From programming languages and networking protocols to hardware components and software tools, these abbreviated terms form a language of their own. For those unfamiliar with the intricate world of computers, understanding the meaning behind these acronyms can feel like deciphering a cryptic code.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the alphabet, demystifying computer acronyms from A to Z. We will explore a wide range of terms, each representing a vital piece of the ever-evolving technological puzzle. Whether you’re a curious novice, an aspiring IT professional, or simply seeking to expand your tech vocabulary, this comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the meaning and significance behind these abbreviations.
From well-known acronyms like CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random-Access Memory) to more specialized terms like XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) and MVC (Model-View-Controller), we will delve into their definitions, functionalities, and real-world applications. Each acronym represents a building block in the intricate architecture of modern computing, influencing the way we communicate, develop software, and interact with technology in our daily lives.
Throughout this article, we will take a human-centric approach, making complex technical concepts more accessible and understandable for readers of all backgrounds. By unraveling the mysteries behind these acronyms, we aim to bridge the gap between the technological landscape and those who navigate it.
So, whether you’ve encountered perplexing acronyms in discussions, articles, or technical documentation, join us on this enlightening journey through the alphabet. By the end, you will have gained a solid foundation of knowledge to navigate the vast sea of computer acronyms, empowering you to comprehend and engage with the ever-evolving world of technology.
Let’s embark on this exciting exploration, unraveling the secrets of computer acronyms from A to Z!
List of computer acronyms
A
| Acronym | Description |
|---|---|
| AAA | Authentication Authorization, Accounting: A framework for controlling access to computer systems by enforcing authentication, authorization, and accounting policies. |
| AABB | Axis Aligned Bounding Box: A rectangular volume aligned with the axes of a coordinate system used for spatial calculations in computer graphics and collision detection. |
| AAC | Advanced Audio Coding: A standardized audio compression format used for digital audio compression and storage. It offers improved sound quality and higher compression efficiency compared to earlier audio formats. |
| AAL | ATM Adaptation Layer: A layer in the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) protocol stack responsible for adapting higher-layer protocols to the ATM network. |
| AALC | ATM Adaptation Layer Connection: A virtual circuit established through the ATM network, providing a connection-oriented service between ATM endpoints. |
| AARP | AppleTalk Address Resolution Protocol: A protocol used in AppleTalk networks to map between network layer addresses and data link layer addresses. |
| ABAC | Attribute-Based Access Control: A model for access control that uses attributes associated with users, resources, and the environment to make access control decisions. |
| ABCL | Actor-Based Concurrent Language: A programming language that supports concurrent and distributed programming using the actor model, where actors communicate through message passing. |
| ABI | Application Binary Interface: The interface between two binary program modules, typically between the application and the operating system or between different software libraries. It defines how they can interoperate and communicate. |
| ABM | Asynchronous Balanced Mode: A data transmission mode in telecommunications where data is transmitted asynchronously between two devices using balanced signaling. |
| ABR | Area Border Router: A router that connects multiple networks within an Autonomous System (AS) and provides routing between the AS and other ASes in a network. |
| ABR | Auto Baud-Rate detection: A technique used in serial communication to automatically detect and configure the baud rate (data transfer rate) between two devices. |
| ABR | Available Bitrate: A quality of service (QoS) parameter that represents the average data transfer rate that a network can support, depending on available network resources. |
| ABR | Average Bitrate: A parameter used to describe the average data transfer rate over a period of time, typically in multimedia applications where a constant bitrate is not required. |
| AC | Acoustic Coupler: A device that enables communication between a computer or terminal and a telephone line by converting electrical signals to sound waves and vice versa. |
| AC | Alternating Current: An electric current that periodically reverses direction, typically used for the distribution of electricity in power grids and for powering electronic devices. |
| ACD | Automatic Call Distributor: A telephony system that automatically routes incoming calls to a specific destination based on pre-configured rules and conditions. |
| ACE | Advanced Computing Environment: A computing standard introduced by a consortium of computer companies in the 1990s, aiming to establish an open and scalable computing platform. |
| ACID | Atomicity Consistency Isolation Durability: A set of properties that ensure reliable transaction processing in database systems. Atomicity guarantees that a transaction is treated as a single unit of work, Consistency ensures that the database remains in a valid state, Isolation prevents interference between transactions, and Durability guarantees that committed changes persist even after a system failure. |
| ACK | ACKnowledgement: A signal sent by a receiver to indicate the successful receipt of a message or packet. It is commonly used in network communication to acknowledge the receipt of data. |
| ACK | Amsterdam Compiler Kit: A set of portable compilers and related tools used for building software, originally developed at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. |
| ACL | Access Control List: A list of permissions or rules that determine the access rights of users or groups to system resources. ACLs are commonly used in operating systems and network devices to enforce security policies. |
| ACL | Active Current Loop: A data communication protocol that uses current levels to represent binary data, commonly used in industrial automation and control systems. |
| ACM | Association for Computing Machinery: A professional organization dedicated to advancing computing as a science and profession. It publishes journals, organizes conferences, and promotes research and education in computer science and related fields. |
| ACME | Automated Classification of Medical Entities: A system or tool that uses artificial intelligence techniques to automatically classify medical entities, such as diagnoses, symptoms, or medical records. |
| ACP | Airline Control Program: An operating system used on IBM System/360 mainframe computers in the airline industry for managing airline reservations and related tasks. |
| ACPI | Advanced Configuration and Power Interface: A power management specification for computer systems that allows the operating system to control and manage hardware devices’ power usage and configuration. |
| ACR | Allowed Cell Rate: A parameter used in ATM networks to specify the maximum rate at which cells can be transmitted on a particular network connection. |
| ACR | Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio: A measure of the quality of a telecommunications transmission line, representing the ratio between signal attenuation (loss) and crosstalk (interference) on the line. |
| AD | Active Directory: A directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows network environments, providing a centralized database for managing and organizing network resources such as users, groups, and computers. |
| AD | Administrative Domain: A group of computers or devices managed by a single administrative entity, typically under a common security policy or organizational structure. |
| ADC | Analog-to-Digital Converter: A device that converts analog signals, such as sound or voltage, into digital data that can be processed by a computer or digital system. |
| ADC | Apple Display Connector: A proprietary video connector used by Apple in some of their older computer displays. |
| ADB | Apple Desktop Bus: A serial bus interface used on early Apple Macintosh computers for connecting input devices such as keyboards and mice. |
| ADCCP | Advanced Data Communications Control Procedures: A protocol used in data communication networks for error detection, framing, and flow control. It provides reliable and efficient data transmission between network nodes. |
| ADO | ActiveX Data Objects: A set of data access components provided by Microsoft for accessing data from various sources, such as databases, using a programming language such as Visual Basic or JavaScript. |
| ADSL | Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line: A type of digital communication technology that provides high-speed internet access over standard telephone lines. It allows faster download speeds than upload speeds. |
| ADT | Abstract Data Type: A high-level description of a data structure and the operations that can be performed on it, without specifying the details of how the data structure is implemented. It provides a conceptual model for organizing and manipulating data. |
| AE | Adaptive Equalizer: A digital signal processing technique used to compensate for distortion and attenuation in communication channels, such as wireless or wired transmission paths. |
| AES | Advanced Encryption Standard: A symmetric encryption algorithm widely used for secure data encryption and decryption. It is considered secure and is used in various cryptographic applications. |
| AF | Anisotropic Filtering: A graphics rendering technique used to enhance the visual quality of 3D graphics by improving the clarity and sharpness of textures and reducing visual artifacts, especially when viewed from oblique angles. |
| AFP | Apple Filing Protocol: A network protocol used by Apple’s macOS for file sharing, providing access to files and directories on remote servers. |
| AGP | Accelerated Graphics Port: A high-speed point-to-point interface used to connect a computer’s graphics card to the motherboard. It provides faster data transfer rates than traditional PCI interfaces and is primarily used for graphics-intensive applications. |
| AH | Active Hub: A network hub that amplifies and regenerates network signals to extend the distance between network devices. It provides signal conditioning and helps in overcoming signal degradation in large network installations. |
| AI | Artificial Intelligence: The field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can simulate human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving. |
| AIX | Advanced Interactive eXecutive: A Unix-based operating system developed by IBM for their computer systems, primarily the IBM Power Systems. It is known for its reliability, scalability, and advanced features for enterprise computing. |
| Ajax | Asynchronous JavaScript and XML: A set of web development techniques used to create interactive web applications by combining asynchronous data retrieval (using JavaScript and XML) with dynamic updates to the web page without requiring a full page reload. |
| AL | Active Link: A connection or association between two elements or components in a computer system or network that is currently operational or active. |
| AL | Access List: A list of rules or conditions used in network devices, such as routers or firewalls, to control the flow of network traffic based on specific criteria, such as source/destination IP addresses or protocols. |
| ALAC | Apple Lossless Audio Codec: A lossless audio compression format developed by Apple that allows high-quality audio data compression without any loss of audio fidelity. |
| ALGOL | Algorithmic Language: A programming language designed for scientific and algorithmic computations, known for its simplicity and influence on subsequent programming languages. It introduced several important concepts, such as block structure and nested procedures. |
| ALSA | Advanced Linux Sound Architecture: A software framework and set of drivers for providing audio functionality on Linux-based operating systems. It offers low-latency audio playback and recording, support for various sound cards, and software mixing capabilities. |
| ALU | Arithmetic and Logical Unit: The part of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) responsible for performing arithmetic operations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and logical operations (such as comparisons and bitwise operations) on data. |
| AM | Access Method: A technique or protocol used by a computer system to access and retrieve data from storage devices, such as disks or tapes. Different access methods are designed for different types of data storage and retrieval requirements. |
| AM | Active Matrix: A type of display technology used in flat-panel displays, such as LCD (liquid crystal display) and OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens. It provides improved image quality and faster response times compared to passive matrix displays. |
| AMOLED | Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode: A display technology that combines the benefits of active matrix (AM) and OLED technologies. It offers high contrast, wide viewing angles, and fast response times, making it suitable for various electronic devices, including smartphones and televisions. |
| AM | Active Monitor: A type of speaker or monitor device that contains built-in amplification and does not require an external amplifier. It is commonly used in multimedia systems, home theaters, and professional audio setups. |
| AM | Allied Mastercomputer: A fictional artificial intelligence supercomputer in Isaac Asimov’s science fiction stories, particularly in the “Foundation” series. It plays a central role in the stories, overseeing the future of humanity. |
| AM | Amplitude Modulation: A modulation technique used in analog communication to encode information by varying the amplitude of a carrier wave. It is commonly used in radio broadcasting. |
| AMD | Advanced Micro Devices: A multinational semiconductor company known for designing and manufacturing computer processors, graphics cards, and related technologies. AMD is a major competitor to Intel in the consumer and enterprise computing market. |
| AMQP | Advanced Message Queuing Protocol: A messaging protocol that enables interoperability between different messaging systems and clients. It provides a standardized way of exchanging messages, allowing applications and services to communicate efficiently and reliably across different platforms and programming languages. |
| AMR | Audio Modem Riser: A hardware interface specification used in some computer systems to provide audio and modem functionality on a single expansion card. It allows for the integration of audio and modem features without occupying additional slots on the motherboard. |
| ANN | Artificial Neural Network: A computational model inspired by the structure and function of the human brain’s neural networks. ANN is used in machine learning and pattern recognition to solve complex problems by training the network on large datasets. |
| ANSI | American National Standards Institute: A private, nonprofit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for various industries in the United States. ANSI plays a crucial role in defining standards for computer hardware, software, and communication protocols. |
| ANT | Another Neat Tool: A humorous acronym often used in software development and technology-related discussions to refer to a hypothetical or generic tool that solves a problem or provides a solution. It emphasizes the abundance of available tools in the software development landscape. |
| AoE | ATA over Ethernet: A network protocol that allows ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) storage devices, such as hard drives, to be directly connected and accessed over an Ethernet network. It enables efficient storage area networking (SAN) implementations. |
| AOP | Aspect-Oriented Programming: A programming paradigm that aims to modularize cross-cutting concerns, such as logging, security, and error handling, by separating them from the main application logic. AOP provides techniques to define and manage these concerns separately, improving code modularity and maintainability. |
| APCI | Application-Layer Protocol Control Information: The protocol layer in the ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) reference model responsible for managing and controlling the application-level protocols used over an ATM network. |
| API | Application Programming Interface: A set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats for requesting and exchanging information between software components. |
| APIC | Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller: A component in modern computer systems responsible for managing and distributing interrupts generated by various devices to the appropriate processors or cores. It improves the efficiency and performance of interrupt handling in multiprocessor systems. |
| APIPA | Automatic Private IP Addressing: A feature in some operating systems, such as Windows, that automatically assigns a private IP address to a device when it is unable to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. It allows devices to communicate in local networks without manual IP configuration. |
| APR | Apache Portable Runtime: A library of cross-platform development functions and utilities used by the Apache HTTP Server and other software projects. APR provides a consistent interface to operating system resources, such as file I/O, network sockets, and memory management. |
| ARC | Adaptive Replacement Cache: A cache replacement algorithm used in computer systems to manage the contents of cache memory. ARC dynamically adjusts the cache contents based on the frequency and recency of data accesses, improving cache hit rates and overall system performance. |
| ARC | Advanced RISC Computing: A standard computer architecture developed by the Advanced Computing Environment consortium in the 1980s. ARC aimed to establish an open and standardized hardware and software platform for personal computers. |
| ARIN | American Registry for Internet Numbers: A regional internet registry responsible for the allocation and management of IP addresses and autonomous system numbers in North America, parts of the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. ARIN coordinates the distribution of these resources to internet service providers (ISPs) and organizations in its region. |
| ARM | Advanced RISC Machines: A British semiconductor and software design company known for developing the ARM architecture, which is widely used in mobile devices, embedded systems, and other low-power and high-performance applications. ARM-based processors are known for their energy efficiency and scalability. |
| AROS | AROS Research Operating System: An open-source operating system project inspired by the AmigaOS operating system. AROS aims to provide a modern and free alternative to AmigaOS, supporting both classic Amiga hardware and modern platforms. |
| ARP | Address Resolution Protocol: A protocol used in TCP/IP networks to map an IP address to a physical MAC (Media Access Control) address. ARP is responsible for discovering the hardware address associated with a given IP address, allowing for proper communication between devices on the network. |
| ARPA | Address and Routing Parameter Area: A term often used to refer to the original ARPANET, the pioneering packet-switching network developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), the precursor to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). |
| ARPA | Advanced Research Projects Agency: A U.S. government agency responsible for funding and promoting advanced research and development in various fields, including computer science, networking, and technology. ARPA played a crucial role in the development of the internet and other groundbreaking technologies. |
| ARPANET | Advanced Research Projects Agency Network: A pioneering packet-switched network funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. ARPANET was the precursor to the modern internet, and it laid the foundation for today’s global computer network. |
| AS | Access Server: A device or server used in remote access networks, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), to provide secure access for remote users connecting to a private network. |
| ASCII | American Standard Code for Information Interchange: A character encoding standard that represents alphanumeric characters, punctuation marks, control characters, and other symbols using numeric codes. ASCII is widely used in computers and communication systems to facilitate the exchange of text-based data. |
| AuthIP | Authenticated Internet Protocol: A protocol extension that enhances the security of IP communications by providing mechanisms for mutual authentication and encryption. AuthIP is designed to secure IPv6 communications and is part of Microsoft’s IPsec implementation. |
| ASG | Abstract Semantic Graph: A data structure used in artificial intelligence and knowledge representation to model concepts and their relationships in a graph-like structure. ASGs are used in various semantic reasoning and information retrieval applications. |
| ASIC | Application-Specific Integrated Circuit: A specialized integrated circuit designed for a specific application or task. ASICs are customized hardware solutions optimized for specific functions, offering high performance, low power consumption, and cost efficiency. |
| ASIMO | Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility: A humanoid robot developed by Honda. ASIMO is known for its advanced mobility, human-like movement capabilities, and interactive behaviors. It has been used for research and demonstration purposes in robotics and artificial intelligence. |
| ASLR | Address Space Layout Randomization: A security technique used in operating systems to randomize the memory addresses of processes and system components. ASLR helps mitigate certain types of security vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflow attacks, by making it more difficult for attackers to predict memory locations. |
| ASM | Algorithmic State Machine: A mathematical model used to describe the behavior of digital systems or hardware components by defining a set of states, inputs, outputs, and transitions between states based on specific conditions or events. ASM is often used in hardware design and digital system verification. |
| ASMP | Asymmetric Multiprocessing: A multiprocessing architecture where multiple processors or cores are used in a system, but not all processors have equal access to the system’s resources. In asymmetric multiprocessing, specific processors are assigned specific tasks or roles, depending on their capabilities and requirements. |
| ASN.1 | Abstract Syntax Notation 1: A standard notation for describing data structures and data formats, used for data exchange and protocol specification. ASN.1 provides a way to define and describe data types, allowing interoperability between different systems and programming languages. |
| ASP | Active Server Pages: A server-side scripting technology introduced by Microsoft for dynamically generating web pages and web applications. ASP allows embedding server-side scripts within HTML pages, enabling the execution of dynamic code and interaction with databases and other server resources. |
| ASP | Application Service Provider: A company or organization that delivers software applications and services over a network, typically the internet, to end-users or other organizations. ASPs provide access to software and related services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis, eliminating the need for users to install and maintain the software locally. |
| ASR | Asynchronous Signal Routine: A routine or function in a computer program that executes asynchronously or independently of the main program flow. ASRs are often used for handling interrupts, asynchronous events, or background tasks. |
| AST | Abstract Syntax Tree: A data structure used in computer programming to represent the syntactic structure of source code or programming language statements. ASTs are created during the compilation or parsing process and are commonly used in compilers, interpreters, and static analysis tools. |
| AT | Advanced Technology: A term often used to refer to new or advanced technological advancements, innovations, or techniques that significantly improve existing technologies or introduce novel capabilities. It can refer to various fields, including computing, electronics, and telecommunications. |
| AT | Access Time: The time it takes for a storage device, such as a hard disk drive, to locate and retrieve data requested by the computer. Access time includes the time required for the disk’s read/write head to move to the appropriate location and the time needed for the data to rotate to the read/write head. |
| AT | Active Terminator: A device or component used at the end of a communication bus or network segment to prevent signal reflections and ensure proper termination. The active terminator actively absorbs and terminates signal reflections, improving signal integrity and reducing data transmission errors. |
| ATA | Advanced Technology Attachment: A standard interface used for connecting storage devices, such as hard disk drives and solid-state drives, to computer systems. ATA provides a standardized way of transferring data between the storage device and the computer’s motherboard, offering high data transfer rates and compatibility. |
| ATAPI | Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface: An extension of the ATA interface that enables the connection and communication of additional devices, such as CD/DVD drives, using the ATA protocol. ATAPI allows devices other than storage devices to be connected through the ATA interface. |
| ATM | Asynchronous Transfer Mode: A high-speed networking technology that uses fixed-size packets called cells to transmit data. ATM is primarily used in telecommunications networks and supports various types of traffic, including voice, video, and data, with quality of service guarantees. |
| AuthN | Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or entity to ensure that they are who they claim to be. Authentication mechanisms typically involve presenting credentials, such as usernames and passwords, biometric data, or digital certificates, to validate identity and provide access to secure systems or resources. |
| AuthZ | Authorization: The process of granting or denying access rights and permissions to authenticated users, devices, or entities based on predefined rules and policies. Authorization determines what actions or operations a user is allowed to perform within a system or on specific resources, ensuring proper security and data protection. |
| AV | Antivirus: Software or tools designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and malware, from computer systems. Antivirus solutions often employ various techniques, including signature-based scanning, behavior analysis, and real-time monitoring, to protect against threats and maintain system security. |
| AVC | Advanced Video Coding: A video compression standard also known as H.264 or MPEG-4 Part 10. AVC offers significant video compression and coding efficiency while maintaining good video quality. It is widely used in video streaming, broadcasting, and digital video storage. |
| AVI | Audio Video Interleaved: A multimedia container format developed by Microsoft for storing audio and video data. AVI files can contain both audio and video streams compressed using various codecs, making it widely compatible with different media players and platforms. |
| AWK | Aho Weinberger Kernighan: A scripting language used for text processing and pattern matching. AWK provides a range of powerful features, including pattern matching, data manipulation, and reporting, making it useful for various data processing tasks, especially in Unix-like environments. |
| AWS | Amazon Web Services: A comprehensive cloud computing platform offered by Amazon.com. AWS provides a wide range of scalable and on-demand cloud services, including computing power, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning, and more, helping businesses and developers build and deploy applications and services in the cloud. |
| AWT | Abstract Window Toolkit: A Java library for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in Java applications. AWT provides a set of classes and methods for creating and managing windows, buttons, menus, and other GUI components, allowing developers to build platform-independent and interactive applications. |
B
| Acronym | Description |
|---|---|
| B2B | Business-to-Business: Refers to transactions or interactions between two or more businesses, typically involving the exchange of goods, services, or information. |
| B2C | Business-to-Consumer: Describes transactions or interactions between businesses and individual consumers. It involves selling products or services directly to end-users or customers. |
| B2E | Business-to-Employee: Pertains to interactions or services provided by a business to its employees. It involves the use of technology and digital platforms to facilitate internal communication, collaboration, and employee management. |
| BAL | Basic Assembly Language: A low-level programming language that represents instructions in a mnemonic form, closely related to the machine code of a specific computer architecture. It is used for programming and controlling computer hardware at a fundamental level. |
| BAM | Block Availability Map: A data structure used in storage systems to track the availability and allocation of data blocks. The BAM helps manage and optimize data storage and retrieval by keeping track of free and used blocks. |
| Bash | Bourne-again shell: A widely used Unix shell and command-line interpreter that provides a command-line interface for interacting with the operating system. Bash is the default shell for most Linux distributions and is known for its scripting capabilities. |
| BASIC | Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code: A high-level programming language designed for beginners and non-experts. It provides a simplified syntax and easy-to-understand commands, making it an accessible language for learning programming concepts. |
| BBP | Baseband Processor: A hardware component responsible for processing and modulating/demodulating signals in baseband communication systems. It handles tasks such as data encoding, decoding, and signal modulation required for communication over physical media. |
| BBS | Bulletin Board System: An online platform or computer system that allows users to communicate, share information, and exchange messages or files. BBSs were popular in the early days of the internet and provided a precursor to modern online forums and communities. |
| BC | Business Continuity: The ability of an organization to continue operating and providing critical services in the face of disruptive events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or system failures. Business continuity planning involves measures and strategies to minimize downtime and ensure resilience. |
| BCC | Blind Carbon Copy: A feature in email clients that allows a sender to send a copy of an email to additional recipients without the knowledge of the primary recipients. BCC recipients receive the email without their email addresses being visible to other recipients. |
| BCD | Binary Coded Decimal: A binary representation of decimal numbers, where each decimal digit is encoded using a four-bit binary code. BCD is used for precise decimal arithmetic and is commonly used in digital devices and systems that require accurate decimal calculations. |
| BCD | Boot Configuration Data: A storage location or data structure used by modern Windows operating systems to store boot-related configuration parameters and settings. It provides the necessary information for the system to start up and load the operating system. |
| BCNF | Boyce-Codd normal form: A normal form in database normalization that ensures the elimination of certain types of data redundancy and anomalies. BCNF is a stricter form of normalization than third normal form (3NF) and helps maintain data integrity and eliminate data anomalies. |
| BCP | Business Continuity Planning: The process of developing a set of strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure the continuous operation of critical business functions in the event of disruptions or disasters. BCP aims to minimize the impact of disruptions and expedite recovery. |
| BE | Backend: Refers to the server-side components or processes in a client-server architecture or web application. The backend typically handles data processing, storage, and logic, providing services and data to the frontend or client-side components. |
| BEEP | Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol: A protocol framework used for building application-level protocols that can run over various transport protocols, such as TCP/IP or WebSocket. BEEP provides a flexible and extensible framework for peer-to-peer communication and application development. |
| BER | Bit Error Rate: A measure of the reliability of a digital communication system, indicating the ratio of erroneous bits to the total number of transmitted bits. BER is used to assess the quality and performance of communication channels and protocols. |
| BFD | Bidirectional Forwarding Detection: A network protocol used in routing and switching environments to detect and quickly respond to link or node failures. BFD provides rapid failure detection, enabling fast network convergence and minimizing service interruptions. |
| BFD | Binary File Descriptor: A unique identifier or reference used by an operating system to access and manage open files. The file descriptor provides a way to interact with files, such as reading, writing, or closing them, through standard input/output operations. |
| BFS | Breadth-First Search: A graph traversal algorithm used to explore and visit all the vertices of a graph in breadth-first order. BFS starts at a given vertex and systematically explores the vertices at the same level before moving to the next level. It is commonly used in graph algorithms and search operations. |
| BFT | Byzantine Fault Tolerant: Refers to a system or algorithm’s ability to function correctly and reach a consensus even when some of the system components or participants exhibit faulty or malicious behavior. BFT protocols are designed to ensure fault tolerance and integrity in distributed systems. |
| BGP | Border Gateway Protocol: A routing protocol used in large-scale networks, such as the internet, to exchange routing and reachability information between autonomous systems. BGP enables efficient routing decisions and ensures the proper forwarding of data packets across interconnected networks. |
| BI | Business Intelligence: The process of collecting, analyzing, and presenting data to support business decision-making and strategic planning. BI involves the use of software tools and technologies to gather insights, generate reports, and visualize data for better understanding and decision-making. |
| BiDi | Bi-Directional: Refers to systems, devices, or communication channels capable of transmitting data in both directions or supporting bidirectional data flow. BiDi systems are commonly used in networking, optical communications, and audio/video transmission. |
| bin | Binary: A term used to refer to binary files or executable programs in computing. Binaries are machine-readable files that contain encoded instructions or data that can be executed or processed by the computer’s processor. |
| BINAC | Binary Automatic Computer: One of the earliest electronic computers, designed and built by Eckert and Mauchly in the late 1940s. The BINAC used binary representation and vacuum tube technology and played a significant role in the development of early computing systems. |
| BIND | Berkeley Internet Name Domain: A widely used open-source implementation of the Domain Name System (DNS) protocols. BIND provides the functionality necessary to resolve domain names to IP addresses and vice versa, facilitating internet communication and resource discovery. |
| BIOS | Basic Input Output System: A firmware interface or software built into a computer’s motherboard that provides low-level control and communication between the hardware components and the operating system. BIOS initializes the system, performs hardware tests, and allows the OS to boot. |
| BJT | Bipolar Junction Transistor: A type of transistor commonly used in electronic circuits for amplification or switching purposes. BJT consists of three layers of semiconductor material and can amplify current or control the flow of current based on the input voltage or current applied to its terminals. |
| bit | Binary Digit: The smallest unit of information in computing and digital communications. A bit can represent two states, typically denoted as 0 and 1, and serves as the fundamental building block of digital data storage and processing. |
| Blob | Binary Large Object: A data type used to store large binary data, such as images, audio/video files, or serialized objects, in a database. BLOBs provide a way to efficiently handle and manage binary data within a structured database system. |
| Blog | Web Log: A type of website or online platform where individuals or organizations regularly publish articles, opinions, or other content in a reverse chronological order. Blogs often allow readers to comment and engage in discussions around the published content. |
| BMP | Basic Multilingual Plane: A range of Unicode characters that includes the most commonly used characters in various writing systems, such as Latin, Cyrillic, Greek, Arabic, and many others. The BMP ensures compatibility and support for essential characters across different platforms and applications. |
| BNC | Baby Neill Constant: A connector commonly used for analog video signals, particularly in the broadcasting and video production industries. BNC connectors provide secure and reliable connections, often used for transmitting high-quality video signals. |
| BOINC | Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing: An open-source middleware system that allows volunteers to contribute their idle computer resources, such as CPU power or GPU processing, to scientific research projects. BOINC enables distributed computing and accelerates scientific computations and simulations. |
| BOM | Byte Order Mark: A special marker or sequence of bytes placed at the beginning of a text file to indicate its encoding format, such as UTF-8 or UTF-16. The BOM helps software identify the file’s encoding and interpret the text correctly. |
| BOOTP | Bootstrap Protocol: A network protocol used for automatic IP address allocation and configuration of network devices during the bootstrap process. BOOTP facilitates the initial network configuration of devices, enabling them to obtain an IP address and other necessary network settings. |
| BPDU | Bridge Protocol Data Unit: A frame or packet format used in spanning tree protocol (STP) to exchange information between network bridges or switches. BPDUs contain configuration and status information, allowing bridges to elect the root bridge, determine the spanning tree topology, and prevent loops in the network. |
| BPEL | Business Process Execution Language: A language used for defining and executing business processes in service-oriented architectures (SOA). BPEL provides a standardized way to model and automate business workflows, orchestrating services and applications to achieve specific business objectives. |
| BPL | Broadband over Power Lines: A technology that enables the transmission of broadband internet signals over existing electrical power lines. BPL utilizes the power line infrastructure to provide internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and other locations without requiring separate data cables. |
| BPM | Business Process Management: An approach to managing and optimizing business processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. BPM involves analyzing, modeling, automating, and continuously improving business processes to enhance overall performance and achieve organizational goals. |
| BPM | Business Process Modeling: The practice of creating visual representations or models of business processes, capturing their activities, participants, and interactions. BPM models help in understanding, analyzing, and improving business processes, facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders. |
| bps | Bits per Second: A unit of data transfer rate or bandwidth that measures the number of bits transmitted or processed per second. bps is commonly used to express the speed of data transmission in networks, communication channels, and storage devices. |
| BRM | Business Reference Model: A framework or conceptual representation of the core business functions, processes, and activities within an organization or industry. BRM provides a high-level view of the business domain, serving as a foundation for business process analysis, design, and improvement. |
| BRMS | Business Rule Management System: A software system or platform that allows businesses to define, manage, and execute business rules or policies in a centralized and automated manner. BRMS enables organizations to implement and enforce business rules consistently and efficiently across applications and processes. |
| BRR | Business Readiness Rating: A measure or assessment of an organization’s readiness or preparedness to undergo change or implement new business initiatives. BRR evaluates factors such as organizational alignment, stakeholder engagement, resource availability, and risk management to determine the readiness level for a specific endeavor. |
| BRS | Broadband Radio Service: A wireless communication service that provides high-speed internet access and other data services over licensed radio frequencies. BRS is often used in fixed wireless broadband deployments, delivering broadband connectivity to residential and business users. |
| BSA | Business Software Alliance: An industry association and advocacy group that represents major software companies and promotes software copyright protection, intellectual property rights, and legal compliance. The BSA raises awareness about software piracy, licensing, and anti-piracy measures. |
| BSB | Backside Bus: A bus or communication channel that connects the processor’s backside (underside) to the memory subsystem, allowing for high-speed data transfer between the processor and memory. The backside bus helps improve the overall performance and efficiency of the memory system. |
| BSD | Berkeley Software Distribution: A UNIX-like operating system derived from the original UNIX codebase developed at the University of California, Berkeley. BSD systems, such as FreeBSD and OpenBSD, are known for their stability, security, and open-source nature. |
| BSoD | Blue Screen of Death: An error screen or message displayed by the Windows operating system when it encounters a critical system error or crash. The BSoD typically indicates a serious problem that requires investigation and may result in system restart or shutdown. |
| BSS | Block Started by Symbol: A data structure used in programming languages, particularly assembly languages, to define and allocate contiguous blocks of memory for variables or arrays. BSS segments are typically initialized to zero or null values before program execution. |
| BT | BitTorrent: A peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol used for efficient distribution and downloading of large files over the internet. BitTorrent divides files into small pieces, allowing users to download and upload files simultaneously, reducing the strain on individual servers. |
| BT | Bluetooth: A wireless communication technology standard used for short-range data exchange between devices. Bluetooth enables wireless connectivity between devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and peripherals, facilitating data transfer, audio streaming, and device control. |
| B TAM | Basic Telecommunications Access Method: A telecommunication protocol or interface used to connect computers or terminals to mainframe or minicomputer systems. B TAM provides a standardized method for establishing communication and exchanging data between the host and connected devices. |
| BW | Bandwidth: The capacity or speed of a communication channel or network to transmit data. Bandwidth is typically measured in bits per second (bps) and determines the maximum data transfer rate that can be achieved over a given connection. |
| BYOD | Bring Your Own Device: A policy or practice in which employees are allowed or encouraged to use their personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, for work-related tasks and activities. BYOD offers flexibility but also raises security and data protection concerns for organizations. |
| Byte | A unit of digital information comprising eight bits. A byte is the basic storage unit in most computer systems and can represent a single character, a small piece of data, or a portion of a larger data structure. |
C
| Acronym | Description |
|---|---|
| CA | Computer Accountancy: The use of computer systems and software for managing accounting processes and financial information within organizations. CA combines accounting principles and practices with technology to streamline financial operations and reporting. |
| CAD | Computer-Aided Design: The use of computer software and systems to assist in the creation, modification, and optimization of designs and models for various purposes, such as architecture, engineering, product design, and manufacturing. CAD tools enable precise and efficient design creation and analysis. |
| CAE | Computer-Aided Engineering: The application of computer software and systems to support and enhance engineering activities, including design, analysis, simulation, and optimization. CAE tools assist engineers in creating and evaluating complex models and systems, enabling faster and more accurate engineering processes. |
| CAID | Computer-Aided Industrial Design: The use of computer technology to aid in the design and development of industrial products, equipment, and systems. CAID tools combine artistic design principles with engineering considerations, allowing designers to create visually appealing and functional industrial products. |
| CAI | Computer-Aided Instruction: A method of using computer software and systems to assist in the delivery of instructional materials and educational content. CAI systems provide interactive and personalized learning experiences, incorporating multimedia elements, simulations, and assessments to facilitate learning. |
| CAM | Computer-Aided Manufacturing: The use of computer technology and software to automate and control manufacturing processes. CAM systems integrate design and manufacturing data, enabling the efficient programming and operation of machinery, such as CNC machines, for fabrication, assembly, and production tasks. |
| CAP | Consistency Availability Partition tolerance (theorem): A theorem in distributed computing that states it is impossible for a distributed system to simultaneously achieve consistency, availability, and partition tolerance in the presence of network failures or partitions. The CAP theorem helps guide system design decisions in distributed systems. |
| CAPTCHA | Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart: A security mechanism used to differentiate between humans and automated bots. CAPTCHAs typically present users with challenges or puzzles that are easy for humans to solve but difficult for machines. They help protect against automated attacks, spam, and unauthorized access. |
| CAT | Computer-Aided Translation: The use of computer software and tools to assist human translators in the process of translating text from one language to another. CAT tools provide features such as translation memory, terminology management, and workflow automation, enhancing the efficiency and quality of translation work. |
| CAQ | Computer-Aided Quality Assurance: The application of computer technology and software to support quality control and quality assurance processes in manufacturing and other industries. CAQ systems help automate inspection, testing, data analysis, and documentation to ensure product quality and compliance with standards. |
| CASE | Computer-Aided Software Engineering: The use of computer software and tools to support the development, design, and maintenance of software systems. CASE tools assist in various software engineering tasks, such as requirements gathering, modeling, code generation, testing, and project management. |
| cc | C Compiler: A software tool that translates source code written in the C programming language into machine code or executable files. C compilers analyze and convert C language syntax and statements into instructions that can be understood and executed by the computer’s hardware. |
| CC | Carbon Copy: An email or message feature that allows the sender to send copies of a message to additional recipients. CC recipients receive the message along with the primary recipients and are often visible to all recipients. |
| CD | Compact Disc: A storage medium for digital data, typically used for audio, video, and computer software. CDs use optical technology to read and write data encoded in a spiral track on the disc’s surface, providing high-capacity storage and convenient distribution of media. |
| CDE | Common Desktop Environment: A graphical user interface (GUI) for UNIX-based operating systems. CDE provides a consistent and standardized desktop environment across various UNIX platforms, offering features such as window management, file management, and application launching. |
| CDFS | Compact Disk File System: The file system used by compact discs (CDs) to organize and store data. CDFS facilitates the reading, writing, and management of data on CD-ROMs and other optical discs, ensuring compatibility and efficient data access. |
| CDMA | Code-Division Multiple Access: A digital cellular technology that allows multiple users to share the same frequency spectrum simultaneously. CDMA provides efficient utilization of available bandwidth by encoding and separating signals using unique codes, enabling increased capacity and improved call quality in mobile communication networks. |
| CDN | Content Delivery Network: A geographically distributed network of servers and data centers designed to deliver web content and other digital assets to users more efficiently. CDNs help reduce latency, increase content availability, and improve overall performance by caching and serving content from the server closest to the user’s location. |
| CDP | Cisco Discovery Protocol: A proprietary network protocol developed by Cisco Systems for discovering and gathering information about directly connected Cisco devices. CDP allows network devices to exchange information about their capabilities, addresses, and status, facilitating network management and troubleshooting. |
| CDP | Continuous Data Protection: A data backup and recovery approach that provides real-time or near-continuous replication and backup of data. CDP continuously captures and saves changes to data, enabling granular recovery and reducing data loss in the event of a system failure or data corruption. |
| CD-R | CD-Recordable: A type of compact disc that allows users to write data to the disc once. CD-R discs can be burned or recorded with data, audio, or other content, making them suitable for permanent storage and distribution of information. |
| CD-ROM | CD Read-Only Memory: A type of compact disc that contains data or content that can be read but not written or modified by the user. CD-ROMs are widely used for distributing software, multimedia content, and large data sets, providing read-only access to the stored information. |
| CD-RW | CD-Rewritable: A type of compact disc that allows users to write and rewrite data multiple times. CD-RW discs can be erased and re-recorded with new data, providing flexibility for data storage and revision. |
| CDSA | Common Data Security Architecture: A framework and set of specifications that define a standardized approach to data security and cryptographic services. CDSA facilitates the development and integration of security features into software applications, ensuring interoperability and consistent security implementation. |
| CERT | Computer Emergency Response Team: A specialized group or organization responsible for responding to and handling cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities. CERT teams provide incident response, coordination, analysis, and guidance to mitigate and resolve computer security threats and incidents. |
| CES | Consumer Electronics Show: An annual trade show and conference where consumer electronics manufacturers, developers, and industry professionals showcase and introduce new products, technologies, and innovations. CES is a platform for unveiling and exploring the latest trends in consumer electronics. |
| CF | Compact Flash: A type of solid-state storage device commonly used in portable electronic devices such as digital cameras, music players, and handheld gaming devices. CF cards provide high-capacity storage, fast data access, and durability in a compact form factor. |
| CFD | Computational Fluid Dynamics: A branch of engineering and computational science that uses numerical methods and algorithms to simulate and analyze the behavior of fluid flow and heat transfer. CFD enables engineers to study and optimize the performance of systems and designs involving fluids, such as aerodynamics, weather patterns, and industrial processes. |
| CFG | Context-Free Grammar: A formal grammar used in computer science and linguistics to describe the syntax or structure of a programming language or natural language. CFGs provide rules and production patterns to generate valid sentences or programs within a specific language’s grammar rules. |
| CFG | Control-Flow Graph: A graphical representation or data structure used in program analysis and optimization. A control-flow graph depicts the control flow or execution paths of a program, showing the relationships between different program statements and decision points. |
| CG | Computer Graphics: The field of study and practice concerned with creating, manipulating, and rendering visual images using computers. Computer graphics encompasses areas such as 2D and 3D graphics, animation, virtual reality, image processing, and visual effects in various applications and industries. |
| CGA | Color Graphics Array: A graphics display standard introduced by IBM in the 1980s. CGA provided color graphics capabilities for IBM PC-compatible computers, supporting a maximum resolution of 640×200 pixels with a limited color palette. |
| CGI | Common Gateway Interface: A standard protocol or interface that enables web servers to interact with external programs or scripts to generate dynamic web content. CGI allows web servers to process user input, perform database queries, and generate customized responses based on the requested data or parameters. |
| CGI | Computer-Generated Imagery: The use of computer graphics and visual effects techniques to create or enhance images, animations, and visual content in various media, such as films, video games, advertising, and virtual simulations. CGI enables realistic or fantastical visuals that would be challenging or impossible to achieve with traditional techniques. |
| CGT | Computational Graph Theory: A branch of mathematics and computer science that studies graphs and networks from a computational perspective. CGT focuses on developing algorithms, models, and methods for solving graph-related problems and analyzing the properties and structures of graphs in computational systems. |
| CHAP | Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol: A security protocol used in network authentication to verify the identity of a user or device. CHAP uses a challenge-response mechanism, where the authenticating entity presents a challenge to the user, who must respond with the correct authentication information to gain access. |
| CHS | Cylinder-Head-Sector: A disk addressing scheme used in older hard disk drives (HDDs) to specify the physical location of data on the disk. CHS addresses consist of three values: cylinder number, head number, and sector number, helping the HDD’s read/write head position itself correctly for data access. |
| CIDR | Classless Inter-Domain Routing: A method of IP address allocation and routing that allows more efficient use of IP address space and enables flexible network addressing. CIDR replaces traditional IP address classes with variable-length subnet masks (VLSM) and allows network prefixes to be allocated and subnetted more efficiently. |
| CIFS | Common Internet Filesystem: A network file sharing protocol that allows file access and sharing across different operating systems and platforms. CIFS enables clients to access files and directories on remote servers as if they were local file resources, facilitating file sharing and collaboration in networked environments. |
| CIM | Common Information Model: A standard data model and schema that defines how managed elements or entities are represented and managed in an information technology environment. CIM provides a common framework for describing and integrating management information across different systems, devices, and platforms. |
| CIM | Computationally Independent Model: In the context of software development, CIM refers to a conceptual or high-level model that describes the functional requirements and behavior of a software system independently of any specific implementation or technology platform. CIM focuses on the logical representation of the system’s structure and functionality. |
| CIO | Chief Information Officer: A senior executive responsible for managing and overseeing an organization’s information technology strategy, systems, and operations. The CIO plays a key role in aligning technology with business objectives, driving digital transformation, and ensuring effective IT governance and security. |
| CIR | Committed Information Rate: A bandwidth or data transfer rate guarantee offered by network service providers. CIR represents the minimum sustained rate at which a service provider commits to delivering data for a specific network connection, ensuring a minimum level of bandwidth or quality of service for the customer. |
| CISC | Complex Instruction Set Computer: A computer architecture design philosophy that emphasizes providing a large and rich set of complex instructions for the processor to execute. CISC architectures aim to reduce the number of instructions required to complete a task, potentially sacrificing simplicity and efficiency for more powerful instructions. |
| CJK | Chinese, Japanese, and Korean: An acronym used to collectively refer to the languages, character sets, and writing systems of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. CJK languages share certain similarities and character representations, and their combined study and processing often require specialized software and tools. |
| CJKV | Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese: An extension of the CJK acronym that includes the Vietnamese language. CJKV represents the combined linguistic and character-related aspects of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, which share historical and cultural influences in their writing systems and textual representation. |
| CLI | Command Line Interface: A text-based user interface used to interact with a computer system or program by typing commands or instructions. CLI provides a command prompt where users can input text commands to execute specific actions, access system functions, or perform administrative tasks. |
| CLR | Common Language Runtime: The execution environment and runtime system provided by the Microsoft .NET Framework. CLR manages the execution of .NET applications, including memory management, code execution, exception handling, and security. It provides a common platform for compiling, executing, and managing code written in multiple programming languages. |
| CM | Configuration Management: The process of managing and controlling changes to software, hardware, or system configurations throughout their lifecycle. CM involves version control, configuration identification, change control, and configuration auditing to ensure consistency, stability, and traceability in complex systems. |
| CM | Content Management: The practice of organizing, creating, managing, and delivering digital content within an organization. Content management involves processes, tools, and systems for authoring, editing, storing, and publishing content, enabling efficient collaboration, content reuse, and consistent information management. |
| CMDB | Configuration Management Database: A central repository or database that stores information about the configuration items (CIs) in an information technology infrastructure. CMDB contains details about hardware, software, network devices, applications, and their relationships, supporting IT service management processes, such as change management and incident management. |
| CMMI | Capability Maturity Model Integration: A process improvement framework that provides organizations with guidelines and best practices for enhancing their software development and management processes. CMMI helps organizations assess and improve their capabilities, increase process maturity, and achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency. |
| CMOS | Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor: A type of semiconductor technology used in the construction of integrated circuits and microchips. CMOS technology offers low power consumption, high noise immunity, and compatibility with both digital and analog circuitry, making it widely used in various electronic devices and systems. |
| CMO | Current Mode of Operation: A term commonly used in cryptography to refer to the current cryptographic algorithm or mode being employed for data encryption or decryption. CMO represents the specific configuration or method used to process data securely based on the encryption scheme in use. |
| CMS | Content Management System: A software application or platform that facilitates the creation, management, and publication of digital content on websites. CMSs provide an intuitive interface for content authoring, editing, and organization, enabling non-technical users to manage and update website content easily. |
| CN | Canonical Name: In the context of domain names and DNS, the canonical name refers to the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) that represents the true or primary name of a domain or host. The CN is used to establish a standard or authoritative reference for identifying and addressing a specific domain or host. |
| CN | Common Name: In the context of X.509 digital certificates and secure communications, the common name refers to the distinguished name attribute that identifies an entity, such as a person or an organization, within a public key infrastructure (PKI). The common name is typically used to verify the authenticity and identity of a certificate holder. |
| CNC | Computer Numerical Control: A technology that enables the automated control of machine tools and equipment through the use of pre-programmed computer instructions. CNC systems control the movement, positioning, and operation of machine tools, such as mills, lathes, and routers, for precise and efficient manufacturing and machining processes. |
| CNG | Cryptographic Next Generation: A cryptographic API framework introduced by Microsoft to provide a flexible and extensible platform for cryptographic services in Windows operating systems. CNG offers a wide range of cryptographic functions, algorithms, and capabilities for secure data communication, encryption, hashing, and key management. |
| CNG | Cryptography Next Generation: An alternative expansion of the CNG acronym, referring to the next-generation cryptographic framework and technology used in modern systems and software. CNG provides enhanced security, algorithm flexibility, and cryptographic functionality compared to older cryptographic standards. |
| CNR | Communications and Networking Riser: A hardware interface specification developed by Intel for integrating modem and network functionality into a single expansion card. CNR slots provide a standardized connection point for CNR cards, allowing easy installation and upgrading of modem and network capabilities in computer systems. |
| COBOL | Common Business-Oriented Language: A high-level programming language designed for business applications, particularly in the financial and administrative domains. COBOL features English-like syntax and a focus on data processing, making it suitable for large-scale, transaction-oriented systems. |
| COM | Component Object Model or communication: A binary interface standard introduced by Microsoft for software component interoperation. COM enables software components to communicate and interact with each other across different programming languages and platforms, facilitating code reusability and modular software development. |
| CORBA | Common Object Request Broker Architecture: A middleware specification and framework for developing and deploying distributed object-oriented systems. CORBA enables interoperability between objects in different programming languages and running on different platforms, facilitating transparent communication and integration in distributed computing environments. |
| CORS | Cross-Origin Resource Sharing: A mechanism that allows web browsers to request resources from a different domain or origin than the one that served the original web page. CORS enables controlled and secure cross-origin data sharing while mitigating cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities. |
| COTS | Commercial Off-The-Shelf: Refers to commercially available, pre-packaged software or hardware products that are ready for purchase and use without significant customization or modification. COTS solutions offer convenience and cost-effectiveness, as they can be readily deployed to meet specific requirements without extensive development efforts. |
| CPA | Cell Processor Architecture: A microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony, Toshiba, and IBM (STI) for the Sony PlayStation 3 console. CPA features a multi-core design with specialized cores for different tasks, providing high-performance computing capabilities for multimedia and gaming applications. |
| CPAN | Comprehensive Perl Archive Network: A centralized repository and distribution network for software modules, libraries, and resources related to the Perl programming language. CPAN allows Perl developers to easily access, share, and install Perl modules, fostering collaboration and accelerating Perl software development. |
| CP/M | Control Program/Monitor: An early operating system developed for microcomputers in the 1970s and 1980s. CP/M provided a standardized and portable software environment for running applications on a wide range of microcomputers, serving as a precursor to modern PC operating systems. |
| CPRI | Common Public Radio Interface: A standard interface specification for connecting radio equipment controllers to radio equipment in wireless communication systems, such as mobile networks. CPRI defines the protocols and data formats used for high-speed digital communication between baseband processing units and radio frequency units in mobile networks. |
| CPS | Characters Per Second: A measurement unit that quantifies the speed or rate at which characters can be transmitted or processed in a data communication system. CPS is often used to describe the data transfer rates of input/output devices, communication channels, or printing mechanisms. |
| CPU | Central Processing Unit: The primary hardware component of a computer system responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. The CPU interprets and processes instructions stored in memory, performs arithmetic and logical operations, and coordinates the activities of other hardware components to execute programs and perform computing tasks. |
| CQS | Command-Query Separation: A software design principle that advocates separating methods or operations into two distinct categories: commands that modify the state or behavior of an object, and queries that retrieve information from an object without modifying its state. CQS promotes clarity, maintainability, and testability in software systems. |
| CQRS | Command Query Responsibility Segregation: An architectural pattern that separates the responsibility for handling commands (write operations) from the responsibility for handling queries (read operations) in a software system. CQRS enables the optimization of data storage, processing, and user interfaces for different types of operations, improving performance and scalability. |
| CR | Carriage Return: A control character or ASCII code that represents the movement of the cursor or insertion point to the beginning of a line or row in a text document or display. CR is commonly used in combination with line feed (LF) to signify a new line in various operating systems and text formats. |
| CRAN | Comprehensive R Archive Network: A network of servers and repositories that host the R programming language, packages, and related resources. CRAN provides a central and distributed platform for R users and developers to discover, download, and share R packages, documentation, and data sets. |
| CRC | Cyclic Redundancy Check: An error-detection algorithm used to verify the integrity of data transmitted or stored in digital systems. CRC calculates a short checksum value based on the data, which can be compared at the receiving end to detect and correct errors or inconsistencies introduced during transmission or storage. |
| CRLF | Carriage Return Line Feeds: A character sequence consisting of a carriage return (CR) followed by a line feed (LF). CRLF is used to represent a new line or line break in text files and protocols on Windows and DOS systems. |
| CRM | Customer Relationship Management: A business strategy, approach, or system that focuses on managing and nurturing relationships with customers. CRM involves processes, tools, and technologies for capturing customer data, analyzing customer interactions, and enhancing customer engagement to improve satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth. |
| CRS | Computer Reservations System: A computerized system used in the travel and hospitality industry to manage and coordinate reservations, bookings, and other activities related to travel and accommodations. CRSs facilitate real-time availability, pricing, and reservation management for airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and travel agencies. |
| CRT | Cathode-Ray Tube: A display technology used in older computer monitors and television screens. CRTs use a vacuum tube with an electron gun to create images by scanning a phosphor-coated screen with a beam of electrons, producing visible light and forming the desired display output. |
| CRUD | Create, Read, Update, and Delete: A set of basic operations or functions in database systems and application development that represent the four fundamental actions performed on persistent data. CRUD operations refer to creating new records, reading or retrieving data, updating existing records, and deleting or removing records from a data source. |
| CS | Cable Select: A setting or configuration option on IDE/EIDE devices, such as hard drives or optical drives, to determine their positioning or role in the cable chain. CS allows the devices to automatically select their master/slave designation based on their physical placement on the cable. |
| CS | Computer Science: The academic discipline and field of study that encompasses the theoretical foundations, algorithms, programming languages, software development methodologies, and computer systems. Computer science explores the principles, design, and application of computing technologies, including computer hardware, software, and data processing. |
| CSE | Computer Science and Engineering: An interdisciplinary field that combines principles and knowledge from computer science and computer engineering. CSE focuses on the design, development, and integration of computer systems and technologies, covering both hardware and software aspects. |
| CSI | Common System Interface: A standardized programming interface specification for accessing and interacting with specific functions or services provided by an operating system or software library. CSI defines the methods, parameters, and conventions for software components to communicate and utilize system-level resources and capabilities. |
| CSM | Compatibility Support Module: A feature found in some computer firmware or BIOS that provides backward compatibility with older hardware or software standards. CSM allows modern systems to boot and run legacy operating systems or bootloaders that do not support UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). |
| CSMA/CD | Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection: A network access method used in Ethernet networks to control the transmission of data and avoid collisions between multiple devices attempting to transmit simultaneously. CSMA/CD involves listening or sensing the network medium for ongoing transmissions and performing collision detection and resolution if multiple devices transmit at the same time. |
| CSP | Cloud Service Provider: A company or organization that offers cloud computing services and resources to individuals, businesses, and other entities. CSPs provide on-demand access to computing power, storage, applications, and infrastructure over the internet, enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective IT solutions. |
| CSP | Communicating Sequential Processes: A model or paradigm for concurrency and parallelism in computer science. CSP focuses on the interaction and communication between concurrent processes or components, emphasizing synchronization, message passing, and coordination to achieve reliable and predictable system behavior. |
| CSRF | Cross-Site Request Forgery: A type of security vulnerability and attack in web applications. CSRF occurs when a malicious actor tricks an authenticated user into unknowingly performing unwanted actions or requests on a targeted website or web application, potentially leading to unauthorized data manipulation or access. |
| CSS | Cascading Style Sheets: A style sheet language used to describe the presentation, formatting, and layout of web documents written in HTML or XML. CSS enables web designers to control the appearance and visual aspects of web pages, including colors, fonts, spacing, and responsive design for different devices and screen sizes. |
| CSS | Content-Scrambling System: A digital rights management (DRM) and copy protection mechanism used in DVD-Video discs to prevent unauthorized copying or playback of copyrighted content. CSS encrypts video and audio data on the disc and requires licensed decryption keys for playback, enforcing content protection measures. |
| CSS | Closed Source Software: Refers to software whose source code is not freely available or accessible to the public. Closed source software is typically proprietary and distributed under license agreements that restrict modification, redistribution, or examination of the underlying code by users. |
| CSS | Cross-Site Scripting: A security vulnerability and attack vector in web applications that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts or code into web pages viewed by other users. XSS vulnerabilities can be exploited to perform unauthorized actions, steal sensitive information, or deliver malware to unsuspecting users. |
| CSV | Comma-Separated Values: A plain-text file format for storing tabular data, such as spreadsheets or database records, where each line represents a row and fields within a row are separated by commas. CSV provides a simple and widely supported format for data exchange between different applications and systems. |
| CT | Computerized Tomography: A medical imaging technique that combines X-ray images taken from different angles to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans allow physicians to visualize internal structures, diagnose medical conditions, and plan medical procedures with high resolution and accuracy. |
| CTAN | Comprehensive TeX Archive Network: A repository and distribution network for software, packages, and resources related to the TeX typesetting system. CTAN hosts a vast collection of TeX-related materials, including document classes, fonts, macro packages, and extensions, supporting the creation and typesetting of high-quality documents. |
| CTCP | Client-To-Client Protocol: An extension to the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) protocol that enables direct communication and data exchange between IRC clients without relaying messages through the IRC server. CTCP allows users to request and exchange information, send files, and perform other client-side operations in IRC networks. |
| CTI | Computer Telephony Integration: The integration of computer systems and telephony technologies to enable advanced communication and telephony-related features. CTI facilitates the integration of telephony functions, such as call control, interactive voice response (IVR), call routing, and caller identification, with computer-based applications and systems. |
| CTFE | Compile-time Function Execution: A feature or capability in programming languages that allows certain functions or computations to be executed at compile time instead of runtime. CTFE enables performing calculations, generating code, or evaluating expressions during the compilation process, enhancing program flexibility and performance. |
| CTL | Computational Tree Logic: A formal mathematical logic used for specifying and verifying properties of concurrent and reactive systems. CTL provides a set of operators and logical rules for describing temporal and logical relationships between states and transitions in system models, aiding in system analysis and formal verification. |
| CTM | Close To Metal: A programming approach or framework that provides low-level access and control to computer hardware, bypassing abstraction layers or high-level APIs. CTM allows developers to leverage the full power and capabilities of hardware platforms for performance-critical or specialized applications, often in areas such as gaming or scientific computing. |
| CTS | Clear To Send: A control signal or message used in data communication protocols, particularly in serial communication, to indicate that a data terminal or device is ready to receive data. CTS is part of the hardware flow control mechanism, helping prevent data overflow or loss by coordinating data transmission between sender and receiver. |
| CTSS | Compatible Time-Sharing System: One of the earliest time-sharing operating systems developed at MIT in the 1960s. CTSS allowed multiple users to simultaneously share a computer system’s resources, introducing concepts and techniques that laid the foundation for modern operating systems and interactive computing. |
| CUA | Common User Access: A user interface design standard developed by IBM that promotes consistency and usability across different computer applications and platforms. CUA defines guidelines and principles for menu structures, navigation, commands, and user interactions to enhance user productivity and reduce learning curves. |
| CVE | Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: A publicly identified and standardized reference to a known security vulnerability or software exposure. CVE identifiers provide a unique reference point for discussing and tracking vulnerabilities, helping organizations and security professionals identify and address specific security risks. |
| CVS | Concurrent Versioning System: A centralized version control system that tracks and manages software source code revisions and allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously. CVS provides features for version management, branching, merging, and change tracking, enabling collaborative software development and code sharing. |
| CX | Customer Experience: The overall impression, perception, and satisfaction that a customer has with a brand, product, or service based on their interactions and touchpoints throughout their journey. CX encompasses all aspects of the customer’s experience, including pre-purchase, purchase, and post-purchase interactions, influencing customer loyalty and advocacy. |
D
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| DAC | Digital-to-Analog Converter: A device or circuit that converts digital signals into analog signals, allowing digital data to be processed or transmitted in analog form. DACs are commonly used in audio systems, communication systems, and various digital-to-analog conversion applications. |
| DAC | Discretionary Access Control: A security model or mechanism that restricts access to resources based on the discretion or authorization of the resource owner or administrator. DAC allows resource owners to define and control access permissions and privileges for users or entities, determining who can access and manipulate specific resources. |
| DAL | Database Abstraction Layer: A software component or framework that provides an abstraction or interface between a database management system (DBMS) and the application accessing the database. DAL simplifies database access and operations by encapsulating database-specific functionality and offering a unified and consistent API for application developers. |
| DAO | Data Access Object: A design pattern or architectural approach that separates the data access logic or operations from business logic in an application. DAO provides a layer of abstraction for accessing data from a data source, such as a database, by encapsulating data retrieval, storage, and manipulation methods within dedicated objects. |
| DAO | Data Access Objects: Refers to the objects or components used in the Data Access Object (DAO) pattern. DAOs encapsulate data access logic and provide an interface for interacting with data sources, abstracting the underlying data storage and retrieval mechanisms from the rest of the application. |
| DAO | Disk-At-Once: A writing mode used in optical disc recording, particularly in CD-R and DVD-R formats. DAO allows the entire disc to be written in a single continuous operation, creating a complete and finalized disc with no further modifications or additions possible after the recording process. |
| DAP | Directory Access Protocol: A protocol used for accessing and querying directory services or directory servers. DAP provides a standard mechanism for retrieving and manipulating directory information, such as user profiles, organizational data, and network resources, in a networked environment. |
| DARPA | Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: An agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for developing and promoting advanced technologies for military and national security purposes. DARPA has been involved in significant research and development projects, including advancements in computer networking, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. |
| DAS | Direct Attached Storage: A storage architecture where storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, are directly connected to a single host or server without an intermediary storage network. DAS offers high-performance, low-latency data access and is commonly used in personal computers, workstations, and small-scale storage deployments. |
| DAT | Digital Audio Tape: A magnetic tape format and recording technology primarily used for professional audio recording and storage. DAT provides high-quality digital audio recording and playback, offering advantages such as noise reduction, editing capabilities, and compact tape size. |
| DB | Database: A structured collection of data organized and stored in a computer system, typically in a way that enables efficient data retrieval, manipulation, and management. Databases are widely used in various applications and systems to store and organize structured information, such as customer data, inventory records, or financial transactions. |
| DSKT | Desktop: An abbreviation for “desktop,” referring to the user interface and graphical environment of a computer system where users interact with applications, files, and system functions. The desktop provides a visual representation of the system’s resources and allows users to launch programs, access files, and manage system settings through icons, menus, and windows. |
| DBA | Database Administrator: A professional responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and management of databases within an organization. DBAs ensure data integrity, optimize database performance, manage security and access controls, and handle backup and recovery procedures to support efficient and reliable database operations. |
| DBCS | Double Byte Character Set: A character encoding scheme or character set that uses two bytes to represent individual characters or glyphs. DBCS is commonly used for languages with large character sets, such as East Asian languages (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean), to accommodate the larger number of characters required for representation. |
| DBMS | Database Management System: A software system or platform that enables the creation, organization, management, and manipulation of databases. DBMS provides tools and services for defining database structures, storing and retrieving data, ensuring data integrity, supporting query and transaction processing, and managing access and security controls. |
| DCC | Direct Client-to-Client: A communication method or protocol that allows direct data transfer and communication between client applications without involving intermediaries or going through a central server. DCC is often used in peer-to-peer file sharing, instant messaging, and real-time collaboration applications for efficient and direct data exchange between users. |
| DCCP | Datagram Congestion Control Protocol: A transport layer protocol designed to provide congestion control and reliable delivery for datagram-based network traffic. DCCP allows applications to control congestion and adapt their data transmission rates based on network conditions, enhancing performance and responsiveness for applications with specific requirements, such as streaming media or real-time communication. |
| DCCA | Debian Common Core Alliance: An initiative and collaboration among Debian-based Linux distributions to establish a common core set of packages and standards for ensuring compatibility and interoperability across different Debian-based operating systems. DCCA aims to simplify package management, facilitate cross-distribution support, and foster collaboration within the Debian ecosystem. |
| DCL | Data Control Language: A subset of SQL (Structured Query Language) that provides commands and syntax for controlling access permissions, security, and data integrity in a database management system. DCL statements are used to grant or revoke privileges, define user roles, and specify security rules and constraints to safeguard the database from unauthorized access or modification. |
| DCS | Distributed Control System: A computer-based control system used in industrial automation and process control to monitor and manage distributed physical processes or machinery. DCS combines control elements, such as sensors, actuators, and controllers, with a networked infrastructure to enable centralized monitoring, coordination, and automated control of complex industrial processes. |
| DCMI | Dublin Core Metadata Initiative: An international organization and community that develops and promotes interoperable metadata standards and guidelines for describing digital resources and enabling resource discovery and management. DCMI provides a set of core metadata terms and schemas that can be used to describe various types of digital resources, including web pages, images, videos, and scholarly publications. |
| DCOM | Distributed Component Object Model: A Microsoft technology and framework for distributed computing and component-based software development. DCOM allows software components or objects to be distributed across networked systems and enables transparent communication and interaction between components, facilitating the development of distributed applications and services. |
| DD | Double Density: A storage format or density designation used for floppy disks, indicating a higher data storage capacity compared to the earlier single density format. DD disks can store twice the amount of data, typically 720 kilobytes (KB) for 3.5-inch floppy disks, providing increased storage capabilities for data storage and transfer. |
| DDE | Dynamic Data Exchange: A communication protocol and framework used in Microsoft Windows systems to facilitate interprocess communication and data sharing between applications. DDE enables real-time data exchange and updates between applications, allowing them to share information, control each other’s functionality, and provide dynamic and synchronized data display. |
| DDI | DNS DHCP & IP address management: An abbreviation referring to the combination or integrated management of three critical networking services: DNS (Domain Name System), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), and IP address management. DDI solutions provide centralized control and administration of DNS, DHCP, and IP address assignment and allocation, simplifying network management and ensuring efficient resource utilization. |
| DDL | Data Definition Language: A subset of SQL (Structured Query Language) used to define and manage the structure and schema of a database. DDL statements are used to create, alter, and drop database objects, such as tables, indexes, views, and constraints, defining the logical and physical organization of data within the database. |
| DDoS | Distributed Denial of Service: A type of cyber-attack where multiple compromised computers or devices, often forming a botnet, are used to overwhelm a target system or network with a flood of illegitimate traffic or requests. DDoS attacks aim to disrupt or disable the target’s services, causing denial of service to legitimate users or causing system resources to become unavailable. |
| DDR | Double Data Rate: A memory technology or memory bus architecture that allows data to be transferred twice per clock cycle, effectively doubling the data transfer rate compared to single data rate (SDR) memory. DDR is commonly used in computer memory modules, such as DDR3 or DDR4, to enhance memory performance and bandwidth for faster data access and processing. |
| DEC | Digital Equipment Corporation: A pioneering computer company founded in the 1950s and acquired by Compaq in the 1990s, which later merged with Hewlett-Packard (HP). DEC developed and manufactured a wide range of computer systems, including minicomputers and mainframes, and contributed to the development of notable technologies and operating systems, such as the DEC PDP series and the VMS operating system. |
| DES | Data Encryption Standard: A symmetric key encryption algorithm widely used for securing sensitive data and communications. DES operates on fixed-length blocks of data and uses a 56-bit key for encryption and decryption. Although DES has been largely replaced by more secure encryption algorithms, it played a significant role in cryptography and served as a foundation for subsequent encryption standards. |
| dev | Development: An abbreviation or shorthand for “development,” often used in the context of software development or system administration. “Dev” can refer to development environments, development processes, or development-related tasks and activities involved in creating, testing, and maintaining software systems or applications. |
| DFA | Deterministic Finite Automaton: A mathematical model or abstract machine used in computer science and automata theory to represent and analyze systems with finite states and inputs. DFAs can recognize or accept strings of symbols based on predefined rules and transitions between states, making them useful in pattern matching, lexical analysis, and language recognition applications. |
| DFD | Data Flow Diagram: A graphical representation or modeling technique used to visualize and analyze the flow of data within a system or process. DFDs depict the movement of data between different components, processes, and external entities, illustrating inputs, outputs, data transformations, and storage points, facilitating system analysis, design, and documentation. |
| DFS | Depth-First Search: A graph traversal algorithm used to explore or search through graphs or tree structures. DFS starts at a selected vertex or node and explores as far as possible along each branch or path before backtracking. DFS is often used in solving maze problems, graph analysis, and recursive algorithms. |
| DFS | Distributed File System: A file system architecture or service that allows files and storage resources to be distributed and shared across multiple networked computers or servers. DFS provides a unified and transparent view of distributed files and directories, enabling users and applications to access and manage files as if they were stored locally, enhancing scalability, availability, and data redundancy. |
| DGD | Dworkin’s Game Driver: A popular software package or toolkit developed by Richard Dworkin for building and running interactive text-based online multiplayer games, often referred to as MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) or MUSHes (Multi-User Shared Hallucinations). DGD provides a robust framework and programming environment for creating and hosting text-based virtual worlds with rich interactive gameplay and social interactions. |
| DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: A network protocol used to dynamically assign IP addresses and network configuration parameters to devices or hosts on a network. DHCP automates the process of IP address allocation, subnet mask assignment, default gateway configuration, and other network settings, simplifying network administration and enabling seamless connectivity for devices joining a network. |
| DHTML | Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language: A combination of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript to create dynamic and interactive web pages. DHTML allows web developers to manipulate page elements, dynamically change content, and provide interactive features, enhancing the user experience and enabling interactive web applications. |
| DIF | Data Integrity Field: A field or area within a data structure or data format that is used to store additional information or checksums for ensuring the integrity and correctness of the stored data. DIFs can be used for error detection and correction, data validation, and ensuring the accuracy of data during transmission or storage. |
| DIMM | Dual Inline Memory Module: A type of memory module used in computers and servers for expanding the system’s random-access memory (RAM) capacity. DIMMs are small circuit boards that contain multiple memory chips, providing high-density memory modules that can be easily installed and upgraded. DIMMs are commonly used in systems that employ a synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) architecture. |
| DIN | Deutsches Institut für Normung: The German Institute for Standardization, responsible for developing and publishing technical standards and specifications in various fields, including engineering, manufacturing, and information technology. DIN standards are widely adopted internationally and cover areas such as industrial processes, electrical engineering, materials, and mechanical engineering. |
| DIP | Dual In-line Package: A type of electronic component package or housing used for integrated circuits (ICs) or other electronic devices. DIP packages have two parallel rows of pins or leads that extend from the device, facilitating easy insertion and soldering onto a printed circuit board (PCB). DIP packages were common in earlier generations of electronic devices and are still used in certain applications today. |
| DISM | Deployment Image and Service Management Tool: A command-line tool and framework provided by Microsoft Windows for managing and manipulating Windows images and operating system configurations. DISM enables administrators to mount, modify, and deploy Windows images, install or uninstall features and packages, and manage drivers, updates, and system settings in offline or online Windows environments. |
| DIVX | Digital Video Express: A now-discontinued digital video rental system introduced by Circuit City in the late 1990s. DIVX utilized a pay-per-view model and specialized DVDs that required an internet connection for validation and playback. DIVX did not gain widespread adoption and was eventually discontinued, unrelated to the later popular video codec DivX. |
| DKIM | DomainKeys Identified Mail: An email authentication method that allows senders to digitally sign their outgoing email messages, providing a mechanism for recipients to verify the integrity and authenticity of the messages. DKIM helps prevent email spoofing, tampering, and phishing attacks by enabling recipients to validate the sender’s domain and check the message’s cryptographic signature. |
| DL | Download: The process of retrieving or transferring data or files from a remote source, such as a server or website, to a local computer or device. Downloading typically involves initiating a request, establishing a connection, and receiving the desired data, allowing users to access files, applications, media, or other content for offline use or local storage. |
| DLL | Dynamic Link Library: A shared library or module in the Microsoft Windows operating system that contains reusable code, data, and resources that multiple programs can use simultaneously. DLLs allow programs to share code and resources, reducing redundancy and enabling efficient memory utilization. DLLs are dynamically linked at runtime, facilitating modularity and supporting software extensibility. |
| DLNA | Digital Living Network Alliance: A collaborative industry organization that promotes interoperability and standardization for home networking, media sharing, and multimedia devices. DLNA establishes guidelines and specifications for enabling seamless sharing and streaming of digital media content, such as photos, music, and videos, across different devices and platforms within a home network. |
| DMA | Direct Memory Access: A feature or technique in computer architecture that allows certain hardware devices, such as disk controllers or network interfaces, to directly access system memory without involving the CPU. DMA improves data transfer efficiency and system performance by reducing CPU overhead and enabling faster and more efficient data transfers between devices and memory. |
| DMCA | Digital Millennium Copyright Act: A United States copyright law that addresses digital rights management, online copyright infringement, and the liability of online service providers for user-generated content. The DMCA establishes legal protections and provisions for copyright holders, defines safe harbor provisions for service providers, and outlines procedures for filing takedown notices and handling copyright disputes in the digital realm. |
| DMI | Direct Media Interface: A high-speed interconnect or bus technology developed by Intel for connecting the CPU and the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) or the Northbridge in older chipsets. DMI provides a high-bandwidth, point-to-point connection for efficient data transfer between the CPU and other components, such as memory, graphics cards, and peripheral devices, in a computer system. |
| DML | Data Manipulation Language: A subset of SQL (Structured Query Language) used to manipulate or modify data within a database. DML statements, such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT, allow users to add, modify, delete, and retrieve data from database tables, enabling data manipulation and querying operations. |
| DML | Definitive Media Library: A specialized storage facility or system used in media production and broadcasting industries for securely storing and managing digital media assets, such as master copies, archival material, and production files. A DML ensures long-term preservation, easy retrieval, and controlled access to media content, supporting efficient media production workflows and content management. |
| DMR | Dennis M. Ritchie: A renowned computer scientist and the co-creator of the C programming language and the Unix operating system. Dennis Ritchie made significant contributions to the development of programming languages, software development methodologies, and operating system concepts, playing a key role in shaping modern computing. |
| DMZ | Demilitarized Zone: In the context of computer networking and security, a DMZ is a subnetwork or network segment that sits between an internal network (intranet) and an external network (typically the internet). The DMZ acts as a buffer zone and isolates publicly accessible services, such as web servers or email servers, from the internal network, providing an additional layer of security and reducing the risk of direct attacks on internal systems. |
| DN | Distinguished Name: A unique identifier or naming convention used in directory services, such as the X.500 directory service or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), to identify and locate specific entries or objects within a directory hierarchy. A DN typically consists of a series of attribute-value pairs that specify the distinguished name of an entry, providing a unique path to the entry within the directory tree. |
| DND | Drag-and-Drop: A user interface technique or interaction method that allows users to select objects or data and drag them to different locations or drop them onto target areas within a graphical user interface. DND enables intuitive and direct manipulation of objects, facilitating actions such as file copying, element reordering, or data transfer between applications. |
| DNS | Domain Name System: A hierarchical decentralized naming system used to translate human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses that computers can understand and use to locate resources on the internet. DNS enables the resolution and mapping of domain names to IP addresses, facilitating the routing and accessibility of internet-based services, websites, and other network resources. |
| DOA | Dead on Arrival: A term used to describe a product or device that fails or is non-functional upon arrival or delivery. DOA typically refers to products that are discovered to be defective or inoperable immediately after unpacking or installation, requiring immediate replacement, repair, or refund from the manufacturer or retailer. |
| DOCSIS | Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification: A telecommunications standard that enables the transmission of data over cable television networks. DOCSIS defines the protocols and specifications for delivering high-speed internet access and other digital services, such as voice and video, over hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks. DOCSIS technology is widely used by cable operators to provide broadband internet services to residential and business customers. |
| DOM | Document Object Model: A programming interface and representation of the structure and content of HTML, XML, and other markup languages in a document-oriented manner. The DOM provides a hierarchical tree-like structure that represents the elements, attributes, and text content of a document, allowing programs or scripts to interact with and manipulate the document’s structure, content, and styling. |
| DoS | Denial of Service: A type of cyber-attack aimed at rendering a computer system, network, or online service unavailable or unusable to its intended users. DoS attacks typically involve overwhelming the target with a flood of illegitimate traffic or requests, exhausting system resources, causing system crashes, or interrupting normal service operation, resulting in denial of service to legitimate users. |
| DOS | Disk Operating System: An operating system software that manages and controls the operations of a computer’s hardware and software resources. DOS typically refers to early operating systems, such as MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) or PC-DOS (IBM Personal Computer Disk Operating System), that were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s on personal computers. DOS provided a command-line interface and basic system functionality for running applications and managing files and devices. |
| DP | Dot Pitch: A measurement of the pixel density or the distance between individual pixels on a display screen, such as a monitor or a television. Dot pitch indicates the clarity or sharpness of an image, with a smaller dot pitch generally corresponding to higher resolution and image quality. Dot pitch is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and represents the distance between the center of two adjacent pixels of the same color. |
| DPC | Deferred Procedure Call: A mechanism or software routine used in computer systems, particularly in operating systems, to handle hardware interrupts or time-sensitive tasks in a deferred or prioritized manner. DPCs allow lower-priority tasks to be deferred and executed at a later time, reducing the impact on system performance and ensuring timely execution of critical operations. |
| DPI | Deep Packet Inspection: A network monitoring and analysis technique that involves inspecting and analyzing the contents of network packets at a granular level, including the packet headers, payload, and application-layer data. DPI enables detailed examination and understanding of network traffic, facilitating various network management tasks, security analysis, protocol analysis, and traffic shaping or prioritization based on specific application or content characteristics. |
| DPI | Dots Per Inch: A measurement of resolution commonly used to describe the pixel density or print quality of images, displays, scanners, and printers. DPI indicates the number of dots or pixels that can be placed within a one-inch span, representing the level of detail, sharpness, or printing quality. Higher DPI values generally indicate greater image or print resolution. |
| DPMI | DOS Protected Mode Interface: A programming interface and specification that allows MS-DOS-based applications to run in protected mode, accessing extended memory and utilizing multitasking capabilities on Intel 80386 or later processors. DPMI provides a bridge between the real mode environment of DOS and the protected mode capabilities of the underlying hardware, enabling enhanced performance and memory management for DOS applications. |
| DPMS | Display Power Management Signaling: A standard or protocol that allows a computer monitor or display to enter low-power or standby modes when not in use, reducing energy consumption and extending display longevity. DPMS enables power-saving features, such as monitor sleep mode, standby mode, or automatic power-off, controlled by the computer’s operating system or graphics driver based on user-defined settings or inactivity periods. |
| DR | Disaster Recovery: A set of strategies, processes, and procedures designed to help an organization recover and restore its critical IT systems, infrastructure, and operations after a disruptive event or disaster. DR encompasses measures such as data backup and replication, system redundancy, emergency response planning, and business continuity planning to minimize downtime, data loss, and the impact of unforeseen events on business continuity. |
| DRAM | Dynamic Random-Access Memory: A type of volatile computer memory that stores data in capacitors within integrated circuits. DRAM is the most common type of RAM used in modern computers and provides fast read and write access to data. However, DRAM requires periodic refreshing to maintain data integrity, as the stored charge gradually leaks away. |
| DR-DOS | Digital Research – Disk Operating System: An operating system developed by Digital Research, Inc., as an alternative to MS-DOS. DR-DOS was compatible with MS-DOS and provided additional features and improvements, including better memory management, multitasking capabilities, and enhanced disk utilities. DR-DOS was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s but eventually lost market share to MS-DOS and other operating systems. |
| DRI | Direct Rendering Infrastructure: A software framework or layer in the X Window System (X11) architecture that provides direct access to graphics hardware for accelerated rendering and graphics performance. DRI allows applications to bypass the X server and communicate directly with the graphics hardware, facilitating faster and more efficient rendering of three-dimensional (3D) graphics, visual effects, and video playback. |
| DRM | Digital Rights Management: A set of technologies, mechanisms, and protocols used to protect and control access to digital content, such as copyrighted materials, and enforce usage restrictions imposed by content creators or rights holders. DRM systems aim to prevent unauthorized copying, distribution, or modification of digital content, often employing encryption, access control, or licensing mechanisms to safeguard intellectual property rights and manage content usage permissions. |
| DRM | Direct Rendering Manager: A component or subsystem in the Linux kernel that provides kernel-level support for graphics hardware acceleration and direct access to graphics devices. The DRM subsystem facilitates efficient communication between user-space graphics drivers and the underlying hardware, enabling fast and direct rendering of graphics, video playback, and advanced 3D graphics capabilities. |
| DSA | Digital Signature Algorithm: A widely-used asymmetric cryptographic algorithm used for generating and verifying digital signatures. DSA is based on the mathematical concepts of modular exponentiation and discrete logarithms and provides secure and efficient digital signature generation and verification, ensuring data integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation in digital communications and transactions. |
| DSDL | Document Schema Definition Languages: A set of languages or specifications used for defining and validating the structure, syntax, and semantics of XML-based document formats and languages. DSDL encompasses various schema definition languages, such as XML Schema, Document Type Definitions (DTD), RELAX NG, and Schematron, providing tools and standards for validating XML document instances and ensuring adherence to predefined rules and constraints. |
| DSDM | Dynamic Systems Development Method: An agile project delivery framework or methodology used for developing software systems and applications. DSDM focuses on iterative and incremental development, emphasizing frequent user involvement, continuous communication, and flexible adaptability to changing requirements. DSDM promotes early delivery of business value and effective collaboration among stakeholders, supporting the timely and successful delivery of high-quality software products. |
| DSL | Digital Subscriber Line: A broadband communication technology that enables high-speed data transmission over standard telephone lines. DSL uses existing copper telephone lines to provide simultaneous voice and data services, allowing faster internet connectivity than traditional dial-up connections. Various DSL technologies, such as ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) or VDSL (Very High Bitrate DSL), offer different speed capabilities and configurations to meet different user requirements. |
| DSL | Domain-Specific Language: A programming language or language extension designed for a specific domain, application, or problem space. DSLs are tailored to address the specific needs and requirements of a particular domain, providing specialized syntax, semantics, and abstractions that facilitate efficient expression and manipulation of domain-specific concepts and tasks. DSLs often prioritize readability, ease of use, and conciseness within their target domain. |
| DSLAM | Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer: A network device used in telecommunications networks to aggregate and manage multiple DSL connections from subscribers. DSLAMs collect data from multiple customer DSL lines, multiplex the data onto higher-capacity backbone networks, and handle the demarcation between the subscriber lines and the service provider’s network infrastructure. DSLAMs play a crucial role in delivering DSL-based internet services to residential and business customers. |
| DSN | Database Source Name: A configuration or connection identifier used to specify a specific database or data source within an application or system. DSNs provide a consistent and abstracted way to reference and connect to different databases or data repositories, enabling applications to switch between different database systems or data sources without requiring changes to the underlying application code. |
| DSN | Data Set Name: A name or identifier used to reference a specific data set or file within a computer system or operating environment. DSNs are often used in mainframe or legacy systems to identify specific datasets or files within hierarchical file systems or structured storage environments, facilitating data organization, retrieval, and management. |
| DSP | Digital Signal Processor: A specialized microprocessor or integrated circuit designed for efficiently processing and manipulating digital signals, such as audio, video, or sensor data. DSPs provide high-speed mathematical and signal processing capabilities, making them ideal for applications such as audio and video processing, telecommunications, image recognition, and real-time control systems. |
| DSSSL | Document Style Semantics and Specification Language: A standard or language for defining stylesheets and formatting specifications for structured documents, particularly those written in Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML). DSSSL allows authors and publishers to specify document layout, typography, and presentation styles, separating content from formatting and enabling consistent and automated document rendering and publishing processes. |
| DTD | Document Type Definition: A markup language declaration or specification that defines the structure, elements, attributes, and valid content for an XML document. DTDs provide a formal definition of an XML document’s syntax and semantics, allowing applications to validate XML documents against the defined rules, ensuring compliance and integrity of the document’s structure and content. |
| DTE | Data Terminal Equipment or data transfer rate: DTE has multiple meanings depending on the context. In the telecommunications field, DTE refers to Data Terminal Equipment, which is the end-user device or equipment that interfaces with a data communication network. In the context of data transfer rate, DTE can refer to the speed at which data is transmitted between devices or over a network, often expressed in bits per second (bps) or multiples thereof, such as kilobits per second (Kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). |
| DTO | Data Transfer Object: A design pattern or object-oriented programming concept that represents a simple data structure or container used to transport data between different layers or components of an application. DTOs typically contain fields or properties representing the data to be transferred, without behavior or business logic, facilitating efficient and structured data exchange between different parts of an application or between applications and external systems. |
| DTP | Desktop Publishing: A process or software-based workflow used to create, format, and publish professional-quality documents, such as brochures, magazines, newsletters, or books. DTP involves the use of specialized software tools for layout design, typography, graphics manipulation, and document formatting, allowing precise control over page elements, styles, and visual presentation, resulting in high-quality printed or electronic publications. |
| DTR | Data Terminal Ready or Data transfer rate: DTR has multiple meanings depending on the context. In serial communications, DTR (Data Terminal Ready) is a control signal used to indicate that a data terminal or device is ready to send or receive data. In the context of data transfer rate, DTR can refer to the speed at which data is transmitted between devices or over a network, often expressed in bits per second (bps) or multiples thereof, such as kilobits per second (Kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). |
| DVD | Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc: A digital optical disc storage medium used for storing and playing back various types of data, including video, audio, and computer files. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than CDs and support multiple formats, such as DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and DVD-ROM. DVDs can be read by DVD players, computer DVD drives, and other compatible devices, making them a popular medium for movies, software distribution, and data backup. |
| DVD-R | DVD-Recordable: A type of DVD disc that can be recorded or written once with data, but cannot be erased or rewritten. DVD-R discs are compatible with most DVD players and drives, allowing users to create permanent copies of data, movies, or other content onto write-once DVD media. |
| DVD-ROM | DVD-Read-Only Memory: A type of DVD disc that contains pre-recorded data or content, such as movies, software, or multimedia presentations. DVD-ROMs are read-only and cannot be written to or modified by users, providing a standardized medium for distributing commercial movies, software applications, and other digital content. |
| DVD-RW | DVD-Rewritable: A type of DVD disc that can be recorded, erased, and rewritten multiple times with data. DVD-RW discs offer the flexibility to reuse the same disc for different content or data, making them suitable for temporary storage, backups, or testing purposes. DVD-RW discs are compatible with most DVD players and drives that support rewritable DVD formats. |
| DVI | Digital Visual Interface: A video display interface standard used to transmit digital video signals between a source device, such as a computer or DVD player, and a display device, such as a monitor or projector. DVI supports high-resolution digital video and provides a reliable and high-quality connection for displaying graphics, images, and video content on compatible DVI-enabled displays. |
| DVR | Digital Video Recorder: A device or system used to record, store, and play back digital video content. DVRs typically include a built-in hard disk drive or other storage media to store recorded video footage from cameras or other video sources. DVRs offer features such as video compression, scheduling, and remote access, enabling users to capture, archive, and replay video content for surveillance, entertainment, or other purposes. |
| DW | Data Warehouse: A large and centralized repository of structured and/or unstructured data that is used for reporting, analysis, and decision-making purposes. Data warehouses consolidate data from various sources, such as transactional databases, logs, and external systems, into a unified and consistent format, optimized for querying and analytical processing. DWs support business intelligence, data mining, and advanced analytics, providing insights and actionable information to support organizational decision-making. |
E
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| EAI | Enterprise Application Integration | EAI refers to the process of integrating various software applications and systems within an organization to enable seamless data exchange and business process automation. It aims to improve efficiency and collaboration between different departments and systems. |
| EAP | Extensible Authentication Protocol | EAP is an authentication framework widely used in wireless networks and point-to-point connections. It provides a flexible and extensible method for securely authenticating users and devices, allowing them to access network resources. |
| EAS | Exchange ActiveSync | EAS is a protocol developed by Microsoft for synchronizing email, contacts, calendars, and other data between servers and mobile devices. It enables seamless synchronization and integration of data across multiple devices and platforms. |
| EBCDIC | Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code | EBCDIC is a character encoding scheme used primarily on IBM mainframe and midrange computer systems. It represents alphanumeric and special characters using 8 bits, allowing compatibility and data interchange between different systems. |
| EBML | Extensible Binary Meta Language | EBML is a binary markup language used for structuring data in multimedia files. It provides a flexible and extensible framework for organizing and describing elements within media containers, such as audio or video files. |
| ECC | Elliptic Curve Cryptography | ECC is a public-key cryptographic algorithm based on the mathematics of elliptic curves. It offers strong security with shorter key lengths compared to other encryption algorithms, making it efficient for resource-constrained devices and applications. |
| ECMA | European Computer Manufacturers Association | ECMA is a standards organization that develops and publishes international standards for information and communication systems. It promotes interoperability and compatibility among different computer systems and technologies. |
| ECN | Explicit Congestion Notification | ECN is a feature of network protocols that allows routers to indicate network congestion to the sender. By signaling congestion before packet loss occurs, ECN helps improve network performance and reduces the likelihood of congestion-related issues. |
| ECOS | Embedded Configurable Operating System | ECOS is an open-source real-time operating system designed for resource-constrained embedded systems. It provides a compact and configurable kernel, allowing developers to tailor the operating system to specific hardware and application requirements. |
| ECRS | Expense and Cost Recovery System | ECRS refers to a system or software solution that helps organizations manage and track expenses, as well as recover costs associated with specific activities or projects. It streamlines expense reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis processes. |
| ECS | Entity-Component-System | ECS is a software architectural pattern commonly used in game development and simulation systems. It separates game objects into entities composed of reusable components, promoting flexibility, code reusability, and scalability in complex systems. |
| EDA | Electronic Design Automation | EDA encompasses a range of software tools and methodologies used in the design and development of electronic systems, such as integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It aids in tasks like simulation, synthesis, verification, and layout generation. |
| EDGE | Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution | EDGE is a mobile network technology that provides improved data transmission rates and increased capacity over traditional GSM networks. It enables faster internet browsing, email access, and multimedia streaming on compatible devices. |
| EDI | Electronic Data Interchange | EDI refers to the electronic exchange of structured business documents between organizations. It replaces paper-based processes with computer-to-computer communication, facilitating seamless data exchange, supply chain integration, and automated business transactions. |
| EDO | Extended Data Out | EDO is a type of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) that allows faster access times compared to conventional DRAM. It optimizes memory performance by allowing the next memory access to start before completing the previous one, enhancing overall system speed. |
| EDSAC | Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator | EDSAC was one of the earliest electronic digital computers developed in the 1940s. It used a delay line memory and was primarily used for scientific calculations and research at the University of Cambridge. |
| EDVAC | Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer | EDVAC was an early electronic digital computer designed in the 1940s. It introduced the stored-program concept, where both data and instructions were stored in the computer’s memory. EDVAC is considered a milestone in the development of modern computers. |
| EEPROM | Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory | EEPROM is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It retains stored data even when the power is turned off. EEPROMs are commonly used in devices like microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics for storing configuration data and firmware. |
| EFF | Electronic Frontier Foundation | EFF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending civil liberties and promoting online privacy and digital rights. It advocates for open access, free expression, and individual rights in the digital realm through legal advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and technology development. |
| EFI | Extensible Firmware Interface | EFI is a specification that defines the interface between the firmware and the operating system during system boot. It provides a standardized and extensible framework for initializing hardware components and loading the operating system on modern computer systems. |
| EFM | Eight-to-Fourteen Modulation | EFM is a modulation technique used in digital storage systems, such as CDs and DVDs, to encode and decode data. It ensures reliable data retrieval and error correction by balancing run lengths and minimizing the impact of noise and signal degradation. |
| EFS | Encrypting File System | EFS is a feature in Microsoft Windows that provides transparent encryption and decryption of files and folders. It enhances data security by encrypting files on disk, protecting them from unauthorized access even if the storage medium is compromised. |
| EGA | Enhanced Graphics Array | EGA is a graphics display standard introduced by IBM in the 1980s. It improved upon the CGA standard with higher resolution and increased color support, enabling more detailed and visually appealing graphics on computer displays. |
| Electronic mail | E-mail, short for electronic mail, refers to the transmission of messages and files over computer networks. It has become a widely used communication method for exchanging written messages, documents, and multimedia content, facilitating efficient and timely communication across distances. | |
| EGP | Exterior Gateway Protocol | EGP is a routing protocol used in computer networks to exchange routing information between autonomous systems. It enables communication between routers in different organizations or networks, facilitating the exchange of routing updates and path selection for data transmission. |
| eID | electronic ID card | eID, or electronic ID card, refers to a digital identification document that contains personal information and can be used for authentication and identification purposes. It provides a secure and convenient way to verify an individual’s identity in various online and offline transactions. |
| EIDE | Enhanced IDE | EIDE, or Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics, is an interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard drives and CD/DVD drives to computer systems. It enhances the capabilities of the older IDE standard, offering faster data transfer rates and improved compatibility with larger storage capacities. |
| EIGRP | Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol | EIGRP is a routing protocol commonly used in computer networks to determine the optimal path for data packets to travel within an autonomous system. It provides fast convergence, scalability, and support for advanced routing features, making it suitable for complex network environments. |
| EISA | Extended Industry Standard Architecture | EISA is a computer bus standard that extends the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, commonly used in PCs. It offers enhancements such as increased data transfer rates, support for 32-bit addressing, and compatibility with older ISA devices, allowing for more advanced expansion options. |
| ELF | Extremely Low Frequency | ELF refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies below 300 Hz. It is used in various applications, including submarine communications, earthquake monitoring, and certain military systems. ELF waves can penetrate deep into the Earth’s surface and propagate long distances due to their low frequency characteristics. |
| ELF | Executable and Linkable Format | ELF is a common file format used for executables, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps in Unix-like operating systems. It provides a standardized structure for storing and linking binary files, allowing them to be executed and loaded by the operating system. |
| ELM | ELectronic Mail | ELM is a text-based email client developed at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1980s. It provides a command-line interface for managing email messages, offering features like message composition, mailbox organization, and search capabilities. |
| EMACS | Editor MACroS | EMACS is a highly extensible text editor developed in the 1970s. It offers a wide range of features and customization options, allowing users to tailor their editing environment to specific needs and programming languages. EMACS has become an influential editor in the world of software development. |
| EMS | Expanded Memory Specification | EMS is a memory management technology used in DOS-based systems to access additional memory beyond the conventional 640 KB limit. It allows applications to utilize more memory by creating an expanded memory space and providing a standardized interface for accessing it. |
| ENIAC | Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer | ENIAC was one of the earliest general-purpose electronic computers, developed in the 1940s. It was used for calculations related to military and scientific research and played a significant role in advancing computing technology. |
| EOD | End of Day | EOD refers to the end of a business day or trading day. It signifies the completion of daily operations, such as financial transactions, data processing, and stock market trading. |
| EOF | End of File | EOF indicates the end of a file or data stream. It is a marker that signifies that there is no more data to be read or processed beyond a certain point, allowing software to handle file input/output and data parsing operations efficiently. |
| EOL | End of Life | EOL represents the end of a product’s life cycle, indicating that it is no longer being manufactured, supported, or updated by the manufacturer or vendor. It implies that users should consider transitioning to newer alternatives or solutions. |
| EOL | End of Line | EOL is a character or sequence of characters that signifies the end of a line of text within a file. It is commonly used in text files and programming languages to determine line breaks and formatting. |
| EOM | End of Message | EOM is a marker or signal that indicates the end of a message or transmission. It helps receivers identify the completion of a message and assists in proper data handling and interpretation. |
| EOS | End of Support | EOS refers to the point at which a product or software version is no longer supported by the manufacturer or vendor. After EOS, no further updates, security patches, or technical assistance are provided, potentially leaving the product or system vulnerable to issues and risks. |
| EPIC | Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing | EPIC is a computing paradigm that emphasizes the use of explicitly parallel instructions in processors. It aims to improve performance by enabling simultaneous execution of multiple instructions and tasks, leveraging parallelism at the instruction level. |
| EPROM | Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory | EPROM is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed multiple times. It retains stored data even when power is removed and finds applications in firmware storage, microcontrollers, and devices where data persistence is necessary. |
| ERD | Entity-Relationship Diagram | ERD is a visual representation of the relationships between entities in a database. It illustrates the structure of a database, showing entities, attributes, and the relationships between them, aiding in the design and understanding of relational databases. |
| ERM | Entity-Relationship Model | ERM is a conceptual data model that describes the entities, attributes, and relationships within a system or organization. It helps in understanding the structure and dynamics of data and forms the basis for designing a database schema. |
| ERP | Enterprise Resource Planning | ERP is a comprehensive software solution that integrates various business functions and processes within an organization. It facilitates the management of core activities like finance, human resources, inventory, and customer relationship management, providing a unified view of data and improving overall efficiency. |
| eSATA | external SATA | eSATA, or external Serial ATA, is an external interface standard for connecting external storage devices, such as hard drives or optical drives, to a computer. It offers fast data transfer rates and supports hot-plugging, allowing for easy and high-speed data storage and retrieval. |
| ESB | Enterprise Service Bus | ESB is a software architecture that facilitates the integration and communication of different enterprise applications and services. It provides a centralized hub for routing, transforming, and managing data and messages across various systems, enabling seamless interoperability and scalability. |
| ESCON | Enterprise Systems Connection | ESCON is a high-speed fiber optic-based channel-to-channel interconnection standard used for connecting mainframe computer systems and peripheral devices. It provides high-speed data transfer capabilities and supports long-distance communication within a data center environment. |
| ESD | Electrostatic Discharge | ESD refers to the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, induction, or discharge. It can damage electronic components and integrated circuits, highlighting the importance of proper electrostatic discharge protection measures in handling sensitive electronic devices. |
| ESI | Electronically Stored Information | ESI represents electronically stored information, referring to digital data that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings or for information retrieval purposes. It encompasses various forms of digital content, including emails, documents, databases, audio files, and images. |
| ESR | Eric Steven Raymond | ESR is an American software developer and open-source advocate known for his contributions to the open-source community and the development of the open-source software development model. He has been involved in projects like the GNU Project, Emacs, and the Open Source Initiative. |
| ETL | Extract, Transform, Load | ETL is a process used in data integration and warehousing. It involves extracting data from multiple sources, transforming it into a consistent format, and loading it into a target database or data warehouse. ETL ensures data consistency, quality, and accessibility for analysis and reporting purposes. |
| ETW | Event Tracing for Windows | ETW is a built-in event logging and tracing infrastructure in the Windows operating system. It allows developers to instrument their applications and system components to generate detailed logs and performance data, aiding in troubleshooting, performance analysis, and system monitoring. |
| EUC | Extended Unix Code | EUC refers to a family of character encoding schemes used primarily in Unix-like operating systems to represent various character sets, including Asian languages. EUC provides a variable-length encoding scheme that allows efficient representation of different characters while maintaining compatibility with ASCII. |
| EULA | End User License Agreement | EULA is a legal contract between the manufacturer or distributor of software and the end-user that outlines the terms and conditions of software usage and licensing. It defines the rights and restrictions associated with the software, governing the user’s permissions and responsibilities. |
| EWM | Enterprise Work Management | EWM encompasses systems, processes, and tools used to manage and optimize work activities within an organization. It focuses on resource allocation, task scheduling, workflow automation, and performance tracking, helping improve efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making in the workplace. |
| EWMH | Extended Window Manager Hints | EWMH is a specification that defines additional hints and properties for window managers in X Window System-based desktop environments. It provides standardized features, including window state management, taskbar interaction, and application launching, ensuring consistent behavior and interoperability among different window managers. |
| EXT | EXTended file system | EXT is a family of file systems used in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It includes various versions, such as ext2, ext3, and ext4, offering features like journaling, file permissions, and support for larger file sizes and partitions. EXT file systems provide the foundation for organizing and managing data on storage devices. |
| ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival | ETA represents the anticipated time of arrival for a specific event, such as the delivery of goods, the arrival of a transport vehicle, or the completion of a task. It helps in scheduling, planning, and providing timely information to stakeholders about expected timelines. |
F
| Acronym | Full Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| FAP | FORTRAN Assembly Program | FAP stands for FORTRAN Assembly Program. It refers to the process of writing assembly code within a FORTRAN program for performance optimization. |
| FASM | Flat ASseMbler | FASM stands for Flat ASseMbler. It is an x86 assembler that supports various operating systems and produces highly optimized and compact code. |
| FAT | File Allocation Table | FAT stands for File Allocation Table. It is a file system used by early versions of Microsoft Windows to organize and manage files on storage devices. |
| FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. It refers to a list of commonly asked questions and answers that provide helpful information to users. |
| FBDIMM | Fully Buffered Dual Inline Memory Module | FBDIMM stands for Fully Buffered Dual Inline Memory Module. It is a memory module technology that improves memory performance and capacity in servers. |
| FC-AL | Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop | FC-AL stands for Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop. It is a high-speed serial interface used for connecting multiple devices in a loop topology. |
| FCB | File Control Block | FCB stands for File Control Block. It is a data structure used by operating systems to manage files, containing information about a specific file. |
| FCS | Frame Check Sequence | FCS stands for Frame Check Sequence. It is a sequence of bits added to a frame in a communication protocol to detect and correct transmission errors. |
| FDC | Floppy-Disk Controller | FDC stands for Floppy-Disk Controller. It is a hardware component that manages the interaction between a computer and a floppy disk drive. |
| FDS | Fedora Directory Server | FDS stands for Fedora Directory Server. It is an open-source LDAP-based server used for centralized management of user accounts and directories. |
| FDD | Frequency-Division Duplexing | FDD stands for Frequency-Division Duplexing. It is a method of transmitting and receiving signals simultaneously over separate frequency bands. |
| FDD | Floppy Disk Drive | FDD stands for Floppy Disk Drive. It is a storage device used for reading and writing data on floppy disks, which are removable magnetic storage media. |
| FDDI | Fiber Distributed Data Interface | FDDI stands for Fiber Distributed Data Interface. It is a standard for transmitting data over fiber optic cables in a local area network (LAN). |
| FDM | Frequency-Division Multiplexing | FDM stands for Frequency-Division Multiplexing. It is a technique used to transmit multiple signals simultaneously by allocating different frequency bands. |
| FDMA | Frequency-Division Multiple Access | FDMA stands for Frequency-Division Multiple Access. It is a channel access method in telecommunications that divides the frequency band into multiple channels. |
| FE | Frontend | FE stands for Frontend. In software development, it refers to the user-facing part of an application or system that interacts with users or other systems. |
| FEC | Forward Error Correction | FEC stands for Forward Error Correction. It is a technique used in data transmission to detect and correct errors that occur during signal transmission. |
| FEMB | Front-End Motherboard | FEMB stands for Front-End Motherboard. It refers to the main circuit board in a computing device that contains the essential components and interfaces. |
| FET | Field Effect Transistor | FET stands for Field Effect Transistor. It is a type of transistor that uses an electric field to control the flow of current, commonly used in electronic devices. |
| FHS | Filesystem Hierarchy Standard | FHS stands for Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. It is a standard that defines the directory structure and organization in Unix-like operating systems. |
| FICON | FIber CONnectivity | FICON stands for FIber CONnectivity. It is a high-speed input/output (I/O) interface used in mainframe computer systems to connect storage devices. |
| FIFO | First In First Out | FIFO stands for First In First Out. It is a method of data handling where the first data item entered is the first to be processed or removed from a queue. |
| FIPS | Federal Information Processing Standards | FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standards. It refers to a set of standards and guidelines for information processing in U.S. federal agencies. |
| FL | Function Level | FL stands for Function Level. It is a measure of optimization in compilers, indicating the extent to which a program has been optimized for execution speed. |
| FLAC | Free Lossless Audio Codec | FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. It is an audio coding format that provides lossless compression, preserving the original audio quality. |
| FLOPS | FLoating-Point Operations Per Second | FLOPS stands for FLoating-Point Operations Per Second. It is a measure of a computer’s floating-point calculation speed, often used in benchmarking. |
| FLOSS | Free/Libre/Open-Source Software | FLOSS stands for Free/Libre/Open-Source Software. It refers to software that is freely available for use, modification, and redistribution under an open-source license. |
| FMC | Fixed Mobile Convergence | FMC stands for Fixed Mobile Convergence. It involves integrating fixed-line and mobile communication services to provide seamless connectivity across devices. |
| FMO | Future Mode of Operation | FMO stands for Future Mode of Operation. It refers to a planned or projected mode of operation or functionality that is expected to be available in the future. |
| FOLDOC | Free On-line Dictionary of Computing | FOLDOC stands for Free On-line Dictionary of Computing. It is an online resource providing definitions and explanations of computing and information technology terms. |
| FORTRAN | Formula Translation | FORTRAN stands for Formula Translation. It is a high-level programming language primarily used for scientific and engineering computations and numerical analysis. |
| FOSDEM | Free and Open-source Software Developers’ European Meeting | FOSDEM is an annual event that brings together developers and enthusiasts of free and open-source software in Europe for conferences, presentations, and collaboration. |
| FOSI | Formatted Output Specification Instance | FOSI stands for Formatted Output Specification Instance. It refers to a document that defines the formatting and layout rules for a specific output or display medium. |
| FOSS | Free and Open-Source Software | FOSS stands for Free and Open-Source Software. It refers to software that is released under a license allowing users to use, modify, and distribute it freely. |
| FP | Function Programming | FP stands for Function Programming. It is a programming paradigm that emphasizes the use of mathematical functions and immutable data for computation. |
| FP | Functional Programming | FP stands for Functional Programming. It is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids mutable state. |
| FPGA | Field Programmable Gate Array | FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. It is an integrated circuit that can be programmed or reconfigured after manufacturing to perform specific tasks. |
| FPS | Floating Point Systems | FPS stands for Floating Point Systems. It refers to computer systems or hardware that are specialized for performing floating-point arithmetic operations. |
| FPU | Floating-Point Unit | FPU stands for Floating-Point Unit. It is a hardware component or a separate chip designed to handle floating-point arithmetic operations in a computer system. |
| FRU | Field-Replaceable Unit | FRU stands for Field-Replaceable Unit. It refers to a hardware component or module that can be easily replaced or serviced by a technician without system downtime. |
| FS | File System | FS stands for File System. It is a method or structure used by an operating system to organize, store, and retrieve files on a storage device or network. |
| FSB | Front-Side Bus | FSB stands for Front-Side Bus. It is a communication pathway that connects the CPU to the main memory and other system components in a computer system. |
| fsck | File System Check | fsck stands for File System Check. It is a utility used in Unix-like operating systems to check and repair inconsistencies in the file system’s metadata. |
| FSF | Free Software Foundation | FSF stands for Free Software Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the principles of free software and advocating for users’ rights. |
| FSM | Finite State Machine | FSM stands for Finite State Machine. It is a mathematical model used to represent systems with a finite number of states and transitions between those states. |
| FTTA | Fiber To The Antenna | FTTA stands for Fiber To The Antenna. It refers to the deployment of fiber optic cables to connect communication antennas, improving signal quality and capacity. |
| FTTC | Fiber To The Curb | FTTC stands for Fiber To The Curb. It refers to the deployment of fiber optic cables to connect telecommunication cabinets or distribution points near users’ locations. |
| FTTH | Fiber To The Home | FTTH stands for Fiber To The Home. It refers to the deployment of fiber optic cables to provide high-speed internet and other services directly to residential homes. |
| FTTP | Fiber To The Premises | FTTP stands for Fiber To The Premises. It refers to the deployment of fiber optic cables to connect buildings or premises, enabling high-speed data transmission. |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol | FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network. |
| FQDN | Fully Qualified Domain Name | FQDN stands for Fully Qualified Domain Name. It is a domain name that specifies the complete hierarchical address of a specific computer or network resource. |
| FUD | Fear Uncertainty Doubt | FUD stands for Fear Uncertainty Doubt. It refers to a tactic used to spread fear and doubt about a particular product, technology, or idea to discourage adoption. |
| FWS | Folding White Space | FWS stands for Folding White Space. It is a technique used in computer programming or markup languages to remove or condense unnecessary white spaces or line breaks. |
| FXP | File eXchange Protocol | FXP stands for File eXchange Protocol. It is a protocol used for direct server-to-server file transfers, allowing files to be transferred between remote servers. |
| FYI | For Your Information | FYI stands for For Your Information. It is an abbreviation commonly used in communication to indicate that the provided information is meant for the recipient’s knowledge. |
| FVEK | Full Volume Encryption Key | FVEK stands for Full Volume Encryption Key. It is a cryptographic key used to encrypt an entire volume or storage device for data protection and security. |
G
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| G11N | Globalization – Refers to the process of designing and developing software or applications that can be adapted to various languages and cultural preferences. |
| Gas | GNU Assembler – An assembler program used to translate assembly language code into machine code for the GNU operating system. |
| Gb | Gigabit – A unit of digital information storage or transmission capacity equal to 1 billion bits. |
| GB | Gigabyte – A unit of digital information storage equal to 1 billion bytes or 1024 megabytes. |
| Gbps | Gigabits per second – A measure of data transfer speed, representing billions of bits transmitted per second. |
| GCC | GNU Compiler Collection – A set of compilers and tools used to compile and build software for the GNU operating system. |
| GCJ | GNU Compiler for Java – A Java compiler implemented as part of the GNU Compiler Collection. |
| GCP | Google Cloud Platform – A suite of cloud computing services offered by Google, providing infrastructure, storage, and application development tools. |
| GCR | Group Coded Recording – A technique used in data storage systems to increase storage density by encoding groups of bits onto a single track. |
| GDB | GNU Debugger – A powerful debugging tool used to analyze and debug programs written in various programming languages. |
| GDI | Graphics Device Interface – A Windows API that allows applications to interact with display devices and create graphical output. |
| GFDL | GNU Free Documentation License – A copyleft license used for the distribution of free software documentation and other creative works. |
| GIF | Graphics Interchange Format – A widely used file format for images, supporting both animated and static images with lossless compression. |
| GIGO | Garbage In, Garbage Out – An acronym emphasizing the importance of providing accurate and valid input data to achieve meaningful output in computing. |
| GIMP | GNU Image Manipulation Program – An open-source raster graphics editor used for image editing and retouching tasks. |
| GIMPS | Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search – A collaborative project that searches for large prime numbers using distributed computing over the internet. |
| GIS | Geographic Information System – A system designed to capture, store, analyze, and present spatial and geographic data for various applications. |
| GLUT | OpenGL Utility Toolkit – A library of utilities for creating and managing windows, as well as handling input and events in OpenGL applications. |
| GML | Geography Markup Language – An XML-based language used for describing geographical features and attributes in a machine-readable format. |
| GNOME | GNU Network Object Model Environment – A desktop environment and graphical user interface used in many Linux distributions. |
| GNU | GNU’s Not Unix – A recursive acronym that refers to a collection of free and open-source software developed by the Free Software Foundation. |
| GOMS | Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules – A model used in human-computer interaction to predict and analyze user performance in interactive systems. |
| GPASM | GNU PIC ASseMbler – An assembler for the PIC microcontroller family developed as part of the GNU Compiler Collection. |
| GPFS | General Parallel File System – A high-performance clustered file system designed for managing large amounts of data in parallel computing environments. |
| GPG | GNU Privacy Guard – A free and open-source implementation of the OpenPGP email encryption standard for securing communications. |
| GPGPU | General-Purpose Computing on Graphics Processing Units – The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) for performing non-graphical computations. |
| GPIB | General-Purpose Instrumentation Bus – A standard interface used to connect and control measurement and test equipment in scientific and industrial applications. |
| GPL | General Public License – A widely used free software license that grants users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute software under certain conditions. |
| GPL | General-Purpose Language – Refers to a programming language that is not specific to a particular domain or application but can be used for various purposes. |
| GPRS | General Packet Radio Service – A mobile data service used in 2G and 3G cellular networks, providing packet-switched data transmission. |
| GPT | GUID Partition Table – A partitioning scheme used on modern computer systems to define the layout and organization of disk partitions. |
| GPU | Graphics Processing Unit – A specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly render and manipulate images, graphics, and videos. |
| GRUB | Grand Unified Boot-Loader – A multi-boot loader used in many Linux distributions to manage the booting process and provide a boot menu for selecting operating systems. |
| GERAN | GSM EDGE Radio Access Network – A radio access network technology used in GSM mobile networks to provide enhanced data transmission rates. |
| GSM | Global System for Mobile Communications – A standard for cellular network communication used by mobile devices worldwide. |
| GTK/GTK+ | GIMP Toolkit – A graphical user interface toolkit used for creating applications with a consistent look and feel across multiple platforms. |
| GUI | Graphical User Interface – A visual interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices or software using graphical elements such as windows, icons, and buttons. |
| GUID | Globally Unique IDentifier – A unique identifier used in computer systems to ensure the uniqueness of entities such as files, objects, or resources. |
| GWT | Google Web Toolkit – A development framework that allows developers to build and optimize web applications using Java programming language. |
| GYR | IT Networking – The acronym “GYR” is not commonly used in computer-related acronyms. If you have a specific acronym in mind or need more information, please provide additional details. |
H
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| HA | High availability – Refers to a system or infrastructure designed to provide continuous operation, minimizing downtime and ensuring reliable access to services or resources. |
| HAL | Hardware Abstraction Layer – A software layer that provides an interface between hardware components and higher-level software, allowing software to interact with hardware without needing to know specific details about the hardware implementation. |
| HARD | HTML Application Rapid Development – Refers to a development approach or toolset that enables the rapid creation of HTML-based applications. |
| HASP | Houston Automatic Spooling Priority – A software product that provides software copy protection and licensing management for applications. |
| HBA | Host Bus Adapter – A hardware component that enables communication between a computer host and peripheral devices, typically used in storage area networks (SANs). |
| HCI | Human-Computer Interaction – The study and design of the interaction between humans and computers, aiming to create intuitive and effective user interfaces. |
| HD | High Density – Refers to storage media or displays with a high data or pixel density, providing greater capacity or resolution. |
| HDD | Hard Disk Drive – A non-volatile storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital data. |
| HCL | Hardware Compatibility List – A list of hardware devices or components that have been tested and confirmed to be compatible with a particular operating system or software. |
| HD DVD | High Definition DVD – An optical disc format for storing high-definition video and audio content, which competed with Blu-ray before being discontinued. |
| HDL | Hardware Description Language – A specialized programming language used for designing and describing digital electronic circuits and systems. |
| HDMI | High-Definition Multimedia Interface – A digital interface used for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals between devices, such as computers, televisions, and monitors. |
| HECI | Host Embedded Controller Interface – A communication protocol and interface used for accessing and managing embedded controllers within a computer system. |
| HF | High Frequency – Refers to a range of frequencies used in various contexts, such as high-frequency trading or radio communications. |
| HFS | Hierarchical File System – A file system used in early versions of the Macintosh operating system to organize and store files on disks. |
| HHD | Hybrid Hard Drive – A type of hard drive that combines traditional magnetic storage with a smaller solid-state drive (SSD) cache, providing a balance between capacity and speed. |
| HID | Human Interface Device – Refers to a class of devices, such as keyboards, mice, or game controllers, that allow users to interact with a computer. |
| HIG | Human Interface Guidelines – A set of design principles and recommendations for creating user-friendly and consistent user interfaces across software applications or platforms. |
| HIRD | Hurd of Interfaces Representing Depth – Refers to an experimental microkernel-based operating system developed by the GNU Project. |
| HLASM | High Level ASseMbler – An assembler language with a higher-level syntax, often used for programming mainframe computers. |
| HLS | HTTP Live Streaming – A protocol and technology used for delivering live and on-demand multimedia content over the internet using HTTP. |
| HMA | High Memory Area – A reserved memory region in the DOS operating system that allowed access to extended memory beyond the 640 KB conventional memory limit. |
| HP | Hewlett-Packard – A multinational information technology company that develops and manufactures hardware and software products, including personal computers and printers. |
| HPC | High-Performance Computing – Refers to the use of powerful computing systems or clusters to solve complex computational problems or perform computationally intensive tasks. |
| HPFS | High Performance File System – A file system used by the OS/2 operating system that offers improved performance and additional features compared to older file systems. |
| HSDPA | High-Speed Downlink Packet Access – A 3G mobile telephony protocol that provides high-speed data transmission for downloading data over cellular networks. |
| HTC | High-Throughput Computing – Refers to a computing approach that focuses on achieving high processing throughput or performance by utilizing parallel processing techniques or distributed computing systems. |
| HSM | Hierarchical Storage Management – A data storage technique that combines high-speed and low-cost storage media to optimize the performance and cost-efficiency of data storage. |
| HT | Hyper Threading – A technology used in some processors to improve multitasking performance by simulating multiple virtual processors or threads on a single physical processor core. |
| HTM | Hierarchical Temporal Memory – A machine learning framework inspired by the structure and function of the human neocortex, primarily used for pattern recognition and prediction tasks. |
| HTML | Hypertext Markup Language – The standard markup language used for creating web pages and displaying content on the World Wide Web. |
| HTTP | Hypertext Transfer Protocol – The protocol used for transmitting hypertext and other data over the internet, defining how web browsers and servers communicate with each other. |
| HTTPd | Hypertext Transport Protocol Daemon – A server software or process that handles incoming Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests, commonly used to serve web pages. |
| HTTPS | HTTP Secure – An extension of HTTP that provides secure and encrypted communication between web browsers and servers, commonly used for secure online transactions and data transfer. |
| HTX | HyperTransport eXpansion – A high-speed, point-to-point interconnect technology used for connecting computer components, such as processors, memory, and peripherals. |
| HURD | Hird of Unix-Replacing Daemons – A set of servers and utilities developed as part of the GNU Project to create a complete and free operating system. |
| HVD | Holographic Versatile Disc – An optical disc storage technology that uses holography to store and retrieve data, offering significantly higher storage capacity than traditional optical discs. |
| Hz | Hertz – A unit of frequency measurement representing the number of cycles or events per second, commonly used to measure processor speed, display refresh rates, and signal frequencies. |
I
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I²C | Inter-Integrated Circuit – A serial communication bus commonly used for connecting integrated circuits in electronic devices, allowing for data exchange between components. |
| I²S | Integrated Interchip Sound – A serial bus interface commonly used for transmitting digital audio data between integrated circuits in audio applications. |
| I18N | Internationalization – Refers to the process of designing and developing software or applications that can be adapted to various languages and cultural preferences. |
| IANA | Internet Assigned Numbers Authority – An organization responsible for managing and allocating IP addresses, domain names, and other internet protocol-related resources. |
| IaaS | Infrastructure as a Service – A cloud computing model where virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines and storage, are provided over the internet as a service. |
| IaC | Infrastructure as Code – The practice of managing and provisioning infrastructure resources using machine-readable configuration files or code, typically using version control systems. |
| iBCS | Intel Binary Compatibility Standard – A standard that defines a common binary interface for Unix-like operating systems running on Intel-based platforms. |
| IBM | International Business Machines – A multinational technology company known for manufacturing and developing hardware, software, and providing various IT services. |
| IC | Integrated Circuit – A small electronic device that contains multiple electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, on a single chip of semiconductor material. |
| ICANN | Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers – A nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating and managing the internet’s domain name system (DNS), IP address allocation, and protocol parameter assignment. |
| ICE | In-Circuit Emulator – A hardware device used for debugging and testing embedded systems, allowing developers to monitor and control the target system’s behavior. |
| ICE | Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics – Refers to electronic systems or devices used to detect and prevent unauthorized access or attacks on computer networks or systems. |
| ICH | I/O Controller Hub – A chipset component found on motherboards that provides interfaces and control for I/O devices, such as USB, SATA, and Ethernet. |
| ICMP | Internet Control Message Protocol – A network protocol used by network devices to send error messages, diagnose network connectivity issues, and exchange control information. |
| ICP | Internet Cache Protocol – A protocol used for managing caches in proxy servers, enabling efficient retrieval and caching of web content. |
| ICS | Internet Connection Sharing – A feature that allows multiple devices to share a single internet connection through a host computer acting as a gateway or router. |
| ICT | Information and Communication Technology – Refers to technologies and systems used for storing, retrieving, transmitting, and manipulating information, including computers, networks, and telecommunications. |
| IDE | Integrated Development Environment – A software suite that provides developers with tools, editors, and features to facilitate software development, including code editing, debugging, and build management. |
| IDE | Integrated Drive Electronics – A standard interface used for connecting storage devices, such as hard disk drives or optical drives, to a computer system. |
| IDF | Intermediate Distribution Frame – A telecommunications hardware that provides a termination point for data cabling and connects equipment in a structured cabling system. |
| IDF | Intermediate Data Format – A format used for storing or representing data in a standardized way to facilitate interoperability between different systems or applications. |
| IDL | Interactive Data Language – A programming language and environment commonly used for data analysis, visualization, and scientific computing. |
| IDL | Interface Definition Language – A specification language used to describe the interface and communication protocols of software components in a distributed computing environment. |
| IdP | Identity Provider (cybersecurity) – A trusted entity or service that authenticates and provides identity information about users to other systems or applications. |
| IDS | Intrusion Detection System – A security technology or software that monitors network traffic or system events to detect and respond to potential security breaches or malicious activities. |
| IE | Internet Explorer – A web browser developed by Microsoft and included with the Windows operating system until its replacement by Microsoft Edge. |
| IEC | International Electrotechnical Commission – An international standards organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. |
| IEEE | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – A professional association that develops standards, publishes technical journals, and promotes advancements in various fields of electrical and electronic engineering. |
| IETF | Internet Engineering Task Force – An open community of network designers, engineers, and researchers that develops and promotes internet standards and protocols. |
| IFL | Integrated Facility for Linux – A feature of IBM mainframes that allows Linux operating systems to run directly on the mainframe hardware, benefiting from the mainframe’s virtualization and security capabilities. |
| IGMP | Internet Group Management Protocol – A communication protocol used by hosts and adjacent routers on an IP network to manage and control multicast group membership. |
| IGRP | Interior Gateway Routing Protocol – A proprietary routing protocol used in older Cisco networking devices to exchange routing information within an autonomous system. |
| IHV | Independent Hardware Vendor – Refers to a company that designs, manufactures, and sells hardware components or devices that are compatible with a specific platform or operating system. |
| IIOP | Internet Inter-Orb Protocol – A protocol used in distributed object computing to enable communication between objects in different programming languages or running on different platforms. |
| IIS | Internet Information Services – A web server software developed by Microsoft for hosting websites and serving web content over the internet. |
| IKE | Internet Key Exchange – A protocol used in IPsec-based virtual private networks (VPNs) to establish security associations and negotiate encryption keys between devices. |
| IL | Intermediate Language – A low-level, platform-independent programming language used in the .NET framework and runtime environments, allowing code portability and just-in-time compilation. |
| IM | Instant Message or Instant Messaging – Refers to real-time text-based communication between users over the internet, enabling quick and direct conversations. |
| IMAP | Internet Message Access Protocol – A protocol used by email clients to retrieve and manage email messages stored on a mail server. |
| IME | Input Method Editor – Software or a component of an operating system that enables users to enter characters or symbols not present on their physical keyboard, particularly for non-Latin scripts. |
| INFOSEC | Information Systems Security – Refers to the practice of protecting computer systems and information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. |
| I/O | Input/Output – Refers to the communication and interaction between a computer system and external devices or peripherals, involving the transfer of data and control signals. |
| IoT | Internet of Things – The network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enables them to collect and exchange data over the internet. |
| IP | Intellectual Property – Refers to legal rights that protect creations of the human intellect, such as inventions, literary works, trademarks, and artistic expressions. |
| IP | Internet Protocol – A network protocol that provides the addressing and routing mechanisms for packet-based communication within a network, including the internet. |
| IPAM | IP Address Management – The administration and management of IP addresses, including allocation, tracking, and monitoring of IP address usage within a network. |
| IPC | Inter-Process Communication – Techniques and mechanisms used by processes or programs to exchange information and synchronize their actions in a multitasking operating system. |
| IPL | Initial Program Load – The process of loading and executing the initial program or bootstrap code when starting a computer or operating system. |
| IPMI | Intelligent Platform Management Interface – A hardware interface and protocol that allows remote monitoring and management of server systems, including power control, sensor monitoring, and system recovery. |
| IPO | Inter Procedural Optimization – A compiler optimization technique that analyzes and optimizes code across multiple procedures or functions in a program. |
| IPP | Internet Printing Protocol – A protocol that enables printing over a network, allowing users to send print jobs to network printers and manage printing tasks remotely. |
| IPS | In-Plane Switching – A display technology used in LCD screens to improve viewing angles, color accuracy, and image quality by aligning liquid crystals in a plane parallel to the screen. |
| IPS | Instructions Per Second – A performance metric that measures the number of machine instructions a computer processor can execute in one second. |
| IPS | Intrusion Prevention System – A security technology or software that monitors network traffic, detects potential security threats or malicious activities, and takes proactive measures to prevent or block them. |
| IPsec | Internet Protocol security – A suite of protocols used to secure internet communications at the IP layer by providing encryption, authentication, and data integrity. |
| IPTV | Internet Protocol Television – A system or service that delivers television programming and multimedia content over an IP network, such as the internet, using internet protocols. |
| IPv4 | Internet Protocol version 4 – The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, which uses 32-bit addresses and is widely used for addressing and routing data packets on the internet. |
| IPv6 | Internet Protocol version 6 – The most recent version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4, offering a larger address space and improved features for the internet. |
J
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| J2EE | Java 2 Enterprise Edition – A platform and set of specifications for developing and deploying enterprise-level Java applications, including web and server applications. |
| J2ME | Java 2 Micro Edition – A platform and set of specifications for developing Java applications for resource-constrained devices, such as mobile phones and embedded systems. |
| J2SE | Java 2 Standard Edition – A platform and set of specifications for developing and running Java applications on desktops and servers, providing core Java functionality. |
| JAXB | Java Architecture for XML Binding – A Java API that allows Java objects to be mapped to XML representations and vice versa, simplifying the process of working with XML data in Java applications. |
| JAX-RPC | Jakarta XML (formerly Java XML) for Remote Procedure Calls – A Java API for developing and invoking remote procedure calls using XML-based protocols, enabling distributed computing in Java applications. |
| JAXP | Java API for XML Processing – A Java API that provides the capability to parse, transform, and query XML documents using standard interfaces and implementations. |
| JBOD | Just a Bunch of Disks – A storage configuration that combines multiple physical disks into a single logical volume without any RAID functionality, allowing each disk to be accessed independently. |
| JCE | Java Cryptography Extension – A Java API that provides cryptographic services, including encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and secure key management, for Java applications. |
| JCL | Job Control Language – A scripting language used in mainframe operating systems to define and control batch job execution, including program execution and system resource allocation. |
| JCP | Java Community Process – A formal process for developing and evolving Java technology standards, specifications, and reference implementations through industry collaboration and feedback. |
| JDBC | Java Database Connectivity – A Java API that provides a standard interface for accessing relational databases, enabling Java applications to interact with databases using SQL queries. |
| JDK | Java Development Kit – A software development kit provided by Oracle that includes the necessary tools, libraries, and documentation for developing Java applications. |
| JEE | Java Enterprise Edition – A platform and set of specifications for developing and running enterprise-level Java applications, providing additional functionality beyond the Java Standard Edition. |
| JES | Job Entry Subsystem – A component of an operating system used to manage and execute batch jobs, typically found in mainframe systems. |
| JDS | Java Desktop System – A Linux-based desktop environment and software suite developed by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle) that provides a complete desktop solution based on Java technologies. |
| JFC | Java Foundation Classes – A set of graphical user interface (GUI) components and libraries provided by Java for creating platform-independent GUI applications. |
| JFET | Junction Field-Effect Transistor – A type of field-effect transistor (FET) that uses a semiconductor channel with a junction to control the flow of current, commonly used in electronic circuits. |
| JFS | IBM Journaling File System – A high-performance journaling file system developed by IBM, providing advanced features such as quick recovery and support for large file systems. |
| JINI | Jini Is Not Initials – A distributed computing technology developed by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle) that enables devices and services to automatically discover and interact with each other on a network. |
| JIT | Just-In-Time – Refers to a compilation technique used by some programming languages and virtual machines, such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), where code is compiled and executed at runtime for improved performance. |
| JME | Java Micro Edition – An outdated name for Java ME (Java Micro Edition), which is a platform and set of specifications for developing Java applications for resource-constrained devices. |
| JMX | Java Management Extensions – A Java technology and API for managing and monitoring applications, systems, and network resources, providing a standard way to access and control managed resources. |
| JMS | Java Message Service – A Java API that provides a standard way for Java applications to send, receive, and process messages asynchronously, facilitating communication between distributed systems. |
| JNDI | Java Naming and Directory Interface – A Java API that provides a standard way to access naming and directory services, enabling Java applications to locate and interact with various resources, such as databases or services. |
| JNI | Java Native Interface – A programming framework that allows Java code to interact with code written in other programming languages, such as C or C++, by providing a standard interface for communication between Java and native code. |
| JNZ | Jump non-zero – A conditional jump instruction used in assembly language programming to perform a jump to a different part of the program if a particular condition is met. |
| JPEG | Joint Photographic Experts Group – A widely used image compression standard that allows for efficient storage and transmission of digital images with reduced file sizes. |
| JRE | Java Runtime Environment – A software environment that provides the necessary runtime components, libraries, and resources for executing Java applications or applets. |
| JS | JavaScript – A high-level scripting language used primarily for client-side web development, enabling dynamic and interactive functionality on web pages. |
| JSE | Java Standard Edition – The platform and set of specifications that provide the core functionality and libraries for developing and running Java applications on desktops and servers. |
| JSON | JavaScript Object Notation – A lightweight data interchange format that uses a human-readable text format to represent structured data, commonly used for data serialization and communication between systems. |
| JSP | Jackson Structured Programming – An outdated term that is not widely used or recognized in the context of computer acronyms. If you have a specific meaning in mind, please provide additional details. |
| JSP | JavaServer Pages – A technology for creating dynamic web pages using a combination of HTML and Java code, allowing for the generation of dynamic content on the server side. |
| JTAG | Joint Test Action Group – A standard interface and protocol used for testing and debugging electronic circuits and systems, providing access to internal signals and components. |
| JVM | Java Virtual Machine – A virtual machine that provides an execution environment for Java bytecode, allowing Java applications to run on different hardware and operating systems without requiring recompilation. |
K
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| K&R | Kernighan and Ritchie – Refers to Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, the co-authors of the book “The C Programming Language” and pioneers in the development of the C programming language. |
| K8s | Kubernetes – An open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. The “8” in “K8s” represents the eight letters between “K” and “s” in “Kubernetes.” |
| KB | Keyboard – An input device consisting of a set of keys used for typing, entering commands, and interacting with a computer or other devices. |
| Kb | Kilobit – A unit of digital information that represents 1,000 bits, commonly used to measure data transfer rates or storage capacity. |
| KB | Kilobyte – A unit of digital information that represents 1,024 bytes, commonly used to measure computer memory or file sizes. |
| KB | Knowledge Base – A repository or database of organized knowledge, information, or solutions used for reference or support purposes. |
| Kbps | Kilobits per second – A unit of data transfer rate that represents 1,000 bits per second, often used to measure network or internet connection speeds. |
| KiB | Kibibyte – A unit of digital information that represents 1,024 bytes, primarily used in the context of binary systems and computer memory. |
| KDE | K Desktop Environment – A popular desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems, providing a graphical user interface and a suite of applications for user interaction. |
| kHz | Kilohertz – A unit of frequency measurement that represents 1,000 hertz, commonly used to measure the frequency of electronic signals or sound. |
| KM | Knowledge Machine – Refers to a system or software that aids in the creation, organization, and retrieval of knowledge or information, often through artificial intelligence techniques. |
| KRL | Knowledge Representation Language – A language or formalism used to represent knowledge or information in a structured and machine-readable format, facilitating reasoning and knowledge-based systems. |
| KVM | Keyboard, Video, Mouse – Refers to a hardware device or technology that allows a single set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control multiple computers or servers. |
L
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| L10N | Localization – The process of adapting software, websites, or other products to meet the language, cultural, and functional requirements of a specific locale or target audience. The “10” in “L10N” represents the ten letters between “L” and “N” in “Localization.” |
| L2TP | Layer two Tunneling Protocol – A protocol used for establishing virtual private network (VPN) tunnels over the internet or other networks, allowing secure communication between remote networks or devices. |
| LACP | Link Aggregation Control Protocol – A protocol used to bundle multiple physical network links into a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and fault tolerance in network connections. |
| LAMP | Linux Apache MySQL Perl/PHP/Python – A commonly used acronym that refers to a software stack for developing and deploying web applications, consisting of the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the MySQL database, along with Perl, PHP, or Python as the programming language. |
| LAN | Local Area Network – A computer network that spans a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus, allowing devices to communicate and share resources locally. |
| LBA | Logical Block Addressing – A technique used in hard disk drives to address and access data stored on disk sectors using logical block addresses instead of physical cylinder-head-sector (CHS) addresses. |
| LB | Load Balancer – A device or software that evenly distributes network traffic across multiple servers or resources, optimizing resource utilization, enhancing performance, and ensuring high availability. |
| LCD | Liquid Crystal Display – A type of display technology that uses liquid crystals to create images or text on a flat panel, commonly used in computer monitors, televisions, and mobile devices. |
| LCR | Least Cost Routing – A telecommunications routing strategy that selects the most cost-effective path for transmitting voice or data communications, often used in telephony systems. |
| LCOS | Liquid Crystal On Silicon – A microdisplay technology that combines liquid crystal material with a silicon backplane, used in projectors and other display applications to produce high-resolution images. |
| LDAP | Lightweight Directory Access Protocol – A protocol used for accessing and managing directory information, such as user accounts and network resources, over a network. |
| LE | Logical Extents – In the context of file systems, logical extents refer to contiguous blocks of data allocated to a file, allowing efficient storage and retrieval of file data. |
| LED | Light-Emitting Diode – A semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it, commonly used in electronic displays, indicator lights, and lighting applications. |
| LF | Line Feed – A control character used in text files and computer systems to indicate the end of a line and move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. |
| LF | Low Frequency – Refers to a range of frequencies that are relatively low compared to other frequency ranges, commonly used in the context of audio signals or radio communications. |
| LFS | Linux From Scratch – A project and methodology that provides instructions for building a Linux operating system from source code, allowing customization and control over the system components and configuration. |
| LGA | Land Grid Array – A type of integrated circuit packaging technology that uses an array of pins or pads on the underside of the package for electrical connections with the corresponding socket on a circuit board. |
| LGPL | Lesser General Public License – A permissive open-source software license that allows developers to use, modify, and distribute software while preserving certain freedoms and obligations. |
| LIB | LIBrary – A collection of precompiled code or software routines that can be used by programs to perform specific functions or provide common functionality. |
| LIF | Low Insertion Force – Refers to a type of socket or connector design that allows for easy insertion and removal of integrated circuits or other components without applying excessive force. |
| LIFO | Last In First Out – A data structure or storage discipline in which the last item added to a collection is the first one to be removed or processed. |
| LILO | Linux Loader – A legacy bootloader program used in older Linux distributions to load the operating system into memory during the boot process. |
| LIP | Loop Initialization Primitive – In Fibre Channel networks, a Loop Initialization Primitive (LIP) is a special signal used to initialize and detect devices on a Fibre Channel loop. |
| LISP | LISt Processing – A programming language originally designed for symbolic processing and known for its unique data structure, the linked list. LISP is widely used in artificial intelligence and language processing applications. |
| LKML | Linux Kernel Mailing List – The main mailing list for developers and users to discuss and collaborate on the development of the Linux kernel. |
| LM | Lan Manager – A network operating system developed by Microsoft that provides file and print services, user authentication, and other networking capabilities for client-server networks. |
| LOC | Lines of Code – A metric used to measure the size or complexity of a software program by counting the number of lines in the source code. |
| LPC | Lars Pensjö C – A variant of the C programming language developed by Lars Pensjö, designed to provide a compact and efficient implementation suitable for resource-constrained systems. |
| LPI | Lines Per Inch – A measurement unit used to specify the resolution or density of dots, lines, or other graphical elements in printed or digital images. |
| LPI | Linux Professional Institute – A non-profit organization that offers professional certifications for Linux and open-source technologies, validating knowledge and skills in Linux system administration and related areas. |
| LPT | Line Print Terminal – An interface or port on a computer used for connecting printers or other parallel devices, also known as a parallel port. |
| LRU | Least Recently Used – A caching algorithm or eviction policy that removes the least recently used items from a cache when the cache is full and a new item needs to be added. |
| LSB | Least Significant Bit – The rightmost bit in a binary number that represents the smallest value or contributes the least to the overall value. |
| LSB | Linux Standard Base – A joint project by several Linux distributions to standardize the structure, layout, and behavior of Linux-based operating systems, enhancing compatibility between different distributions. |
| LSI | Large-Scale Integration – A level of semiconductor integration technology that allows for a large number of electronic components, such as transistors or gates, to be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. |
| LTE | Long Term Evolution – A standard for wireless communication and high-speed data transfer, commonly used in 4G and 5G mobile networks to provide fast internet connectivity. |
| LTL | Linear Temporal Logic – A formal logic system used for reasoning about the behavior and properties of systems over time, particularly in the context of computer science and formal verification. |
| LTR | Left-to-Right – Refers to the direction of text or data processing, where information is read or processed from left to right, following the conventions of languages that are written in left-to-right scripts. |
| LUG | Linux User Group – An organized community or association of Linux users who gather to share knowledge, collaborate, and promote the use of Linux and open-source software. |
| LUN | Logical Unit Number – A unique identifier used to address or identify a logical unit, such as a disk drive or storage volume, within a storage system or network. |
| LV | Logical Volume – A logical partition or storage volume created within a storage system, allowing for flexible management and allocation of storage space. |
| LVD | Low Voltage Differential – A signaling technology used in SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) and other high-speed data transfer interfaces, providing noise immunity and improved signal integrity over longer cable distances. |
| LVM | Logical Volume Management – A software-based approach to managing logical volumes and storage devices, allowing for dynamic allocation, resizing, and movement of storage space within a storage system. |
| LZW | Lempel-Ziv-Welch – A data compression algorithm that achieves compression by replacing frequently occurring sequences of data with shorter codes, effectively reducing the size of the data. |
M
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| MAC | Mandatory Access Control – A security model and mechanism that restricts and controls access to resources based on predefined security policies and rules. |
| MAC | Media Access Control – Refers to the unique identifier assigned to network interface cards (NICs) or network devices, used to identify devices on a network at the data link layer. |
| MANET | Mobile Ad-Hoc Network – A decentralized network composed of mobile devices or nodes that communicate with each other without relying on a fixed infrastructure or centralized access points. |
| MAN | Metropolitan Area Network – A network infrastructure that spans a geographic area larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN), typically connecting multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area. |
| MAPI | Messaging Application Programming Interface – A Microsoft Windows API that allows developers to create messaging and collaboration applications, such as email clients or groupware systems. |
| MBCS | Multi Byte Character Set – A character encoding scheme that represents characters using variable-length sequences of bytes, commonly used for languages with large character sets, such as Chinese or Japanese. |
| MBD | Model-Based Design – A software development approach that emphasizes the use of models and simulations to design, analyze, and implement complex systems or software applications. |
| MBR | Master Boot Record – A small section of a storage device, typically a hard disk drive, that contains the boot loader program and partition table used to initialize the system and start the operating system. |
| Mb | Megabit – A unit of digital information that represents 1,000,000 bits, commonly used to measure data transfer rates or network bandwidth. |
| MB | Megabyte – A unit of digital information that represents 1,048,576 bytes, commonly used to measure computer memory or storage capacity. |
| Mbps | Megabits per second – A unit of data transfer rate that represents 1,000,000 bits per second, often used to measure network or internet connection speeds. |
| MCAD | Microsoft Certified Application Developer – A certification program offered by Microsoft for software developers who create and maintain enterprise-level applications using Microsoft technologies and platforms. |
| MCAS | Microsoft Certified Application Specialist – A certification program offered by Microsoft for individuals who demonstrate proficiency in using specific Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. |
| MCA | Micro Channel Architecture – A proprietary bus architecture developed by IBM for their PS/2 computers in the 1980s, providing high-speed data transfer and expansion capabilities. |
| MCA | Microsoft Certified Architect – A certification program offered by Microsoft for experienced IT professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise and knowledge in designing and implementing complex IT solutions. |
| MCDBA | Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – A certification program offered by Microsoft for individuals who demonstrate expertise in designing, implementing, and administering Microsoft SQL Server databases. |
| MCDST | Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician – A certification program offered by Microsoft for individuals who provide technical support and troubleshooting for desktop computer systems running Microsoft Windows. |
| MCITP | Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional – A certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person’s skills and knowledge in implementing, supporting, and managing Microsoft technologies and solutions. |
| MCM | Microsoft Certified Master – A certification program offered by Microsoft for IT professionals who have achieved the highest level of technical expertise and proficiency in specific Microsoft technologies. |
| MCPC | Multiple Channels Per Carrier – A broadcasting technique that allows multiple TV or radio channels to be transmitted simultaneously on a single carrier frequency. |
| MCPD | Microsoft Certified Professional Developer – A certification program offered by Microsoft for software developers who demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in designing, building, and deploying Microsoft-based applications. |
| MCP | Microsoft Certified Professional – A certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person’s skills and knowledge in a specific Microsoft product, technology, or job role. |
| MCSA | Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator – A certification program offered by Microsoft for IT professionals who demonstrate expertise in managing and maintaining Microsoft Windows server and network infrastructure. |
| MCSD | Microsoft Certified Solution Developer – A certification program offered by Microsoft for software developers who demonstrate expertise in designing and developing business solutions using Microsoft development technologies. |
| MCSE | Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer – A certification program offered by Microsoft for IT professionals who design, implement, and manage Microsoft server and network infrastructure solutions. |
| MCTS | Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist – A certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person’s skills and knowledge in a specific Microsoft technology, product, or job role. |
| MCT | Microsoft Certified Trainer – A certification program offered by Microsoft for individuals who deliver training on Microsoft technologies and products. |
| MDA | Monochrome Display Adapter – An early display hardware standard for IBM-compatible personal computers, supporting monochrome graphics and text output on computer monitors. |
| MDA | Mail Delivery Agent – A software component or program responsible for accepting, routing, and delivering email messages between mail servers or systems. |
| MDA | Model-Driven Architecture – An approach to software development that emphasizes the use of models and model transformations to generate executable code and system artifacts. |
| MDD/MDSD | Model-Driven (Software) Development – An umbrella term that encompasses various software development methodologies and techniques that prioritize the use of models and automated code generation. |
| MDF | Main Distribution Frame – A physical structure or panel used in telecommunications or network infrastructure to interconnect and manage incoming and outgoing communication lines. |
| MDI | Multiple-Document Interface – A user interface technique that allows multiple documents or windows to be open and displayed within a single application, enabling users to work with multiple files simultaneously. |
| MDM | Master Data Management – A set of practices, processes, and technologies used to create and maintain a single, authoritative source of master data within an organization, ensuring consistency and accuracy across systems. |
| ME | Microsoft Edge – A web browser developed by Microsoft that is designed to be fast, secure, and compatible with modern web standards. |
| ME | [Windows] Millennium Edition – An operating system released by Microsoft as an updated version of Windows 98, primarily targeted for home computer users. |
| MFA | Multi-factor authentication – A security mechanism that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification or authentication factors, typically combining something they know (password), something they have (smartphone or token), and something they are (biometric data). |
| MFC | Microsoft Foundation Classes – A set of classes and libraries provided by Microsoft for developing Windows-based applications using the C++ programming language. |
| MFM | Modified Frequency Modulation – A magnetic recording encoding scheme used in floppy disks and early hard disk drives to store and retrieve data. |
| MF | Medium Frequency – Refers to a range of frequencies that are relatively lower than high-frequency ranges but higher than low-frequency ranges, commonly used in radio communications and broadcasting. |
| MGCP | Media Gateway Control Protocol – A protocol used in telecommunications networks to control media gateways, which convert signals between circuit-switched and packet-switched networks for voice and multimedia communications. |
| MHz | Megahertz – A unit of frequency measurement that represents 1,000,000 hertz, commonly used to measure the clock speed or operational frequency of computer processors or communication signals. |
| MIB | Management Information Base – A database or repository of managed objects or variables used for network management and monitoring, commonly associated with the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). |
| MICR | Magnetic Ink Character Recognition or Magnetic Ink Character Reader – A technology used to read and process information encoded in magnetic ink, typically used for check processing and financial transaction systems. |
| MIDI | Musical Instrument Digital Interface – A protocol and standard for connecting electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to facilitate communication and control of musical data. |
| MIMD | Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data – A type of parallel processing or computing architecture in which multiple processors or computing units execute different instructions on different sets of data simultaneously. |
| MIME | Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions – A standard for encoding and exchanging different types of files and data over the internet, allowing for the transmission of non-text data, such as images, audio, or video, via email or web protocols. |
| MIMO | Multiple-Input Multiple-Output – A wireless communication technology that utilizes multiple antennas for transmitting and receiving signals, improving data throughput, signal quality, and overall wireless performance. |
| MINIX | MIni-uNIX – A small, Unix-like operating system designed for educational and research purposes, known for its simplicity, modularity, and influence on the development of other operating systems, such as Linux. |
| MIPS | Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages – A reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture and instruction set developed by MIPS Technologies, widely used in embedded systems and early personal computers. |
| MIPS | Million Instructions Per Second – A metric used to measure the performance or processing speed of a computer system or processor based on the number of instructions executed per second. |
| MISD | Multiple Instruction, Single Data – A type of parallel processing or computing architecture in which multiple processors or computing units execute different instructions on the same set of data in a pipelined manner. |
| MIS | Management Information Systems – The study and application of information technology and systems in managing and supporting organizational processes, decision-making, and operations. |
| MIT | Massachusetts Institute of Technology – A prestigious research university known for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and its contributions to computer science and technology. |
| ML | Machine Learning – A field of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn and make predictions or decisions based on patterns and data without explicit programming. |
| MMC | Microsoft Management Console – A component of Microsoft Windows that provides a framework for hosting and managing administrative tools, utilities, and snap-ins for system configuration and management. |
| MMDS | Mortality Medical Data System – A database or system used for collecting, storing, and analyzing medical and healthcare data related to mortality rates, causes of death, and other relevant statistics. |
| MMDS | Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service – A wireless communication technology that enables the delivery of multiple channels of video, audio, and data signals over the airwaves to subscriber homes or businesses. |
| MMF | Multi-Mode (optical) Fiber – A type of optical fiber that supports the transmission of multiple light modes or paths, commonly used for shorter-distance communication applications, such as local area networks (LANs) or data centers. |
| MMIO | Memory-Mapped I/O – A technique or mechanism that allows input/output devices or peripherals to be accessed and controlled using memory addresses and memory-mapped registers, treating them as if they were part of the computer’s memory. |
| MMI | Man Machine Interface – Refers to the interface or interaction between humans and machines, typically involving visual, auditory, or tactile elements, allowing users to control and interact with computer systems or devices. |
| MMORPG | Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game – A genre of online video games in which a large number of players participate simultaneously in a persistent virtual world, assuming fictional characters and engaging in collaborative or competitive gameplay. |
| MMS | Multimedia Message Service – A communication protocol that allows users to send and receive multimedia content, such as text, images, audio, and video, via mobile devices or other communication platforms. |
| MMU | Memory Management Unit – A hardware component or subsystem in a computer that handles virtual memory management, mapping virtual addresses to physical memory addresses, and providing memory protection and access control. |
| MMX | Multi-Media Extensions – A set of multimedia instruction extensions introduced by Intel in their x86 processors, designed to accelerate multimedia and signal processing tasks, such as image and video processing, in computers. |
| MNG | Multiple-image Network Graphics – A graphics file format and extension of the PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format that supports multiple images or frames within a single file, commonly used for animations or complex graphics. |
N
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NAC | Network Access Control – A security approach that enforces policies and controls access to network resources based on user identity, device type, and compliance status. |
| NACK | Negative ACKnowledgement – A response message indicating the rejection or failure of a previously sent message or request. |
| NAK | Negative AcKnowledge Character – A control character used in data communication to indicate that an error or negative condition has occurred. |
| NaN | Not a Number – A special floating-point value used to represent the result of an undefined or nonsensical numerical operation, typically arising from mathematical calculations involving undefined or invalid values. |
| NAP | Network Access Protection – A Microsoft technology that provides network health policy enforcement and compliance checking to ensure that client computers meet security and configuration requirements before gaining access to a network. |
| NAS | Network-Attached Storage – A storage device or system that provides centralized data storage and file sharing services to network clients over a computer network. |
| NASM | Netwide ASseMbler – An assembler for the x86 architecture that uses a syntax similar to Intel assembly language and is known for its portability and support for multiple operating systems. |
| NAT | Network Address Translation – A technique used to modify the source or destination IP addresses in IP packet headers, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address and enabling private IP addresses to be used within a local network. |
| NCP | NetWare Core Protocol – A proprietary networking protocol used by Novell NetWare network operating systems for communication between clients and servers. |
| NCQ | Native Command Queuing – A feature of SATA and SAS hard drives that optimizes the order in which commands are executed, improving performance by allowing the drive to reorder and prioritize incoming commands. |
| NCSA | National Center for Supercomputing Applications – An organization that develops and deploys high-performance computing resources and tools for scientific research and innovation. It is known for creating the Mosaic web browser, which played a significant role in popularizing the World Wide Web. |
| NDIS | Network Driver Interface Specification – A standard interface between network drivers and network protocol stacks in Microsoft Windows operating systems, enabling interoperability and ease of development for network drivers. |
| NDPS | Novell Distributed Print Services – A printing system introduced by Novell that provides centralized print management and distribution capabilities in Novell NetWare environments. |
| NDS | Novell Directory Services – A directory service provided by Novell NetWare network operating systems for managing network resources, user accounts, and system configurations. |
| NEP | Network Equipment Provider – A company or organization that manufactures or supplies network devices, equipment, or components used in communication networks. |
| NetBIOS | Network Basic Input/Output System – A programming interface and protocol suite used to enable communication between computers on a local area network (LAN). It provides functions for naming, session establishment, and message exchange between networked devices. |
| NetBT | NetBIOS over TCP/IP – A protocol that allows NetBIOS services to run over TCP/IP networks, enabling communication and compatibility between NetBIOS-based systems and modern TCP/IP-based networks. |
| NEXT | Near-End CrossTalk – A type of crosstalk interference that occurs between adjacent twisted pairs of cables in a communication system, affecting signal quality and integrity. |
| NFA | Nondeterministic Finite Automaton – A mathematical model used in computer science and automata theory to describe systems or processes with non-deterministic behavior or multiple possible states at any given point. |
| NFC | Near-field communication – A short-range wireless communication technology that allows for contactless data exchange and transactions between devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and payment terminals, by bringing them into close proximity. |
| NFS | Network File System – A distributed file system protocol that allows remote file access and sharing over a computer network. It enables clients to mount remote file systems as if they were local directories. |
| NGL | aNGeL – An acronym used in internet slang and informal communication to mean “Not Gonna Lie.” It is often used to preface an honest opinion or admission. |
| NGSCB | Next-Generation Secure Computing Base – A Microsoft initiative aimed at enhancing security in computer systems by integrating hardware and software components to establish a trusted computing environment. |
| NI | National Instruments – A company that develops and manufactures software and hardware products for measurement, automation, and control systems, commonly used in scientific, engineering, and industrial applications. |
| NIC | Network Interface Controller or Network Interface Card – A hardware component or device that provides the physical connection between a computer or network device and a computer network, allowing the device to transmit and receive data over the network. |
| NIM | No Internal Message – A notification or error message indicating that no internal messages are available in a system or software component. |
| NIO | Non-blocking I/O – A programming model or approach that allows input/output operations to be performed asynchronously or in a non-blocking manner, enabling programs to continue execution without waiting for I/O operations to complete. |
| NIST | National Institute of Standards and Technology – A federal agency of the United States Department of Commerce that develops and promotes measurement standards, guidelines, and technologies, including cybersecurity standards and guidelines. |
| NLE | Non-Linear Editing system – A digital video editing system that allows for non-destructive editing of video footage, enabling editors to work with video clips and sequences in a nonlinear and flexible manner. |
| NLP | Natural Language Processing – A field of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics that focuses on the interaction between computers and human language, enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate natural language text or speech. |
| NLS | Native Language Support – A software feature or capability that allows applications or systems to adapt to and support multiple languages, providing language-specific resources, character encoding, and localization features. |
| NMI | Non-Maskable Interrupt – A type of hardware interrupt that cannot be disabled or masked by software, typically used for critical system events or error conditions that require immediate attention. |
| NNTP | Network News Transfer Protocol – A protocol used for the distribution, retrieval, and posting of Usenet news articles and messages within a network of servers and clients. |
| NOC | Network Operations Center – A centralized facility or team responsible for monitoring, managing, and maintaining the operation and performance of a computer network or telecommunications system. |
| NOP | No OPeration – An assembly language instruction or operation that performs no meaningful operation or does nothing, often used as a placeholder or filler instruction in code sequences or for alignment purposes. |
| NOS | Network Operating System – An operating system specifically designed for managing and running network services, providing features and functionalities to facilitate network communication, resource sharing, and centralized administration. |
| NP | Nondeterministic Polynomial time – A complexity class in computational complexity theory that represents the set of decision problems that can be solved by a nondeterministic Turing machine in polynomial time. |
| NPL | Netscape Public License – A software license used for open-source software projects, derived from the Mozilla Public License (MPL) and commonly associated with early versions of the Netscape web browser. |
| NPTL | Native POSIX Thread Library – A threading library implementation for the Linux operating system that provides support for creating and managing POSIX threads (pthread), allowing for concurrent and parallel programming. |
| NPU | Network Processing Unit – A specialized microprocessor or integrated circuit designed to handle network-related tasks, such as packet processing, routing, and security functions, offloading these tasks from the main CPU for improved network performance. |
| NS | Netscape – A web browser and internet software suite developed by Netscape Communications Corporation, known for its role in popularizing the World Wide Web in the early days of the internet. |
| NSA | Network Security Appliance – A hardware or software device designed to provide network security functions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private network (VPN) gateways, and other security services. |
| NSI | Network Service Interface – A specification or interface that defines how a network service is accessed or utilized by client applications, providing a standard set of rules and protocols for communication and interaction. |
| NSPR | Netscape Portable Runtime – A cross-platform development library that provides operating system abstraction, threading, memory management, and other low-level services for software applications and projects. |
| NSS | Novell Storage Service – A storage management and file system technology used in Novell NetWare network operating systems to manage and organize data storage, providing reliability, scalability, and performance enhancements. |
| NSS | Network Security Services – A set of cryptographic libraries and tools developed by Mozilla, providing support for secure communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS, digital certificates, encryption, and other security-related functionalities. |
| NSS | Name Service Switch – A facility or mechanism in Unix-like operating systems that allows system administrators to configure different sources or backends for retrieving system and network information, such as user accounts, hosts, and authentication services. |
| NT | New Technology – A term often used in the context of Microsoft Windows operating systems, referring to the line of Windows operating systems starting with Windows NT, known for their advanced features, security, and stability. |
| NTFS | NT Filesystem – The default file system used in modern Windows operating systems, providing advanced features, security, and performance optimizations for organizing and accessing files and directories on storage devices. |
| NTLM | NT Lan Manager – A suite of authentication and security protocols used in Microsoft Windows operating systems for user authentication, session security, and single sign-on capabilities within a Windows domain environment. |
| NTP | Network Time Protocol – A protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers and network devices over a computer network or the internet, ensuring accurate timekeeping and coordination. |
| NUMA | Non-Uniform Memory Access – A computer memory architecture design that provides different access times or latency to different regions or nodes of the memory system, typically used in multiprocessor systems or computers with distributed memory. |
| NURBS | Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline – A mathematical model and representation used in computer graphics, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design (CAD) systems for describing and representing curved and smooth surfaces. |
| NVR | Network Video Recorder – A device or system used for recording, storing, and managing video footage from network cameras or IP-based surveillance systems, typically used for security and surveillance applications. |
| NVRAM | Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory – A type of computer memory that retains stored data even when the power is turned off or interrupted, providing non-volatile storage for system settings, BIOS configurations, and other critical data. |
O
| Acronym | Explanation |
|---|---|
| OASIS | Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards – A nonprofit consortium that develops and promotes standards for information exchange and interoperability in various fields, including web services, security, e-commerce, and content management. |
| OAT | Operational Acceptance Testing – A phase of software testing that focuses on validating the operational readiness and suitability of a system or application for production use in its intended environment. |
| OBSAI | Open Base Station Architecture Initiative – An industry consortium that defines and promotes open and standardized architectures for cellular base station equipment, enabling interoperability and flexibility in wireless networks. |
| ODBC | Open Database Connectivity – A standard interface or API (Application Programming Interface) for accessing and interacting with relational database management systems (RDBMS) using SQL (Structured Query Language). |
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer – A company or entity that manufactures products or components that are marketed and sold by another company under their own brand or label. |
| OES | Open Enterprise Server – A network operating system developed by Novell that combines the features and functionality of NetWare and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, providing a flexible and interoperable platform for enterprise-level services. |
| OFDM | Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing – A modulation and multiplexing technique used in digital communication systems, particularly in wireless and broadband technologies, to transmit data over multiple closely spaced subcarriers simultaneously. |
| OFTC | Open and Free Technology Community – An IRC (Internet Relay Chat) network and community focused on open-source software development, collaboration, and support. |
| OID | Object Identifier – A unique identifier assigned to an object or entity in a database, directory, or hierarchical naming system, typically used for identification, referencing, or linking purposes. |
| OLAP | Online Analytical Processing – A category of software tools and applications used for analyzing and querying large volumes of data from multiple perspectives or dimensions, enabling advanced business intelligence and decision support. |
| OLE | Object Linking and Embedding – A technology and framework developed by Microsoft that allows objects or data from one application to be embedded or linked within another application, facilitating data exchange and integration between different software components. |
| OLED | Organic Light Emitting Diode – A display technology that utilizes organic compounds to emit light when an electric current is applied, enabling thin, flexible, and high-contrast displays with wide viewing angles. |
| OLPC | One Laptop per Child – A nonprofit organization that aims to provide low-cost, durable, and energy-efficient laptops to children in developing countries, with a focus on improving education and digital literacy. |
| OLTP | Online Transaction Processing – A class of transactional computing systems and applications that facilitate real-time data processing and transactional operations, commonly used in e-commerce, banking, and other online transaction-based environments. |
| OMF | Object Module Format – A file format used for object code or compiled code output by compilers, linkers, or assemblers, representing executable or relocatable code modules that can be linked or loaded into a larger program or system. |
| OMG | Object Management Group – A consortium of organizations and industry experts that develops and maintains standards for object-oriented software and systems, including the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). |
| OMR | Optical Mark Reader – A device or technology that uses optical scanning and image recognition to detect and interpret marked or filled-in areas on paper or forms, commonly used for automated data collection and processing, such as in surveys or multiple-choice exams. |
| OO | Object-Oriented – A programming paradigm and approach that focuses on organizing software design and development around objects, which are instances of classes representing entities, data, and behaviors, promoting modularity, reusability, and encapsulation. |
| OO | OpenOffice – A free and open-source office productivity suite that includes applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and more, providing an alternative to proprietary office software like Microsoft Office. |
| OOE | Out-of-Order Execution – A feature or technique used in computer processors to optimize instruction execution by dynamically reordering and executing instructions based on data availability and dependencies, improving performance and resource utilization. |
| OOM | Out Of Memory – A situation or error condition that occurs when a computer system or process exhausts its available memory resources and is unable to allocate additional memory for executing tasks or storing data. |
| OOo | OpenOffice.org – The original name of the open-source office productivity suite now known as Apache OpenOffice, providing similar features and applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. |
| OoOE | Out-of-Order Execution – An alternative representation of “Out-of-Order Execution” using a different capitalization convention. |
| OOP | Object-Oriented Programming – A programming paradigm that emphasizes the use of objects, classes, and inheritance to structure and organize code, facilitating modular and reusable software development. |
| OOTB | Out of the box – A term used to describe software or systems that are ready to use or operate immediately after installation, without requiring additional configurations or modifications. |
| OPML | Outline Processor Markup Language – An XML-based file format used for exchanging or sharing outlines, hierarchical structures, or collections of information, commonly used in note-taking, content organization, and feed aggregation applications. |
| ORB | Object Request Broker – A middleware component or software infrastructure that enables communication and interaction between distributed objects or components in a distributed computing environment, allowing for interprocess communication and remote method invocation. |
| ORM | Object-Relational Mapping – A programming technique or framework that maps object-oriented data models to relational database models, providing a bridge or interface between object-oriented programming languages and relational databases, simplifying data persistence and management. |
| OS | Open Source – A software licensing and distribution model that allows users to access, modify, and redistribute the source code of a software application or system, fostering collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development. |
| OS | Operating System – The software or system that manages and controls the resources and operations of a computer system, providing a platform for running applications and facilitating hardware interaction, resource allocation, and user interface functionality. |
| OSCON | O’Reilly Open Source CONvention – An annual conference and event focused on open-source software, technology, and community, organized by O’Reilly Media. |
| OSDN | Open Source Development Network – A collaborative platform and community for open-source software development, hosting software projects, providing source code repositories, and fostering collaboration among developers and contributors. |
| OSI | Open Source Initiative – An organization dedicated to promoting open-source software and advocating for the adoption and adherence to open-source principles and licenses, maintaining the Open Source Definition and approving licenses as open source. |
| OSI | Open Systems Interconnection – A conceptual framework and set of protocols developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines a standard model for network communication and interoperability, specifying the layers and functions of a network protocol stack. |
| OSPF | Open Shortest Path First – A routing protocol commonly used in IP networks to determine the most efficient path or route for packet forwarding, based on factors such as network topology, link costs, and traffic load. |
| OSS | Open Sound System – A software framework and API for sound card drivers and audio applications in Unix-like operating systems, providing a standardized interface for audio device access, control, and processing. |
| OSS | Open-Source Software – Software that is released with a license allowing users to access, use, modify, and distribute the source code freely, fostering collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development. |
| OSS | Operations Support System – A system or set of software tools used by telecommunications service providers to monitor, manage, and support network operations, provisioning, billing, and customer services. |
| OSTG | Open Source Technology Group – A division of VA Research and later OSTN that focused on supporting and promoting open-source software projects, including websites such as Slashdot, SourceForge, and Freshmeat. |
| OTP | One-time password – A password or authentication method that is valid for a single login session or transaction, typically generated using a time-based or event-based algorithm or provided through a separate device or channel. |
| OUI | Organisationally Unique Identifier – A unique identifier assigned by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to network devices, representing the organization or manufacturer’s identity within the MAC (Media Access Control) address. |
P
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| P2P | Peer-To-Peer | Refers to a decentralized network architecture where computers or devices communicate directly with each other without the need for a central server. |
| PaaS | Platform as a Service | Provides a platform for developers to build, run, and manage applications without having to worry about underlying infrastructure or software dependencies. |
| PAM | Privileged Access Management | Encompasses techniques and technologies used to control and monitor access to critical systems and resources, particularly privileged accounts and credentials. |
| PAN | Personal Area Network | A network used for communication between devices located in close proximity to an individual, such as connecting personal devices like smartphones and laptops. |
| PAP | Password Authentication Protocol | A simple authentication method where a user’s password is transmitted in plain text form over a network, which poses security risks and is generally not recommended. |
| PARC | Palo Alto Research Center | A renowned research and development organization that has made significant contributions to the fields of computing, networking, and various technologies. |
| PATA | Parallel ATA | An interface used to connect storage devices, such as hard drives and optical drives, to a computer motherboard using parallel data transfer technology. |
| PBS | Portable Batch System | A software system that manages and schedules batch jobs on high-performance computing systems, enabling efficient utilization of computational resources. |
| PC | Personal Computer | A general-purpose computing device designed for individual use, typically consisting of a CPU, memory, storage, and various input/output peripherals. |
| PCB | Printed Circuit Board | A board made of insulating material with conductive pathways that connect electronic components, used for assembling and supporting various electronic devices. |
| PCB | Process Control Block | A data structure in an operating system that contains information about a particular process, including its state, priority, and various execution-related details. |
| PC DOS | Personal Computer Disc Operating System | An early operating system developed by Microsoft for IBM-compatible personal computers, based on the MS-DOS operating system. |
| PCI | Peripheral Component Interconnect | A standard for connecting peripheral devices, such as graphics cards, network cards, and sound cards, to a computer’s motherboard. |
| PCIe | PCI Express | A high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard used for connecting various components, such as graphics cards, storage devices, and network adapters. |
| PCI-X | PCI Extended | An extension of the PCI standard that provides higher performance and increased bandwidth for connecting peripherals to a computer system. |
| PCL | Printer Command Language | A page description language used primarily in printers and other devices to describe the layout and formatting of documents to be printed or displayed. |
| PCMCIA | Personal Computer Memory Card International Association | An organization that developed and standardized the PCMCIA card, a credit card-sized device used to add functionality to portable computers. |
| PCM | Pulse-Code Modulation | A method used to digitally represent analog audio signals by sampling the signal and quantizing it into binary code, allowing for accurate sound reproduction. |
| PCRE | Perl Compatible Regular Expressions | A library and syntax for pattern matching and manipulating text strings, commonly used in programming languages and tools that support regular expressions. |
| PD | Public Domain | Describes creative works that are not protected by intellectual property rights and are freely available for use, modification, and distribution by the public. |
| PDA | Personal Digital Assistant | A handheld device that provides various computing and communication capabilities, such as organizing schedules, managing contacts, and accessing the internet. |
| Portable Document Format | A file format used for representing and exchanging documents reliably, independent of software, hardware, and operating systems. | |
| PDH | Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy | A telecommunications network technology used to transmit multiple digital signals over the same physical medium by synchronizing them to a common clock source. |
| PDP | Programmed Data Processor | A series of computers developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), widely used in the 1960s and 1970s for various scientific and industrial applications. |
| PE | Physical Extents | In the context of storage systems, refers to a contiguous block of data or space on a storage medium, typically used for efficient data allocation and management. |
| PERL | Practical Extraction and Reporting Language | A high-level programming language known for its text processing capabilities, widely used in system administration, web development, and other areas. |
| PFA | Please Find Attachment | An acronym commonly used in emails or other forms of digital communication to indicate that an attachment is included with the message. |
| PG | Peripheral Gateway | A device or component that provides connectivity and control between different types of computer peripherals and the central processing unit (CPU). |
Q
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| QDR | Quad Data Rate | QDR refers to a type of data transfer technology that enables four data transfers per clock cycle. It is commonly used in high-performance computing systems to achieve faster data processing speeds. |
| QA | Quality Assurance | QA, or Quality Assurance, is a process or set of activities undertaken to ensure that software or products meet specified quality standards. It involves various testing and quality control measures to identify and rectify any defects or issues. |
| QFP | Quad Flat Package | QFP is a type of integrated circuit (IC) package with a square or rectangular shape and leads extending from all four sides. It provides a compact form factor and is commonly used in the packaging of microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other ICs. |
| QoS | Quality of Service | QoS refers to the measurement and control of various network parameters to ensure the desired level of performance, reliability, and availability of network services. It involves prioritizing and managing network traffic to optimize performance for specific applications or users. |
| QOTD | Quote of the Day | QOTD stands for Quote of the Day. It is a service or application that provides a different quote or saying each day, typically displayed on computer screens or websites. QOTD is often used to provide inspirational, thought-provoking, or entertaining quotes for users. |
| Qt | Quasar Toolkit[citation needed] | Qt is a cross-platform application framework used for developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and applications. It provides a wide range of tools, libraries, and APIs that simplify software development and allow developers to create applications that run on multiple platforms. |
| QTAM | Queued Teleprocessing Access Method | QTAM is a teleprocessing access method used in mainframe computing environments. It allows multiple users to access and process data concurrently, utilizing a queuing system to manage and prioritize requests. QTAM enables efficient and reliable data processing in multi-user environments. |
| QSOP | Quarter Small Outline Package | QSOP is a type of surface mount integrated circuit package with a small form factor. It is often used for packaging integrated circuits with a small pin count, such as analog and digital ICs. QSOP packages provide space-saving advantages and are suitable for compact electronic devices. |
| qWave | Quality Windows Audio/Video Experience | qWave is a Microsoft technology that aims to enhance the quality of audio and video streaming in Windows operating systems. It provides improved network congestion control, prioritization, and latency management to deliver a better multimedia experience for users. |
R
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| RACF | Resource Access Control Facility | RACF is an IBM security system that provides access control and resource protection for mainframe computer systems. |
| RAD | Rapid Application Development | RAD is a software development methodology that emphasizes iterative and rapid prototyping to quickly build and deploy applications. |
| RADIUS | Remote Authentication Dial In User Service | RADIUS is a networking protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting services for remote users. |
| RAID | Redundant Array of Independent Disks | RAID is a data storage technology that combines multiple physical disks into a single logical unit to improve performance and reliability. |
| RAII | Resource Acquisition Is Initialization | RAII is a programming technique where resource acquisition and release are tied to the lifetime of objects to ensure proper resource management. |
| RAIT | Redundant Array of Inexpensive Tapes | RAIT is a storage technology that combines multiple tape drives into a single logical unit to improve performance and reliability. |
| RAM | Random-Access Memory | RAM is a type of computer memory that allows data to be read from and written to by the processor. It provides temporary storage for data and instructions. |
| RARP | Reverse Address Resolution Protocol | RARP is a network protocol used to obtain an IP address based on a known MAC address. It is the opposite of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). |
| RAS | Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability | RAS refers to the overall reliability, availability, and serviceability of a computer system, emphasizing its robustness and maintenance capabilities. |
| RAS | Remote Access Service | RAS is a service that allows remote users to connect to a network or computer system over a communication link. |
| RC | Region Code | RC refers to the region code used in optical media, such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs, to restrict playback to specific geographical regions. |
| RC | Release Candidate | RC is a software version that is considered to be stable and ready for release, pending final testing and feedback from users. |
| RC | Run Commands | RC commonly refers to “Run Commands,” which are executable instructions used to perform specific tasks or launch applications in various operating systems. |
| RCA | Root Cause Analysis | RCA is a problem-solving technique used to identify the underlying cause(s) of a problem or failure. It helps in resolving issues and preventing their recurrence. |
| RCS | Revision Control System | RCS is a version control system that tracks changes to files and directories, allowing multiple users to collaborate on software development projects. |
| RD | Remote Desktop | RD refers to the ability to access and control a remote computer or desktop environment from another device over a network connection. |
| rd | Remove Directory | rd is a command or operation used to delete or remove a directory (folder) from a file system. |
| RDBMS | Relational Database Management System | RDBMS is a software system that manages relational databases, which organize and store data in a structured manner using tables and relationships. |
| RDC | Remote Desktop Connection | RDC is a client software that enables remote access to a computer or desktop environment from another device over a network connection. |
| RDF | Resource Description Framework | RDF is a standard framework for describing and representing resources on the web using subject-predicate-object triples. |
| RDM | Relational Data Model | RDM is a conceptual framework for structuring and organizing data in relational database systems. |
| RDOS | Real-Time Disk Operating System | RDOS is an operating system designed for real-time computing, where tasks need to be completed within strict timing constraints. |
| RDP | Remote Desktop Protocol | RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft for remote access to Windows-based systems. |
| RDS | Remote Data Services | RDS is a Microsoft technology that allows client applications to access remote data sources over a network. |
| REFAL | Recursive Functions Algorithmic Language | REFAL is a programming language that emphasizes pattern matching and recursive functions for algorithmic problem solving. |
| REP | RAID Error Propagation | REP is an error propagation mechanism in RAID systems that spreads data errors across multiple disks to enhance fault tolerance. |
| REST | Representational State Transfer | REST is an architectural style for designing networked applications that use HTTP protocols to access and manipulate resources. |
| RESV | Reservation Message | RESV is a message used in network protocols to reserve resources, such as bandwidth or buffers, for specific communications. |
| regex | Regular Expression | regex is a sequence of characters that defines a search pattern. It is commonly used for pattern matching and text manipulation tasks. |
| regexp | Regular Expression | regexp is short for “regular expression” and refers to a pattern-matching language used to describe and manipulate text patterns. |
| RF | Radio Frequency | RF refers to the frequency range used for wireless communication and transmission of electromagnetic signals. |
| RFC | Request For Comments | RFC is a document series used in Internet standards development to propose, discuss, and define protocols and standards. |
| RFI | Radio Frequency Interference | RFI is the interference or disruption caused by unwanted radio frequency signals in electronic systems or devices. |
| RFID | Radio Frequency Identification | RFID is a technology that uses radio frequency waves to identify and track objects or individuals wirelessly through tags or transponders. |
| RGB | Red, Green, Blue | RGB refers to the primary colors—red, green, and blue—that are used to create a wide range of colors in digital displays and images. |
| RGBA | Red, Green, Blue, Alpha | RGBA is a color model that includes red, green, blue, and alpha (transparency) channels for specifying colors in computer graphics. |
| RHL | Red Hat Linux | RHL refers to Red Hat Linux, a popular Linux distribution known for its stability, security, and support for enterprise environments. |
| RHEL | Red Hat Enterprise Linux | RHEL is a Linux-based operating system developed by Red Hat Inc. for enterprise-level deployments, offering long-term support and features. |
| RIA | Rich Internet Application | RIA is a web application that provides a user experience similar to traditional desktop applications, offering rich functionality and interactivity. |
| RIAA | Recording Industry Association of America | RIAA is a trade organization representing the recording industry in the United States. It deals with issues related to copyrights and piracy. |
| RIP | Raster Image Processor | RIP is a hardware or software component that converts digital image files into a format suitable for printing or display. |
| RIP | Routing Information Protocol | RIP is a dynamic routing protocol used in computer networks to exchange routing information and determine the best path for data transmission. |
| RIR | Regional Internet Registry | RIR refers to Regional Internet Registries, organizations responsible for the allocation and management of IP address space within specific regions. |
| RISC | Reduced Instruction Set Computer | RISC is a computer architecture design philosophy that emphasizes simple and efficient instructions, resulting in faster and more streamlined processing. |
| RISC OS | Reduced Instruction Set Computer Operating System | RISC OS is an operating system designed for computers using RISC-based processors, known for its efficiency and low hardware requirements. |
| RJE | Remote Job Entry | RJE is a mechanism that allows users to submit and process jobs on a remote computer system from a local terminal or workstation. |
| RLE | Run-Length Encoding | RLE is a simple form of data compression that represents consecutive repeated data elements as a single data value and a count. |
| RLL | Run-Length Limited | RLL is a coding scheme used in data storage systems, where consecutive data elements are encoded using a limited number of states. |
| rmdir | Remove Directory | rmdir is a command or operation used to delete or remove an empty directory (folder) from a file system. |
| RMI | Remote Method Invocation | RMI is a Java-based technology that allows remote communication between objects in a distributed system by invoking methods remotely. |
| RMS | Richard Matthew Stallman | RMS refers to Richard Matthew Stallman, a prominent software freedom activist and the founder of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). |
| ROM | Read-Only Memory | ROM is a type of computer memory that stores data permanently and cannot be modified. It contains firmware or software instructions. |
| ROMB | Read-Out Motherboard | ROMB is a type of interface or controller that allows communication between the motherboard and read-out devices, such as storage devices. |
| ROM-DOS | Read-Only Memory – Disk Operating System | ROM-DOS is an embedded operating system stored in read-only memory (ROM) and primarily used for disk-based operations and storage. |
| RPA | Robotic Process Automation | RPA is a technology that uses software robots or “bots” to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks, mimicking human interactions. |
| RPC | Remote Procedure Call | RPC is a protocol that enables a program on one computer to request services from a program located on another computer in a network. |
| RPG | Report Program Generator | RPG is a high-level programming language used for business applications, particularly in the field of data processing and reporting. |
| RPM | RPM Package Manager | RPM is a package management system used in Linux distributions to install, update, and manage software packages. |
| RRAS | Routing and Remote Access Service | RRAS is a Microsoft Windows service that provides routing and remote access capabilities, enabling secure connections and network routing. |
| RSA | Rivest Shamir Adleman | RSA is an encryption algorithm named after its inventors, Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman. It is widely used for secure communication and data encryption. |
| RSI | Repetitive Strain Injury | RSI refers to musculoskeletal disorders caused by repeated motions, postures, or activities, often associated with computer use. |
| RSS | Radio Service Software | RSS is software used to program and control radio communication devices, such as two-way radios and scanners. |
| RSS | Rich Site Summary, RDF Site Summary, or Really Simple Syndication | RSS is a web feed format used to publish frequently updated content, such as news articles or blog posts, in a standardized manner. |
| RSVP | Resource Reservation Protocol | RSVP is a signaling protocol used in computer networks to reserve bandwidth and establish quality of service (QoS) for specific applications or data flows. |
| RTAI | Real-Time Application Interface | RTAI is a real-time application interface that provides real-time capabilities and determinism in Linux-based systems. |
| RTC | Real-Time Clock | RTC is a hardware component or subsystem that keeps track of the current time and date in a computer system, even when powered off. |
| RTE | Real-Time Enterprise | RTE refers to the concept of integrating real-time data and processes within an enterprise to enable agile and responsive operations. |
| RTEMS | Real-Time Executive for Multiprocessor Systems | RTEMS is an open-source real-time operating system designed for embedded systems and applications that require deterministic behavior. |
| RTF | Rich Text Format | RTF is a file format used for exchanging formatted text documents between different word processors and operating systems. |
| RTL | Right-to-Left | RTL refers to text directionality, indicating that text is read and written from right to left, as in languages such as Arabic or Hebrew. |
| RTMP | Real-Time Messaging Protocol | RTMP is a protocol used for streaming audio, video, and data over the internet in real-time or near-real-time. |
| RTOS | Real-Time Operating System | RTOS is an operating system designed to provide guaranteed response times and deterministic behavior for real-time applications. |
| RTP | Real-time Transport Protocol | RTP is a network protocol used for the delivery of real-time audio and video data over IP networks, typically in multimedia applications. |
| RTS | Ready To Send | RTS is a control signal used in serial communication to indicate that a device is ready to send data. |
| RTSP | Real-Time Streaming Protocol | RTSP is a network control protocol used for establishing and controlling media sessions between clients and servers in streaming applications. |
| RTTI | Run-time Type Information | RTTI is a feature in some programming languages that allows the type of an object to be determined during runtime. |
| RTU | Remote Terminal Unit | RTU is a device or component used in industrial automation and control systems to monitor and control remote equipment or processes. |
| RWD | Responsive Web Design | RWD is an approach to web design that ensures websites display properly and adapt to different screen sizes and devices. |
S
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS | Software as a Service | SaaS is a software distribution model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to users over the internet. |
| SASS | Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets | SASS is a CSS preprocessor that extends the functionality of CSS, providing features like variables, nesting, and mixins. |
| SAM | Security Account Manager | SAM is a database that stores user account information in Windows operating systems, including password hashes and security policies. |
| SAN | Storage Area Network | SAN is a dedicated high-speed network that provides shared access to consolidated, block-level data storage devices, such as disk arrays. |
| SAS | Serial Attached SCSI | SAS is a point-to-point serial protocol used for connecting computer peripherals, such as hard drives and tape drives, to the motherboard. |
| SATA | Serial ATA | SATA is a computer bus interface for connecting storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, to the motherboard. |
| SAX | Simple API for XML | SAX is an event-driven XML processing API that parses and processes XML documents sequentially, without loading the entire document into memory. |
| SBOD | Spinning Beachball of Death | SBOD is a term used to describe the spinning cursor or loading icon on a computer screen that indicates a frozen or unresponsive application or system. |
| SBP-2 | Serial Bus Protocol 2 | SBP-2 is a protocol used for high-speed serial communication and data transfer between devices over a FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface. |
| sbin | Superuser Binary | sbin is a directory in Unix-like operating systems that contains system administration executables and binaries reserved for the superuser. |
| sbs | Small Business Server | SBS refers to a specialized version of Microsoft Windows Server designed for small businesses, offering integrated server applications and services. |
| SBU | Standard Build Unit | SBU is a term used in software development to represent the standard unit of work or compilation when building a software project. |
| SCADA | Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition | SCADA is a control system architecture used in various industries to monitor and control processes and gather real-time data. |
| SCID | Source Code in Database | SCID refers to storing and managing source code directly in a database for version control and collaboration purposes. |
| SCM | Software Configuration Management | SCM is the process of managing and controlling changes to software artifacts throughout their lifecycle, including version control and release management. |
| SCM | Source Code Management | SCM is the practice of managing and tracking changes to source code files, including versioning, branching, and merging. |
| SCP | Secure Copy | SCP is a secure file transfer protocol that allows secure copying of files between hosts on a network using the SSH protocol. |
| SCPC | Single Channel Per Carrier | SCPC is a satellite communications method where each communication channel uses a dedicated carrier frequency, enabling independent transmission. |
| SCPI | Standard Commands for Programmable Instrumentation | SCPI is a standard command set used in electronic test and measurement instruments to control and communicate with the devices. |
| SCSA | Secure Content Storage Association | SCSA is an organization that develops specifications and standards for secure storage devices, including self-encrypting drives. |
| SCSI | Small Computer System Interface | SCSI is a standard interface protocol that allows computers to communicate with peripheral devices, such as hard drives and tape drives. |
| SCTP | Stream Control Transmission Protocol | SCTP is a transport layer protocol that provides reliable, connection-oriented data transmission in IP networks, supporting multi-streaming and multihoming. |
| SD | Secure Digital | SD is a type of flash memory card commonly used for storage in portable devices such as cameras, smartphones, and tablets. |
| SDDL | Security Descriptor Definition Language | SDDL is a text-based language used to define security descriptors in Windows operating systems, specifying access control permissions. |
| SDH | Synchronous Digital Hierarchy | SDH is an international telecommunications standard for transmitting multiple digital data streams over optical fiber using synchronous multiplexing. |
| SDI | Single-Document Interface | SDI is a user interface model where each document or window is contained within its own individual window frame, allowing only one document to be active at a time. |
| SEC | Single Edge Contact | SEC refers to the physical interface used in some computer processors, where the contact pins are located on a single edge of the chip. |
| SDIO | Secure Digital Input Output | SDIO is an extension to the SD card standard that allows the card to interface with devices using other types of input and output protocols. |
| SDK | Software Development Kit | SDK is a collection of software tools, libraries, and documentation provided by a platform or software vendor to facilitate application development. |
| SDL | Simple DirectMedia Layer | SDL is a cross-platform multimedia library that provides low-level access to audio, video, and input devices for software development. |
| SDN | Service Delivery Network | SDN is an architecture that separates the control plane from the data plane in computer networks, enabling centralized network management and programmability. |
| SDP | Session Description Protocol | SDP is a protocol used to describe multimedia session parameters, such as the type of media, network addresses, and codecs, in a format that can be exchanged between participants. |
| SDR | Software-Defined Radio | SDR is a radio system where traditional hardware components are replaced by software, allowing for flexible and programmable radio functionality. |
| SDRAM | Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory | SDRAM is a type of volatile computer memory that operates in synchronization with the system clock, providing high-speed data access. |
| SDSL | Symmetric DSL | SDSL is a digital subscriber line (DSL) technology that provides equal data transfer speeds in both upstream and downstream directions. |
| SE | Single Ended | SE refers to a signaling method or interface where signals are transmitted using a single conductor or wire. |
| SEI | Software Engineering Institute | SEI is a research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University that focuses on software engineering and process improvement. |
| SEO | Search Engine Optimization | SEO is the practice of optimizing websites and web pages to improve their visibility and ranking in search engine results. |
| SFTP | Secure FTP | SFTP is a secure file transfer protocol that uses the SSH protocol for secure file transfers between systems. |
| SFTP | Simple File Transfer Protocol | SFTP is a protocol used for secure file transfers between client and server over a network connection. |
| SFTP | SSH File Transfer Protocol | SFTP is a file transfer protocol that provides secure file transfers and remote file management over an SSH connection. |
| SGI | Silicon Graphics, Incorporated | SGI was a company known for its high-performance computer hardware, graphics workstations, and software solutions. |
| SGML | Standard Generalized Markup Language | SGML is a markup language used to define the structure and semantics of documents, serving as the foundation for HTML and XML. |
| SGR | Select Graphic Rendition | SGR is a control sequence used in terminal emulation and ANSI escape codes to change various graphical attributes, such as colors and styles. |
| SHA | Secure Hash Algorithm | SHA is a cryptographic hash function that produces a fixed-size output (hash value) from an input data of arbitrary size. |
| SHDSL | Single-pair High-speed Digital Subscriber Line | SHDSL is a DSL technology that uses a single twisted pair of copper wires to provide high-speed digital communication. |
| SIEM | Security Information and Event Management | SIEM is a software solution that combines security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) capabilities to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of security events. |
| SIGCAT | Special Interest Group on CD-ROM Applications and Technology | SIGCAT was an industry group that focused on the development and promotion of CD-ROM technology and applications. |
| SIGGRAPH | Special Interest Group on Graphics | SIGGRAPH is a professional organization that focuses on computer graphics and interactive techniques, organizing an annual conference on computer graphics and interactive technologies. |
| SIMD | Single Instruction, Multiple Data | SIMD is a computer architecture design where a single instruction operates simultaneously on multiple data elements, improving parallel processing performance. |
| SIM | Subscriber Identification Module | SIM is a smart card used in mobile devices to identify and authenticate subscribers on a cellular network. |
| SIMM | Single Inline Memory Module | SIMM is a type of memory module used in older computer systems that contains multiple memory chips mounted on a small circuit board. |
| SIP | Session Initiation Protocol | SIP is a signaling protocol used for initiating, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions, such as voice and video calls, over IP networks. |
| SIP | Supplementary Ideographic Plane | SIP is one of the planes defined in the Unicode standard, used for encoding less common CJK (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) ideographs. |
| SISD | Single Instruction, Single Data | SISD is a computer architecture model where a single instruction operates on a single data element at a time. |
| SISO | Single-Input and Single-Output | SISO is a system or communication channel that has a single input and a single output. |
| SLA | Service Level Agreement | SLA is a contract or agreement between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service expected and the consequences for not meeting the agreed-upon performance metrics. |
| SLED | SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop | SLED is a Linux-based operating system distribution developed by SUSE for enterprise desktop environments. |
| SLES | SUSE Linux Enterprise Server | SLES is a Linux-based operating system distribution developed by SUSE for enterprise server deployments. |
| SLI | Scalable Link Interface | SLI is a technology developed by NVIDIA that enables multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) to work together in parallel to improve graphics performance. |
| SLIP | Serial Line Internet Protocol | SLIP is a simple protocol used for encapsulating IP packets over serial connections, allowing computers to connect to the internet via dial-up or other serial links. |
| SLM | Service Level Management | SLM is the process of managing and maintaining service levels and performance targets in IT service management. |
| SLOC | Source Lines of Code | SLOC is a metric used to measure the size of a software program by counting the number of lines of source code. |
| SME | Subject Matter Expert | SME refers to an individual with specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular field or subject area. |
| SMF | Single-Mode (optical) Fiber | SMF is a type of optical fiber that allows only one mode of light to propagate, providing high-speed and long-distance data transmission. |
| SP | Service Pack | SP is a software update package that contains a collection of bug fixes, security enhancements, and feature improvements for an operating system or software application. |
| SPA | Single Page Application | SPA is a web application that dynamically updates a single web page rather than loading multiple pages from the server. |
| SPF | Sender Policy Framework | SPF is an email authentication method that helps prevent email spoofing by verifying the sender’s IP address against a list of authorized IP addresses. |
| SPI | Serial Peripheral Interface | SPI is a synchronous serial communication interface used for short-distance communication between microcontrollers and peripheral devices. |
| SPI | Stateful Packet Inspection | SPI is a firewall technology that inspects the state of network packets and makes decisions based on the context and status of the connections. |
| SPARC | Scalable Processor Architecture | SPARC is a RISC-based computer processor architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, known for its scalability and performance. |
| SQL | Structured Query Language | SQL is a programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases, allowing users to query, insert, update, and delete data. |
| SRAM | Static Random-Access Memory | SRAM is a type of computer memory that retains data as long as power is supplied to the circuit, providing faster access than dynamic RAM. |
| SSA | Static Single Assignment | SSA is an intermediate representation form used in compiler design and optimization, where each variable is assigned a value only once. |
| SSD | Software Specification Document | SSD is a document that describes the functional and non-functional requirements of a software system or application. |
| SSD | Solid-State Drive | SSD is a storage device that uses solid-state memory to store data, offering faster performance and higher reliability than traditional hard drives. |
| SSDP | Simple Service Discovery Protocol | SSDP is a network protocol used to discover and advertise network services, such as media servers and printers, on a local network. |
| SSE | Streaming SIMD Extensions | SSE is a set of SIMD instructions introduced by Intel to enhance multimedia and scientific computing performance on x86 processors. |
| SSH | Secure Shell | SSH is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure remote login, file transfer, and command execution between networked computers. |
| SSI | Server Side Includes | SSI is a server-side technology that allows web servers to dynamically include the contents of one file into another during page rendering. |
| SSI | Single-System Image | SSI is a distributed computing concept where multiple individual systems appear as a single, unified system to users and applications. |
| SSI | Small-Scale Integration | SSI refers to the integration of a small number of electronic components, such as logic gates or flip-flops, into a single integrated circuit. |
| SSID | Service Set Identifier | SSID is a unique identifier assigned to a wireless network, allowing devices to identify and connect to specific wireless networks. |
| SSL | Secure Socket Layer | SSL is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over a computer network, commonly used for securing web traffic (HTTPS). |
| SSO | Single Sign On | SSO is a session and user authentication service that allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple systems or applications. |
| SSP | Supplementary Special-purpose Plane | SSP is one of the planes defined in the Unicode standard, used for encoding special-purpose characters and symbols. |
| SSSE | Supplementary Streaming SIMD Extensions | SSSE is an extension to the SIMD instruction set, providing additional instructions for multimedia and signal processing operations. |
| SSSP | Single Source Shortest Path | SSSP is a graph algorithm that determines the shortest paths between a single source vertex and all other vertices in a graph. |
| SSTP | Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol | SSTP is a VPN protocol that uses SSL/TLS encryption to establish a secure and private tunnel for transmitting network traffic. |
| su | superuser | su is a command in Unix-like operating systems that allows a user to switch to the superuser or root account with elevated privileges. |
| SUS | Single UNIX Specification | SUS is a standard that defines a set of requirements for the implementation of a UNIX operating system, ensuring compatibility and interoperability. |
| SUSE | Software und System-Entwicklung | SUSE is a German-based software company known for developing the SUSE Linux distribution and providing enterprise-level Linux solutions. |
| SVC | Scalable Video Coding | SVC is a video compression standard that allows video streams to be encoded with different quality levels for efficient transmission and adaptation. |
| SVG | Scalable Vector Graphics | SVG is an XML-based vector graphics format used for displaying and animating scalable graphics on the web. |
| SVGA | Super Video Graphics Array | SVGA is a display standard that provides higher resolution and color depth than the original VGA (Video Graphics Array) standard. |
| SVD | Structured VLSI Design | SVD is a design methodology for developing integrated circuits (ICs) that involves structuring the design process into logical stages. |
| SWF | Shock Wave Flash | SWF is a multimedia file format used for vector graphics, animation, and interactive elements in web applications and browser plugins. |
| SWT | Standard Widget Toolkit | SWT is a Java-based widget toolkit used for creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in Java applications, providing native look and feel. |
| Sysop | System operator | Sysop is an abbreviation for “system operator,” referring to an individual responsible for the operation and maintenance of a computer system or network. |
T
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| TAO | Track-At-Once | TAO is a recording method used in optical disc authoring where each track is recorded in a single pass. |
| TAPI | Telephony Application Programming Interface | TAPI is an API that allows software applications to interact with telephony services and devices, enabling call control and telephony functionality. |
| TASM | Turbo ASseMbler | TASM is a high-level assembly language and an associated assembler provided by Borland in the Turbo Assembler package. |
| TB | TeraByte | TB is a unit of digital information storage capacity equal to approximately one trillion bytes or 1,000 gigabytes. |
| Tcl | Tool Command Language | Tcl is a scripting language used for developing applications, automating tasks, and extending other software applications. |
| TCP | Transmission Control Protocol | TCP is a core protocol in the TCP/IP suite that provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data over IP networks. |
| TCP/IP | Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol | TCP/IP is a protocol suite that combines the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP) for internet communication. |
| TCU | Telecommunication Control Unit | TCU is a device or component responsible for managing and controlling telecommunication processes, such as call routing and signaling. |
| TDMA | Time-Division Multiple Access | TDMA is a channel access method used in telecommunications where multiple users share the same frequency channel by dividing it into time slots. |
| TFT | Thin-Film Transistor | TFT is a type of technology used in flat-panel displays, providing high-quality images and faster response times compared to other display technologies. |
| TFTP | Trivial File Transfer Protocol | TFTP is a simple file transfer protocol that is often used for booting diskless workstations or for transferring firmware to network devices. |
| TI | Texas Instruments | TI is a multinational technology company known for developing semiconductors, calculators, and various electronic devices. |
| TIFF | Tagged Image File Format | TIFF is a file format used for storing raster graphics images, supporting various color depths and compression methods. |
| TLA | Three-Letter Acronym | TLA is a humorous abbreviation for “Three-Letter Acronym,” referring to the common use of acronyms consisting of three letters. |
| TLD | Top-Level Domain | TLD is the highest level in the hierarchical domain name system (DNS), representing the rightmost part of a domain name, such as “.com” or “.org”. |
| TLS | Thread-Local Storage | TLS is a mechanism in computer programming that allows each thread of a multithreaded program to have its own unique storage for thread-specific data. |
| TLS | Transport Layer Security | TLS is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over a computer network, commonly used for secure web browsing (HTTPS). |
| TLV | Type—length—value | TLV is a data encoding format where data elements are represented as a type, length, and value, allowing for flexible and extensible data structures. |
| tmp | temporary | tmp is a directory or folder on a computer system used for storing temporary files that are created and used by running programs. |
| TNC | Terminal Node Controller | TNC is a device used in amateur radio and packet radio networks to connect a computer to a radio transceiver and enable digital communication. |
| TNC | Threaded Neill-Concelman connector | TNC is a type of electrical connector commonly used in coaxial cable connections for radio frequency communication. |
| TPF | Transaction Processing Facility | TPF is an operating system designed for processing high volumes of transactions in industries such as airlines, banking, and reservations systems. |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module | TPM is a hardware component that provides cryptographic functions and secure storage for keys, enabling hardware-based security features. |
| TROFF | Trace Off | TROFF is a text formatting program used to create professional-looking documents and publications on Unix-like systems. |
| TRON | Trace On | TRON is a real-time operating system and development environment developed in Japan for embedded systems and industrial applications. |
| TRON | The Real-time Operating system Nucleus | TRON is an open architecture and standard for real-time operating systems, designed for reliable and deterministic real-time processing. |
| TRSDOS | Tandy Radio Shack – Disk Operating System | TRSDOS is an operating system used on early Tandy/Radio Shack computers, such as the TRS-80 series. |
| TSO | Time Sharing Option | TSO is an interactive time-sharing system that allows multiple users to access a mainframe computer concurrently. |
| TSP | Traveling Salesman Problem | TSP is a classic computational problem that seeks the shortest possible route that visits a set of given cities and returns to the starting point. |
| TSR | Terminate and Stay Resident | TSR is a software program or routine that remains in memory after it is executed, allowing it to be quickly reactivated when needed. |
| TTA | True Tap Audio | TTA is a lossless audio codec used for compressing audio files while preserving the original audio quality. |
| TTF | TrueType Font | TTF is a font format developed by Apple and Microsoft that uses vector graphics to define the shape and appearance of characters. |
| TTL | Transistor—Transistor Logic | TTL is a logic family in digital circuits where logic gates are constructed using bipolar junction transistors. |
| TTL | Time To Live | TTL is a value in computer networking that specifies the maximum number of hops or routers that a packet can pass through before being discarded. |
| TTS | Text-to-Speech | TTS is a technology that converts written text into spoken words, allowing computers to generate audible speech output. |
| TTY | Teletype | TTY originally referred to electromechanical teletypewriter devices used for text-based communication, but now it often denotes any terminal or console. |
| TUCOWS | The Ultimate Collection of Winsock Software | TUCOWS is a popular download site that offers a wide range of software, particularly Winsock software for Windows networking. |
| TUG | TeX Users Group | TUG is an international organization that supports the development and use of the TeX typesetting system and related technologies. |
| TWAIN | Technology Without An Interesting Name | TWAIN is a software protocol and interface standard used for acquiring images from scanners and cameras into software applications. |
U
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| UAAG | User Agent Accessibility Guidelines | UAAG is a set of guidelines developed by the W3C that provide recommendations for making web user agents (browsers) more accessible. |
| UAC | User Account Control | UAC is a security feature in Windows operating systems that helps prevent unauthorized changes to the computer by requiring administrator approval. |
| UART | Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter | UART is a hardware device that converts parallel data to serial data for transmission and vice versa, commonly used for serial communication. |
| UAT | User Acceptance Testing | UAT is the process of testing a software system or application with real end-users to ensure that it meets their requirements and expectations. |
| UB | Undefined Behavior | UB refers to behaviors in computer programs that are undefined by the programming language standards, potentially leading to unpredictable results. |
| UCS | Universal Character Set | UCS is a standard character encoding that defines a consistent mapping between characters and their binary representations, used by Unicode. |
| UDDI | Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration | UDDI is a web service protocol and registry system used for discovering and publishing information about web services. |
| UDMA | Ultra DMA | UDMA is an advanced mode of the ATA/ATAPI interface that provides faster data transfer rates between the computer and storage devices. |
| UDP | User Datagram Protocol | UDP is a transport layer protocol in the TCP/IP suite that allows the sending of datagrams (packets) over IP networks without establishing a connection. |
| UEFI | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface | UEFI is a firmware interface specification that replaces the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on modern computer systems. |
| UHF | Ultra High Frequency | UHF refers to radio frequencies in the range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz, commonly used for television broadcasting, mobile communications, and more. |
| UI | User Interface | UI refers to the visual elements and controls through which users interact with a computer system or software application. |
| UL | Upload | UL is an abbreviation for “upload,” referring to the process of transferring files or data from a local system to a remote server or network. |
| ULA | Uncommitted Logic Array | ULA is a digital logic component that can be configured to perform various logical operations based on the desired functionality. |
| ULSI | Ultra Large Scale Integration | ULSI refers to the integration of a massive number of electronic components on a single chip, enabling complex and highly integrated circuits. |
| UMA | Upper Memory Area | UMA is a region of memory in the Intel x86 architecture that is reserved for system devices and other low-level functions. |
| UMB | Upper Memory Block | UMB is a block of conventional memory in the DOS operating system that can be used for device drivers, TSR programs, and other system utilities. |
| UML | Unified Modeling Language | UML is a standardized visual modeling language used for designing and documenting software systems, particularly object-oriented systems. |
| UML | User-Mode Linux | User-Mode Linux is a virtualization technique that allows multiple Linux virtual machines to run concurrently on a single physical machine. |
| UMPC | Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer | UMPC is a small, lightweight, and portable computer designed for mobile use and providing similar functionality to a full-sized PC. |
| UMTS | Universal Mobile Telecommunications System | UMTS is a third-generation (3G) mobile telecommunications technology that provides high-speed data and voice services to mobile devices. |
| UNC | Universal Naming Convention | UNC is a standard syntax used to specify the location of resources on a network, typically used for file sharing and network resource access. |
| UNIVAC | Universal Automatic Computer | UNIVAC is a historic computer brand and series of computers developed by the Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation and later by Sperry Rand. |
| UPS | Uninterruptible Power Supply | UPS is a device that provides emergency power to a computer or other electrical equipment when the main power source fails or fluctuates. |
| URI | Uniform Resource Identifier | URI is a string of characters used to identify or locate a resource on the internet, such as a web page, image, file, or API endpoint. |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator | URL is a specific type of URI that provides the address or location of a resource on the internet, typically starting with a protocol prefix. |
| URN | Uniform Resource Name | URN is a specific type of URI that provides a persistent and globally unique name for a resource, regardless of its location or access method. |
| USB | Universal Serial Bus | USB is a popular interface standard used for connecting peripheral devices to computers, providing data transfer, power supply, and device control. |
| usr | User System Resources | usr is a directory or folder in Unix-like operating systems that contains user-related files, settings, and program resources. |
| USR | U.S. Robotics | USR is a company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of modems and networking products. |
| UTC | Coordinated Universal Time | UTC is the primary time standard used worldwide, keeping time with a highly precise atomic clock and accounting for leap seconds. |
| UTF | Unicode Transformation Format | UTF is a character encoding format that represents characters from the Unicode character set, supporting various languages and scripts. |
| UTP | Unshielded Twisted Pair | UTP is a type of copper cable commonly used in Ethernet networks, consisting of pairs of insulated wires twisted together without shielding. |
| UTRAN | Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network | UTRAN is the radio access network (RAN) component of the UMTS (3G) mobile telecommunications system. |
| UUCP | Unix to Unix Copy | UUCP is a suite of utilities and protocols that enables file transfer and email communication between Unix-like systems over dial-up connections. |
| UUID | Universally Unique Identifier | UUID is a 128-bit identifier that is unique across all devices and systems, often used for uniquely identifying resources or objects. |
| UUN | Universal User Name | UUN is a user identification system that assigns a single username or identifier to an individual across multiple systems or platforms. |
| UVC | Universal Virtual Computer | UVC is a concept of a virtual machine that emulates a generic computer architecture, allowing software to run independently of the underlying hardware. |
| UWP | Universal Windows Platform | UWP is a development platform provided by Microsoft for creating universal apps that can run on various Windows 10 devices and form factors. |
| UX | User Experience | UX refers to the overall experience and interaction a user has with a product, system, or service, encompassing usability, aesthetics, and satisfaction. |
V
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| var | Variable | “var” is a keyword used in programming languages to declare a variable, which is a named storage location used to store data during program execution. |
| VoLTE | Voice Over Long Term Evolution | VoLTE is a technology that enables voice calls to be carried over LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks, providing high-quality voice communication. |
| VAX | Virtual Address eXtension | VAX is a computer architecture developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) known for its 32-bit address space and backward compatibility. |
| VCPI | Virtual Control Program Interface | VCPI is an API that allows DOS applications to run in a protected mode environment, providing access to extended memory and advanced features. |
| VB | Visual Basic | VB is a programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) developed by Microsoft, commonly used for Windows application development. |
| VBA | Visual Basic for Applications | VBA is a programming language derived from Visual Basic and integrated into Microsoft Office applications for creating macros and automating tasks. |
| VBS | Visual Basic Script | VBS is a scripting language similar to Visual Basic, primarily used for automating tasks and scripting in Windows environments. |
| VDI | Virtual Desktop Infrastructure | VDI is a virtualization technology that provides virtual desktop environments hosted on centralized servers, allowing remote access for end-users. |
| VDU | Visual Display Unit | VDU is an older term used to refer to display devices or monitors used to present visual output from a computer or computing system. |
| VDM | Virtual DOS machine | VDM is a component of 32-bit versions of Windows that provides a virtualized environment for running 16-bit DOS applications. |
| VDSL | Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line | VDSL is a broadband internet access technology that provides high-speed data transmission over traditional copper telephone lines. |
| VESA | Video Electronics Standards Association | VESA is an organization that develops and promotes standards for video and display technologies, including resolutions, connectors, and interfaces. |
| VFAT | Virtual FAT | VFAT is a file system extension for the FAT (File Allocation Table) file system used in Microsoft Windows operating systems, providing long file names and other enhancements. |
| VHD | Virtual Hard Disk | VHD is a file format used for creating virtual hard disk drives in virtualization environments, allowing the storage of entire operating systems and data in a single file. |
| VFS | Virtual File System | VFS is a software layer that provides an abstraction of the file system, allowing applications to access various types of file systems in a uniform manner. |
| VG | Volume Group | VG is a logical storage unit in a Linux-based operating system that consists of physical volumes (disks) combined together using a volume management system, such as LVM (Logical Volume Manager). |
| VGA | Video Graphics Array | VGA is a display standard introduced by IBM that provides a resolution of 640×480 pixels and 16 colors, widely used for PC video output. |
| VHF | Very High Frequency | VHF refers to radio frequencies in the range of 30 MHz to 300 MHz, commonly used for radio broadcasting, television, and two-way communication. |
| VIRUS | Vital Information Resource Under Seize | VIRUS is a term often used to refer to malicious software or computer programs designed to replicate themselves and infect other systems. |
| VLAN | Virtual Local Area Network | VLAN is a virtualized network segment created within a physical local area network (LAN) to enhance network performance, security, and management. |
| VLSM | Variable Length Subnet Mask | VLSM is a technique used in network addressing where different subnets within a network can have different subnet masks, allowing for efficient use of IP addresses. |
| VLB | Vesa Local Bus | VLB is an expansion bus architecture used in early IBM-compatible computers, providing higher-speed data transfer between the motherboard and expansion cards. |
| VLF | Very Low Frequency | VLF refers to radio frequencies in the range of 3 kHz to 30 kHz, commonly used for long-distance communication, submarine communication, and other specialized applications. |
| VLIW | Very Long Instruction Word | VLIW is a computer architecture that allows multiple operations to be executed simultaneously by encoding them into long instructions. |
| VLSI | Very-Large-Scale Integration | VLSI refers to the process of integrating a large number of electronic components, such as transistors and logic gates, onto a single semiconductor chip. |
| VM | Virtual Machine | VM is an emulation of a computer system or operating system that runs on a physical machine, enabling multiple operating systems to run concurrently. |
| VM | Virtual Memory | VM is a memory management technique where a portion of a computer’s storage is used as an extension of the main memory, allowing for efficient memory allocation and management. |
| VMM | Virtual Machine Monitor | VMM is software or firmware that provides the functionality to create, run, and manage virtual machines, serving as an interface between the physical hardware and virtualized environments. |
| VNC | Virtual Network Computing | VNC is a remote desktop protocol that allows remote control and display of a desktop environment over a network, commonly used for remote administration and support. |
| VOD | Video On Demand | VOD refers to a system or service that allows users to select and watch video content, such as movies and TV shows, on-demand via streaming or downloading. |
| VoIP | Voice over Internet Protocol | VoIP is a technology that enables voice communication over internet protocol networks, allowing phone calls to be transmitted as data packets over the internet. |
| VPN | Virtual Private Network | VPN is a secure and private network connection established over a public network, such as the internet, allowing users to access resources and transmit data securely. |
| VPS | Virtual Private Server | VPS is a virtualized server provided by a hosting company, offering dedicated resources and isolated environments for hosting websites and applications. |
| VPU | Visual Processing Unit | VPU is a specialized processor or hardware component dedicated to accelerating visual computing tasks, such as graphics rendering and video encoding. |
| VR | Virtual Reality | VR is a computer-generated environment that simulates a realistic or imaginary world, providing users with an immersive and interactive experience. |
| VRML | Virtual Reality Modeling Language | VRML is a standard file format and programming language used for creating 3D computer graphics and virtual reality experiences on the internet. |
| VSAM | Virtual Storage-Access Method | VSAM is an IBM file access method used for organizing and accessing data stored on direct access storage devices (DASD) in mainframe systems. |
| VSAT | Very Small Aperture Terminal | VSAT is a satellite communication system that uses small dish antennas for two-way satellite communication, often used in remote locations or for internet connectivity. |
| VT | Video Terminal | VT refers to a type of computer terminal that is capable of displaying both text and graphical content, often used for interacting with mainframe or server systems. |
| VTL | Virtual Tape Library | VTL is a disk-based storage system that emulates traditional tape libraries, allowing for faster backup and restore operations in data centers. |
| VTAM | Virtual Telecommunications Access Method | VTAM is an IBM software product used for establishing and managing network connections between mainframe computers and terminals or other networked devices. |
| VRAM | Video Random-Access Memory | VRAM is a type of memory used in graphics cards and video adapters to store graphical data, frame buffers, and textures, providing fast access for real-time image rendering. |
W
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| W3C | World Wide Web Consortium | W3C is an international community that develops standards and guidelines for the World Wide Web, ensuring its interoperability and usability. |
| WWDC | Apple World Wide Developer Conference | WWDC is an annual conference held by Apple for developers, where new software, technologies, and updates are announced and showcased. |
| WAFS | Wide Area File Services | WAFS is a technology that enables remote access and sharing of files across geographically dispersed locations over a wide area network (WAN). |
| WAI | Web Accessibility Initiative | WAI is an initiative by the W3C that promotes accessibility of the web by providing guidelines, resources, and tools for designing accessible websites and applications. |
| WAIS | Wide Area Information Server | WAIS is an early internet protocol and server system used for searching and retrieving information from distributed databases across a wide area network (WAN). |
| WAN | Wide Area Network | WAN is a network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) or other networks, often using public or leased communication lines. |
| WAP | Wireless Access Point | WAP is a device that enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network, typically providing Wi-Fi access and acting as a central hub for wireless communication. |
| WAP | Wireless Application Protocol | WAP is a technical standard that allows access to the internet and web-based services on mobile devices using wireless communication protocols. |
| WASM | Watcom ASseMbler | WASM is a binary instruction format that is designed to be executed efficiently by web browsers, providing a portable and efficient runtime environment for web applications. |
| WBEM | Web-Based Enterprise Management | WBEM is a set of industry standards and technologies for managing and monitoring IT resources in an enterprise environment using web-based protocols and technologies. |
| WCAG | Web Content Accessibility Guidelines | WCAG is a set of guidelines published by the W3C that provides criteria and recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. |
| WCF | Windows Communication Foundation | WCF is a Microsoft technology for building distributed systems and services, providing a framework for creating interoperable and secure applications across different platforms. |
| WDM | Wavelength-Division Multiplexing | WDM is a technology used in optical fiber communication that multiplexes multiple data signals onto different wavelengths of light, increasing the data capacity of the fiber. |
| WebDAV | WWW Distributed Authoring and Versioning | WebDAV is an extension of the HTTP protocol that allows collaborative editing and management of files on remote web servers, enabling web-based authoring and version control. |
| WEP | Wired Equivalent Privacy | WEP is a security protocol used to protect wireless networks by encrypting data transmitted over the network, providing confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access. |
| WFI | Wait For Interrupt | WFI is an instruction used in computer processors to put the processor into a low-power state until an interrupt occurs, reducing power consumption and improving efficiency. |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless Fidelity | Wi-Fi is a technology that allows wireless devices to connect to local area networks (LANs) and the internet using radio waves, providing wireless network connectivity. |
| WiMAX | Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access | WiMAX is a wireless communication standard that provides high-speed broadband access over long distances, offering an alternative to wired networks in certain areas. |
| WinFS | Windows Future Storage | WinFS was a relational file system developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system, aiming to provide advanced data storage and management capabilities. |
| WinRT | Windows RunTime | WinRT is a runtime environment developed by Microsoft for building Windows apps, providing a set of APIs that enable application development for Windows platforms. |
| WINS | Windows Internet Name Service | WINS is a Microsoft service that translates NetBIOS names to IP addresses in Windows-based networks, facilitating name resolution in environments that use NetBIOS for network communication. |
| WLAN | Wireless Local Area Network | WLAN is a type of local area network (LAN) that uses wireless communication to connect devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus. |
| WMA | Windows Media Audio | WMA is an audio compression format developed by Microsoft for efficient storage and streaming of audio content, often used in Windows media applications and devices. |
| WMI | Windows Management Instrumentation | WMI is a Microsoft technology that provides a set of tools and interfaces for managing and accessing system information, configurations, and resources in Windows-based environments. |
| WMV | Windows Media Video | WMV is a video compression format developed by Microsoft for efficient storage and streaming of video content, commonly used in Windows media applications and devices. |
| WNS | Windows Push Notification Service | WNS is a cloud-based notification service provided by Microsoft for sending push notifications to Windows apps and devices, enabling real-time updates and communication. |
| WOL | Wake-on-LAN | WOL is a feature that allows a computer to be remotely powered on or awakened from sleep or hibernation mode using a network message or signal, enabling remote management and access. |
| WOR | Wake-on-Ring | WOR is a feature that allows a computer to be awakened from a low-power state by a telephone ring signal, commonly used in modem-based communications and remote access scenarios. |
| WORA | Write once, run anywhere | WORA is a programming concept where software applications can be written once and run on different platforms or operating systems without requiring modifications. |
| WORE | Write once, run everywhere | WORE is a variation of the “write once, run anywhere” concept, emphasizing the ability to deploy software applications across diverse platforms, devices, and environments. |
| WORM | Write Once Read Many | WORM refers to storage media or devices that allow data to be written once and read multiple times, preventing further modification or deletion of the stored data. |
| WPA | Wi-Fi Protected Access | WPA is a security protocol used to secure wireless networks, providing stronger encryption and authentication compared to the earlier WEP protocol. |
| WPAD | Web Proxy Autodiscovery Protocol | WPAD is a protocol that allows automatic discovery and configuration of proxy servers on a network, simplifying the configuration of web browsers and other networked applications. |
| WPAN | Wireless Personal Area Network | WPAN is a personal area network (PAN) that uses wireless communication technologies to connect devices within a limited range, such as Bluetooth devices or wireless sensors. |
| WPF | Windows Presentation Foundation | WPF is a graphical subsystem developed by Microsoft for creating rich and interactive user interfaces in Windows applications, utilizing XAML and vector graphics capabilities. |
| WS-D | Web Services-Discovery | WS-D is a set of standards and protocols used for discovering and locating web services on a network, enabling interoperability and service integration in distributed environments. |
| WSDL | Web Services Description Language | WSDL is an XML-based language used to describe the interface, operations, and data types of a web service, allowing clients to discover and interact with the service. |
| WSFL | Web Services Flow Language | WSFL is an XML-based language used for describing and specifying the flow of messages and actions in a web services-based application or business process. |
| WUSB | Wireless Universal Serial Bus | WUSB is a wireless extension of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, allowing USB devices to communicate wirelessly with a host computer, eliminating the need for physical connections. |
| WWAN | Wireless Wide Area Network | WWAN is a wireless network technology that provides wide area coverage, allowing mobile devices to connect to cellular networks and access the internet or other network services. |
| WWID | World Wide Identifier | WWID is a unique identifier assigned to a storage device or logical unit in a storage area network (SAN) or Fibre Channel network, allowing for device identification and management. |
| WWN | World Wide Name | WWN is a unique identifier assigned to a Fibre Channel device or port, used for addressing and identifying devices in Fibre Channel networks. |
| WWW | World Wide Web | WWW, commonly known as the web, is a global information system that allows users to access and navigate interconnected web pages and resources using hyperlinks. |
| WYSIWYG | What You See Is What You Get | WYSIWYG is an acronym that describes the ability to see on a computer screen exactly what will appear in the final output, such as in a word processor or graphic design application. |
| WZC | Wireless Zero Configuration | WZC is a service in Windows operating systems that simplifies the setup and configuration of wireless networks by automatically detecting and connecting to available wireless networks. |
X
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| XAG | XML Accessibility Guidelines | XAG refers to guidelines and standards that ensure the accessibility of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) documents and content for individuals with disabilities. |
| XAML | eXtensible Application Markup Language | XAML is a declarative markup language used in Microsoft technologies, such as WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), for defining user interfaces and application logic. |
| XDM | X Window Display Manager | XDM is a display manager used in X Window System environments, providing graphical login interfaces and session management for X-based desktop environments. |
| XDMCP | X Display Manager Control Protocol | XDMCP is a network protocol used by X servers and X display managers to enable remote graphical login and remote X session management across a network. |
| XCBL | XML Common Business Library | XCBL is an XML-based standard for representing common business documents and transactions in a structured and interoperable manner, facilitating electronic data exchange between business systems. |
| XHTML | eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language | XHTML is a markup language that combines the syntax of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) with the stricter syntax rules of XML, allowing for well-formed and structured web pages. |
| XILP | X Interactive ListProc | XILP is a protocol used for interactive communication between ListProc mailing list software and X Window System clients, enabling various list management operations. |
| XML | eXtensible Markup Language | XML is a markup language that defines rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable, widely used for data representation and exchange on the web. |
| XMMS | X Multimedia System | XMMS is an open-source multimedia player for Unix-like systems that supports various audio and video formats, offering a graphical user interface and plugin-based extensibility. |
| XMPP | eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol | XMPP is a communications protocol based on XML for real-time messaging, presence, and communication between entities, commonly used for instant messaging, voice over IP, and other applications. |
| XMS | Extended Memory Specification | XMS is a specification that defines an extended memory management API for DOS-based systems, allowing programs to access memory beyond the conventional 640 KB limit. |
| XNS | Xerox Network Systems | XNS refers to a suite of networking protocols developed by Xerox Corporation, including protocols such as XNS IDP (Internet Datagram Protocol) and XNS SSP (Sequence Stream Protocol). |
| XP | Cross-Platform | XP, in the context of software development, refers to the ability of a software or application to run on multiple platforms or operating systems without requiring significant modifications. |
| XP | Extreme Programming | XP is an agile software development methodology that emphasizes frequent feedback, continuous testing, and collaboration among team members to deliver high-quality software. |
| XPCOM | Cross Platform Component Object Model | XPCOM is a component object model developed by Mozilla that allows cross-platform interoperability and communication between software components in applications such as Firefox. |
| XPI | XPInstall | XPI is a package format used by Mozilla-based applications, such as Firefox, for installing extensions and add-ons that provide additional features and functionality to the applications. |
| XPIDL | Cross-Platform IDL | XPIDL is a language used by Mozilla for defining cross-platform interfaces and IDL (Interface Definition Language) files that describe the methods and properties of software components. |
| XPS | XML Paper Specification | XPS is an electronic document format based on XML that preserves the document’s layout, fonts, and graphics, providing a portable and printable document representation similar to PDF. |
| XSD | XML Schema Definition | XSD is a specification language used to define the structure, data types, and constraints of XML documents, enabling validation and interoperability of XML data across different systems. |
| XSL | eXtensible Stylesheet Language | XSL is a language for transforming XML documents into different output formats, such as HTML, PDF, or plain text, using XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations). |
| XSL-FO | eXtensible Stylesheet Language Formatting Objects | XSL-FO is an XML-based markup language that describes the visual formatting of XML documents, allowing for precise control over the layout and presentation of content in printed or digital form. |
| XSLT | eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations | XSLT is a language for transforming XML documents into other XML documents or different output formats, such as HTML or plain text, by applying stylesheets defined using XSL. |
| XSS | Cross-Site Scripting | XSS is a security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft. |
| XTF | eXtensible Tag Framework | XTF is an XML-based framework for creating and managing digital library collections, providing a flexible and extensible structure for organizing and describing digital resources. |
| XTF | eXtended Triton Format | XTF is a data format used in marine surveying and sonar systems to store and analyze underwater acoustic data, allowing for efficient storage and processing of large-scale sonar data. |
| XUL | XML User Interface Language | XUL is a markup language used for creating user interfaces in Mozilla-based applications, providing a declarative way to define the layout, behavior, and interaction of application interfaces. |
| XVGA | Extended Video Graphics Adapter | XVGA is a video graphics display standard that extends the capabilities of the VGA (Video Graphics Array) standard, offering higher resolutions and color depths for computer displays. |
Y
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Y2K | Year Two Thousand | Y2K refers to the year 2000 and the associated computer system issues related to the representation of years with only two digits. |
| Y2K38 | Year Two Thousand Thirty Eight | Y2K38 refers to the year 2038 and the potential issues related to the representation of time in computer systems that store dates as a signed 32-bit integer, reaching its maximum value in 2038. |
| YAAF | Yet Another Application Framework | YAAF is a playful term used to describe yet another framework for developing applications, often highlighting the abundance of frameworks available in the software development ecosystem. |
| YACC | Yet Another Compiler Compiler | YACC is a tool used to generate syntax analyzers or compilers based on formal grammar rules, commonly used in the development of programming languages and related tools. |
| YAGNI | You Aren’t Gonna Need It | YAGNI is a principle in software development that encourages developers to avoid implementing features or functionality that is not immediately necessary, focusing on current requirements. |
| YAML | YAML Ain’t Markup Language | YAML is a human-readable data serialization format often used for configuration files, data exchange, and as a language-independent alternative to XML and JSON. |
| YARN | Yet Another Resource Negotiator | YARN is a component of Apache Hadoop that manages resources in a cluster and enables the execution of distributed data processing tasks, providing a framework for resource allocation and scheduling. |
| YaST | Yet another Setup Tool | YaST is a setup and configuration tool used in the openSUSE Linux distribution, providing a graphical interface for system administration tasks and simplifying the configuration process. |
Z
| Acronym | Expansion | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ZCAV | Zone Constant Angular Velocity | ZCAV is a method used in optical storage devices, such as CD or DVD drives, where the disk is divided into zones, and the data is read or written at a constant angular velocity within each zone. |
| ZCS | Zero Code Suppression | ZCS refers to a technique or method used to optimize or compress data or code by eliminating or suppressing sections of zero values or redundant instructions. |
| ZIF | Zero Insertion Force | ZIF is a type of socket or connector design that allows easy insertion and removal of integrated circuits or components without requiring significant force, reducing the risk of damage. |
| ZIFS | Zero Insertion Force Socket | ZIFS is a socket or connector designed for Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) insertion and removal of integrated circuits, providing a secure and reliable connection without the need for excessive force. |
| ZIP | ZIP file archive | ZIP is a popular file compression and archival format that allows multiple files and folders to be compressed into a single file, reducing storage space and facilitating easier file transfer and sharing. |
| ZISC | Zero Instruction Set Computer | ZISC refers to a type of computer architecture or processor design that uses a minimalistic or simplified instruction set, often resulting in efficient and specialized computing capabilities. |
| ZOI | Zero One Infinity | ZOI is a principle or concept in computer science that emphasizes the importance of handling and designing systems or algorithms to handle cases of zero (nothing), one (singular), and infinity (unbounded). |
| ZOPE | Z Object Publishing Environment | ZOPE is an open-source web application server and content management system written in Python, providing a platform for developing and deploying dynamic web applications and websites. |
| ZMA | Zone Multicast Address | ZMA is an IP multicast address associated with a specific zone or region, allowing efficient multicast communication within the designated zone or group of devices. |
| ZPL | Z-level Programming Language | ZPL is a programming language used for developing applications or scripts that control or interact with Zebra Technologies’ label printers and barcode systems, allowing for label customization and automation. |
