Computer science
Definitions about computer science including computing fundamentals vocabulary, protocol and standards terminology, words about microprocessors and terms used in electronics.
Electronics
Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.
-
What is attenuation?
Attenuation is a general term referring to when any type of signal -- digital or analog -- reduces in strength.
-
What is green networking?
Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products to minimize resource use whenever possible.
-
What is vendor neutral archive (VNA)?
A vendor neutral archive (VNA) is a medical imaging technology that stores medical images in a standard format and utilizes a standard interface, making them accessible to healthcare professionals regardless of what proprietary system was used to create those images.
Internet technologies
This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet technologies, including definitions about port numbers, standards and protocols and words and phrases about how the Internet works.
-
What is the domain name system (DNS)?
The domain name system (DNS) is a naming database in which internet domain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
-
What is a point of presence (PoP)?
A point of presence (PoP) is a point or physical location where two or more networks or communication devices build a connection from one place to the rest of the internet.
-
What is a host (in computing)?
A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.
IT standards and organizations
Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.
-
What is the domain name system (DNS)?
The domain name system (DNS) is a naming database in which internet domain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
-
What is change control?
Change control is a systematic approach that includes the various steps needed to process changes made to a product or system.
-
What is binary and how is it used in computing?
Binary describes a numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit -- 0 or 1 -- and is the basis for all binary code used in computing systems.
Microprocessors
Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.
-
What is an inductor?
An inductor is a passive electronic component that temporarily stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through the inductor's coil.
-
What is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and how does it work?
An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a part of a central processing unit (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic operations.
-
What is a quantum processing unit (QPU)?
A quantum processing unit (QPU) is a hardware device that uses quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement-- to perform complex calculations on quantum information stored in quantum bits, or qubits.
Robotics
Terms related to robotics, including definitions about consumer or manufacturing robots and words and phrases about stepper motor systems, XY positioning tables, automation and artificial intelligence.
-
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the ongoing transformation of how people live, work and relate to one another through the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres.
-
What is VR locomotion (virtual reality locomotion)?
VR locomotion refers to the techniques and technologies that allow users to move within a virtual reality (VR) environment.
-
What is a robo-advisor? Everything to know before using one
A robo-advisor is a virtual financial advisor powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that employs an algorithm to deliver an automated selection of financial advisory services.