing digital audio. It may refer to audio hardware, audio software, or both.
Early DAWs, such as those developed in the 1970s and 1990s, were hardware units that included a mixing console, data storage device, and an analog to digital converter (ADC). They could be used to record, edit, and play back digital audio. These devices, called "integrated DAWs," are still used today, b...
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CGI Definition
CGI Definition
CGI has two different meanings:
1) Common Gateway Interface, and
2) Computer Generated Imagery.
1) Common Gateway Interface
The Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is a set of rules for running scripts and programs on a Web server. It specifies what information is communicated between the Web server and clients' Web browsers and how the information is transmitted.
Most Web servers include a cgi-bin directory in the root folder of each website on the server. Any scri...
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Web Forum Definition
Web Forum Definition
A Web forum is a website or section of a website that allows visitors to communicate with each other by posting messages. Most forums allow anonymous visitors to view forum postings, but require you to create an account in order to post messages in the forum. When posting in a forum, you can create new topics (or "threads") or post replies within existing threads.
Web forums are available for all kinds of topics. Examples include software support, help for webmasters, and p...
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Frame Definition
Frame Definition
In the computer world, a frame can be many different things. The different definitions of "frame" are listed below:
Some Web sites use HTML frames, where the pages are broken up into various areas. Each area consists of an independent Web page. Frames allow the multiple Web pages to all show up in the same page.
Graphics and desktop publishing programs also use frames. In these programs, frames are rectangular areas meant for inserting gr...
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Rendering Definition
Rendering Definition
Rendering is the process of generating a final digital product from a specific type of input. The term usually applies to graphics and video, but it can refer to audio as well.
1. Graphics
3D graphics are rendered from basic three-dimensional models called wireframes. A wireframe defines the shape of the model, but nothing else. The rendering process adds surfaces, textures, and lighting to the model, giving it a realistic appearance. For example, a 3D drawing applica...
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