Glossary of Terms

Cookie

A system whereby a computer (HTTP server) that hosts web pages sends information that is stored by a user’s computer, so that when that user visits the same web page a second time, the information that has been automatically saved is transmitted back to the HTTP server. For example, it assigns a unique number to the information from a user and remembers part of the information that the user has entered, so that next time the user accesses the web page, the same information does not need to be entered all over again.

Ethernet

There are a variety of different types of computer network. Ethernet is a type of network that was developed by Xerox Corporation.

Firewall

A firewall is like a barrier between an outside network (the Internet) and a local network (LAN). It is a security measure that is used to prevent unauthorized access to information by outsiders.

Firmware

Software that is used to operate a device.

Frame rate

This is an indication of how many times an image is refreshed in a single second when images are being displayed or moving images are being played back. If the value (fps) is large, the rate at which images are refreshed is faster, but this setting is a theoretical maximum value, and so if the images are complex, the images may be refreshed even more slowly. The set frame rate may not be attained for other reasons also, such as the image loading time and the performance of the computer being used.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

A protocol (communication standard) for transmitting files via the Internet. This communication protocol allows files and data to be transferred via the Web, whereas previously it was only possible using e-mail.

Hard disk

A storage device for large quantities of data that is used by equipment such as computers. It contains a flat disc that is coated with magnetic particles, and this disc spins around and a magnetized head is used to read the data stored on the disc. The data can be read at extremely fast speeds, giving it excellent data searching performance.

HTML file

An HTML file is a text file that is written in the HTML language (a language that is mainly used to create web pages). The file extensions used are .htm and .html.

IP address

A code that allocates “addresses” for each individual computer and other device on the Internet or in a network. Devices that communicate by IP all must have an IP address assigned to them. Devices that are connected to the Internet are assigned a unique global IP address so that no two devices have the same address. IP addresses consist of a network ID and a host ID, and the network ID identifies the address as Class A, B or C.

JPEG2000 (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

An image file compression standard that was formulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides higher compression ratios and higher quality than conventional JPEG.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network that is located within a relatively small area, such as a single floor of a company building.

English

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