Image Scaling Definition
Image scaling is the process of resizing a digital image. Scaling down an image makes it smaller while scaling up an image makes it larger. Both raster graphics and vector graphics can be scaled, but they produce different results.
Raster Image Scaling
A raster graphic is a bitmap image comprised of individual pixels. Examples include JPEG and PNG files. The process of scaling raster graphics is also called "resampling," in which pixels are mapped to a new grid, which ma...
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Newsgroup Definition
Newsgroup Definition
A newsgroup is an online discussion forum accessible through Usenet. Each newsgroup contains discussions about a specific topic, indicated in the newsgroup name. You can browse newsgroups and post or reply to topics using a newsreader program. Access to newsgroups also requires a Usenet subscription. Most Usenet providers offer monthly access for around $10 USD per month.
Newsgroups may be either moderated or unmoderated. In a moderated newsgroup, a moderator must approve p...
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Viral Definition
Viral Definition
Contrary to what you might think, the term "viral" has nothing to do with computer viruses. Instead it refers to a digital video, image, or article that has spiked in popularity and has reached a large number of users in a short period of time. While there is no exact number of views that makes something "go viral," most viral media is viewed by more than a million people in less than a week.
Viral videos are the most common type of viral media. Most viral videos are posted on ...
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Swipe Definition
Swipe Definition
Swipe is a command used primarily with touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It is also supported by some laptops with trackpads and desktop computers with trackpad input.
A swipe involves quickly moving (or "swiping") your finger across a touchscreen or trackpad. For example, swiping the screen from right to left in a photo viewing application typically displays the next photo. While browsing multiple photos, swiping up or down may allow you scroll through the ...
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Snapchat Definition
Snapchat Definition
Snapchat is a mobile app and service for sharing photos, videos, and messages with other people. Once you view a message received via Snapchat, it is automatically deleted. This makes the service ideal for sharing quick updates with friends without accumulating media or messages on your mobile device.
The Snapchat app is available for iOS and Android devices. Once you download and install the app, you can create an account and add friends. You can then take a "snap" and send...
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IRC Definition
IRC Definition
Stands for "Internet Relay Chat." IRC is a service that allows people to chat with each other online. It operates on a client/server model where individuals use a client program to connect to an IRC server. Popular IRC clients include mIRC for Windows and Textual for OS X. Several web-based clients are also available, including KiwiIRC and Mibbit.
In order to join an IRC conversation, you must choose a username and a channel. Your username, also called a handle, can be whateve...
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SMS Definition
SMS Definition
Stands for "Short Message Service." SMS is used to send text messages to mobile phones. The messages can typically be up to 160 characters in length, though some services use 5-bit mode, which supports 224 characters. SMS was originally created for phones that use GSM (Global System for Mobile) communication, but now all the major cell phone systems support it.
While SMS is most commonly used for text messaging between friends or co-workers, it has several other uses as well. For...
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Search Engine Definition
Search Engine Definition
Google, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista, Infoseek, Nethep and Yahoo are all search engines. They index millions of sites on the Web, so that Web surfers like you and me can easily find Web sites with the information we want. By creating indexes, or large databases of Web sites (based on titles, keywords, and the text in the pages), search engines can locate relevant Web sites when users enter search terms or phrases. When you are looking for something using a search engine...
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Algorithm Definition
Algorithm Definition
An algorithm is a set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. This can be a simple process, such as multiplying two numbers, or a complex operation, such as playing a compressed video file. Search engines use proprietary algorithms to display the most relevant results from their search index for specific queries.
In computer programming, algorithms are often created as functions. These functions serve as small programs that can be referenced by a larger prog...
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App Definition
App Definition
App is short for "application," which is the same thing as a software program. While an app may refer to a program for any hardware platform, it is most often used to describe programs for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
The term "app" was popularized by Apple when the company created the "App Store" in 2008, a year after the first iPhone was released. As the iPhone and App Store grew in popularity, the term "app" became the standard way to refer to mobile applic...
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