Glossary

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This glossary gives quick definitions of computing terms and acronyms in common use on campus. If the term you are looking for is not listed here, please let us know by emailing ietpubs@ucdavis.edu so we can add it to this glossary. A more extensive independent technology glossary called the "Webopedia" is online at http://www.webopedia.com/.

AC4: Academic Computing Coordinating Council. One of the campus-wide coordinating councils that used to provide recommendations on issues related to information technology at UC Davis. Merged in June 2003 with AdC3 to form the CC-FIT. See the CC-FIT Web site.
ACD: Automatic Call Distribution.
Active Directory: Campus Active Directory is a project to integrate all campus units to be able to use various functions of Microsoft Windows 2000.
AdC3: Administrative Computing Coordinating Council. One of the campus-wide coordinating councils that used to provide recommendations on issues related to information technology at UC Davis. Merged in June 2003 with AC4 to for the CC-FIT. See the CC-FIT Web site.
ADDA: Application Development and Data Administration. An IET department responsible for business and student programs, such as Banner, PPS, and MyUCDavis.
adware: Adware is a component in software applications that displays ads while the program is running. For example, adware is included with web-based email programs that give you free email in exchange for viewing ads. Adware “piggybacks” on programs you download from the Internet. Tucked away in the fine print of user agreements for many “free” downloads and services is a stipulation that the company will use adware to post advertisements on your computer. For more information about adware and how to remove it from your computer, see http://security.ucdavis.edu/101_adware.cfm.
AFS: Andrew File System. A system that allots users a potion of space on a server and allows them to share files. It requires special software to access, but may also be accessed through a web portal. An example is MySpace.
anti-adware: Anti-adware is software that can detect and remove adware from your computer. Adware programs often “piggyback” on programs you choose to download “free” from the Web. You may have numerous such programs on your computer and not be aware of it. Anti-adware scans your computer and shows you how many adware programs you have downloaded. You can then choose to delete these programs or keep them on your computer.
anti-spyware: Anti-spyware is software that can detect and remove spyware from your computer. Spyware programs often “piggyback” on programs you choose to download “free” from the Web. You may have numerous such programs on your computer and not be aware of it. Anti-spyware scans your computer and shows you how many spyware programs you have downloaded. You can then choose to delete these programs or keep them on your computer.
anti-virus software: Protects email, instant messages, and other files by removing viruses and worms. Anti-virus software downloads new virus protection updates to protect against new threats. It also quarantines infected files to keep a virus from spreading on your computer and can repair infected files so you can use them without fear of damaging your computer or spreading a virus to others.
AOL: America Online, an Internet Service Provider.
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Exchange. ASCII files are often referred to as "text" files or "plain text" files. They contain no formatting information.
ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Model. See Webopedia's definition of ATM.
ATR: Area Telephone Representative. The ATR is the person responsible for ordering telephone service for a campus department. You can search for your department's ATR on the Communications Resources Web site.
Audit Log: Audit logs allow computer administrators, such as campus TSCs, to get a good idea of where visitors are coming from, how often they return, and how they navigate through a site.
authentication: This security measure is the process of determining whether someone is who they say they are. On campus, a common method of authentication is the login ID and Kerberos password.
authorization: Refers to the process of giving someone permission to do or have access to something. Before you are able to set up a campus login ID and Kerberos password, you must be authorized to do so.
A-V: Audio-Visual.
bandwidth: The capacity of a network or data connection to transmit data.

Banner: The Banner Student Information System is a computerized database of UC Davis student information organized into several modules. Access to student information in the Banner system is available only to those with a legitimate educational need or institutional business purpose.
BBS: Bulletin Board Service.
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System. See Webopedia's definition of BIOS.
bits per second (or bps): Measure of data transmission for a modem or network. As the name implies, bits per second is the number of bits that pass a certain point in one second.
Blog -- (weB LOG): A blog is basically a journal that is available on the Web. The activity of updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a "blogger. " Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog. Postings on a blog are almost always arranged in chronological order, with the most recent additions featured most prominently.
Bluetooth: A protocol for short-range wireless communication between multiple kinds of devices, like PDAs, computers, and cell phones, that provides transfer speeds of up to 2Mbps.
Browser (or Web browser): An application (such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer) that locates and displays a Web page, allowing the user to jump from place to place by selecting highlighted text or graphics. (See link. )

CAD: Computer-Aided Design
CalRen-2: California Research and Education Network. See the CalRen Web site.
CAPBR: Committee on Academic Planning and Budget Review.
CC-FIT: Campus Council for Information Technology. The campus-wide coordinating council that provides recommendations on issues related to information and educational technology at UC Davis. See http://ccfit.ucdavis.edu/ for more information.
CD-R: Compact Disc-Read. A CD on which data can be written only once. Most can store 650 megabytes of data.
CD-ROM: Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. A compact disc formatted for data storage. Most CD-ROMs can store 650 megabytes of data or more.
CD-RW: Compact Disc-Rewritable. A CD on which data can be written and changed multiple times, with the same storage capacity as a CD-ROM.
CENIC: Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California. CENIC is a statewide organization to develop network infrastructure for higher education institutions. See the CENIC Web site.
CGI: Common Gateway Interface. CGI is a part of a Web server that allows the functionality of a Web page to be extended by calling other programs on the server that perform actions beyond the scope of regular HTML. CGI programs can help make Web pages more interactive.
CIO: Chief Information Officer, a common corporate position.
Client/server: A network arrangement with a server and one or more clients. Both the server and the clients are stand-alone computers. The server provides resources (such as data management) and allows clients to share information with each other. Examples of client/server applications used at UC Davis include Banner (the Student Information System) and DaFIS (the Financial Information System).
COBOL: Common Business Oriented Language. A programming language developed in the 1960s and still used in business applications.
computer security: Refers to the measures taken to protect computers from threats posed by hackers, viruses, thieves and other destructive forces. A secure computer has the ability to protect itself and the information it houses from these forces. See also Network Security. For practical information and instructions on what you can do to secure your computer, see the Cyber-Safety Basics.
computing account: A computing account is what lets you use shared computer resources. A UC Davis computing account consists of several components: a UCD LoginID, password, and Service IDs.
Confidential Data: Any information you don't want others to obtain without your permission, including (but not limited to) your social security number, home address, phone numbers of friends/family/colleagues/students, your drivers license or bank account numbers, a list of all your passwords, your home address or phone numbers, your employee ID number, digital images, word documents containing personal text, etc.
COO: Chief Operations Officer, a common corporate position.
CPU: Central Processing Unit. Think of the CPU, or microprocessor, as the brain of a computer system. The CPU is a chip that deciphers and initiates your commands.
CR: Communications Resources. Department within Information and Educational Technology (IET) responsible for telecommunications, network services, and the modem pools. See the CR Web site.
CRT: Cathode-Ray Tube. The picture tube inside most TVs and computer monitors. A CRT monitor is bulky, but generally cheaper than a flat-panel, or LCD, monitor.
CRC: Computer Room Consultant. A student employee who monitors and provides assistance in the campus computer rooms.
CSS: Cascading Style Sheets. A feature added to HTML that allows users to create templates that define how certain elements of a Web page appear. Multiple templates can be applied to the same page, hence the name “cascading. ”
CTS: Classroom Technology Services. Department within Information and Educational Technology that provides multimedia and computer technology for classrooms. See the CTS Web site.

DaFIS: UC Davis Financial Information System. Campuswide administrative application for budget and purchasing.
Data backup (backup): Creating a second copy of your important documents somewhere other than your computer's hard drive. If you don't back up your data you run the risk of losing it. Your files could disappear due to a virus, computer crash, accidental keystroke, theft, or external disaster.
Data Center: The building at UC Davis in which many campus computing systems responsible for data storage are housed.
DB: Database.
DBA: Database Administrator.
DCAS: Distributed Computing Analysis and Support, a former IET department.
DCCS: Data Center and Client Services. Department within Information and Educational Technology that provides support for major campus systems (such as Banner, DaFIS, and email) as well as client programs, such as the Technology Support Program, IT Express, and Software License Coordination (accessed through MyUCDavis).
DCN: Davis Community Network. A Web site that links to various Davis-area businesses, community groups, and other services. See the DCN Web site.
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. In some systems, the device's IP address can even change while it is still connected.
dial-up service: Internet access provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The user connects with the ISP using a modem connected to a telephone line. UC Davis provides dial-up service for students, faculty, and staff.
digital: Using a limited, predetermined numbering system to measure or represent the flow of data. Modern computers are digital because they use the fixed binary digits 0 and 1 to represent all data.
DIMM: Dual Inline Memory Module. A circuit board on which RAM memory chips are mounted.
distance learning: The integration of technology in educational courses whereby students may view and participate in lectures from various locations, or on an individual basis (using CD-ROMs, for instance). Various forms of computer-based communication (email, newsgroups, videoconferencing, electronic forums) may be used to facilitate class discussions, faculty "office hours," and communication among students and between faculty and students. (See the Classroom Technology Services Web site. )
DNS: Domain Name Service. In a Web address (URL), the domain name is the portion just after "http://". For example, in "http://www.ucdavis.edu/main/index.html", the domain name is "www.ucdavis.edu". But having these addresses in text format is just a convenience. Computers see everything as numbers, including addressing information (see IP address). The Domain Name Service is simply a two-way translation so computers can understand the text-based addresses that are convenient for us to use, and so that we don't have to memorize long strings of numbers.
DOS: Disk Operating System. A very old operating system for PCs, DOS is still the basis for Microsoft Windows.
download: To transfer a file from a remote computer — through a network connection or modem — to the hard drive of the user's computer.
dpi: Dots per inch. A resolution measure for printers and computer monitors.
DSL: Digital Subscriber Line. A network that runs over traditional phone lines but provides much faster service than dial-up or its predecessor, ISDN.
DVD: Digital Video Disc. A special type of disc with greater data storage capacity and access rate. Commonly used as a medium for movies and other video data, but can hold any kind of data.
DVD-R: Digital Video Read. A DVD that can only be written on once but read many times. Compatible with all DVD systems.
DVD-RAM: Digital Video Random Access Memory. A DVD format that can be written on and erased repeatedly, but distinct from DVD-RW in that only devices compatible with DVD-RAM can read DVD-RAM, and they are frequently stored in a cartridge.
DVD-RW: Digital Video Rewriteable. A DVD that can be written on and erased repeatedly. Compatible with most DVD systems.
DV Tape: Digital Video Tape. Tape used to store digital video; instead of actually storing images and sound, it stores the movie as a file, like on a computer.

EDB: Employee DataBase. Maintained by the UC Office of the President, EDB is PPS's primary repository of employee information.
electronic mail (Email): An electronic document (usually a message) sent to a person or group on the Internet. When used as a verb, "email" refers to the act of sending such a document over the Internet.
email attachment: A virtual package sent via email, usually a Word document from a colleague, or a photo from a friend.
email attachment restrictions: Security measure the campus has implemented in order to prevent the spread of viruses that might enter the campus network by way of an infected email attachment. This measure blocks certain types of files from entering the campus email system. For more information, see http://security.ucdavis.edu/attach_restrict.cfm.
email virus filtering: Security measure that the campus has implemented to help prevent the spread of viruses that might enter the campus network by way of an infected email message. This measure detects viruses and removes them from email messages before sending the message to the recipient. See http://security.ucdavis.edu/virus_filter.cfm for more information.
Ethernet: A local area network architecture that supports a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps. Ethernet is probably the most common way in which LANs are constructed. One particular implementation of Ethernet is 10baseT. A newer implementation, 100baseT, permits a 100 Mbps data transfer rate.
expansion card: A special-purpose circuit board that can be inserted into your computer to give it additional capabilities. For example, a network interface card.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. A list of questions and answers that is a common information resource on Web sites. See the IET FAQ.
file sharing: Swapping music, movies, games, and other media with other users on a local network or peer-to-peer (P2P) program online. Examples of P2P programs include Kazaa, Morpheus, and Napster.
Firewall: In its most basic terms, a firewall is a system designed to control access between two networks. There are many different kinds of firewalls—packet filters, application gateways, or proxy servers. These firewalls can be software programs or dedicated hardware devices that were designed solely as firewalls.
Firewire: The trademarked Apple name for an interface used to connect devices with computers, in compliance with the IEEE 1394. Available in both 400Mbps (IEEE 1394a) and 800 Mbps (IEEE 1394b) speed (usually called Firewire and Firewire 800, respectively). A single port on a computer can be used to connect up to 63 devices by plugging them into eachother.
Flash drive: USB keychain: A USB keychain (also known as a jump drive, a USB drive, flash drive, or keychain drive) is a plug-and-play portable storage device that functions similarly to a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD. USB keychains can be used to transfer files from one computer system to another, or for short-term backup of data. USB keychains are available in capacities of up to 2 megabytes, and can be used on both Windows and Macintosh-based systems.
Flat panel display: A display that uses LCD technology, which allows both the screen to be flat and the body of the monitor to remain very slim, due to the absence of the CRT tube in most monitors.
FTP: File Transfer Protocol. A standard protocol for transferring files between computers over a network.

Gigabit: Amount of computer storage equivalent to approximately 1 billion bits or 1,000 megabits.
gigabyte (GB): Amount of computer storage equivalent to approximately 1 billion bytes or 1,000 megabytes. This measurement is often used when measuring the capacity of hard drives or other storage devices.
GIF: Graphics Interchange Format. One of the two most commonly used formats for Web graphics. More suited for illustrations and graphic art than photographs. See also JPEG.
GHz: Gigahertz. Measurement of a computer’s speed equal to approximately 1 billion cycles per second.
GIS: Geographic Information System. Specialized database for storing and manipulating geographic information.
Google: A popular search engine that UC Davis uses to search campus sites. The main search engine, which searches the Web, is available at www.google.com.
GUI: Graphical User Interface. The most commonly used computer interface, exemplified by Microsoft Windows and MacOS. Typical elements of a GUI are a mouse interface and a file system organized to look like a set of folders.

hard drive: The main device a computer uses to permanently store and retrieve information. These drives are typically sealed boxes found inside the computer. Also called a "hard disk. "
HDTV: High-definition television. A format for TV broadcasts that allows for a higher-quality picture.
home page: The main page of a Web site that provides links to other pages on the site or related sites, or the page one’s browser opens up to by default.
Honeypot: A computer system that is connected to the Internet as a decoy intended to attract individuals and systems attempting to gain unauthorized access to others' computers. UC Davis has deployed a honeypot as part of the campus vulnerability scanning (link to definition) system.
Hotspot: An area in which wireless service is available.
HP: Hewlett-Packard Corporation, a major manufacturer of computing equipment.
HTML: Hypertext Markup Language. A standardized markup language used to create electronic documents, especially Web pages, that contain connections (links) to other related documents.
HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The protocol that enables the World Wide Web.
hypertext: A system that links text, pictures, and programs in a file so that clicking on a link automatically displays a related file. Hypertext is the basis of the Web, allowing a user to view documents by clicking on links between them.

identity theft: Identity theft occurs when personal information (such as name, Social Security number, credit and bank account numbers, driver’s license numbers, and access codes or passwords) is obtained by unauthorized individuals, who then use that information to commit a crime such as fraud or theft. Identity theft can result when a computer or network does not have adequate security measures.
IET: Information and Educational Technology. UC Davis organization responsible for the provision of technology services and resources in support of the campus’ mission. The IET organization is headed by Peter M. Siegel, Vice Provost for Information and Educational Technology. See the IET Web site.
IM: Instant messaging. This software chat program is one of the most popular and convenient ways in which classmates, colleagues, family and friends communicate with one another via computers in real-time.
IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol. A protocol for receiving email messages from servers that allows users more flexibility to manage messages while leaving them on the server, as well as greater security.
inbox: This is the email folder where all of your incoming email is sent by default.
incident response: A plan for reporting, analyzing, prioritizing, investigating and responding to breaches in computer and/or network security.
information technology (field of): General term used to describe technologies that help produce, manipulate, store, or communicate, information.
infrastructure: A network of interconnected computers and communications systems. Possible elements include wiring, fiber optics, radio, video and/or cellular broadcast signals.
inkjet printer: A printer that sprays ink directly onto a page. They produce documents approaching laser-printer quality, and are cheaper but much slower and are generally best suited for home use. Inkjet printing is not waterproof.
Insecure Network Services: When two or more computers are linked together, they form a network. Insecure network services are any services (such as FTP, shared file systems, etc. ) residing on the network that do not have a "suitable process for authenticating users. " For more information see UC Davis Cyber-Safety Program Insecure Network Services.
Internet: A global network linking millions of computers for communications purposes. The Internet was developed in 1969 for the U.S. military and gradually grew to include educational and research institutions. In the last two decades, connections to and use of the Internet have mushroomed, primarily due to the popularity of the Web – the graphical form of the Internet that most people use – and email.
Internet 2: Internet 2 is a nationwide project to develop an advanced network applications to facilitate the research and education missions of universities. UC Davis has joined over 180 leading universities, in partnership with industry and government, to develop and deploy the advanced network applications and technologies that will comprise Internet 2. For more information, see the Internet 2 Web site.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): An organization that provides access to the Internet, usually for a fee.
Internet Tools, UC Davis: Also called Bovine Online, a suite of software programs designed to help UC Davis students, faculty, and staff set up their computer to use the campus network and the Internet. Available for Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP and Macintosh computers.
intrusion detection: A security measure that collects and analyzes information on a computer or network to determine if/when an attack has occurred.
IP: Internet Protocol. See TCP for more information.
IP address: Internet Protocol address. The address of a computer on a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) network. IP addresses are written as four groups of up to three digits (e.g. , 169.237.104.18).
IR: Information Resources, a former IET department. See the IR Web site.
ISAG: Instructional Space Advisory Group. The ISAG, a 15-member campus committee, is charged with making recommendations on classroom improvements to the University Registrar, who makes the final decision on implementation of upgrades.
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network. A high-speed networking infrastructure. Less popular due to the availability of DSL, which provides faster service.
IT: Information Technology. Often used to refer to the field of information technology. Also former name of the UC Davis Information and Educational Technology organization.
ITDMC: Instructional Technology and Digital Media Center. Former name of Mediaworks, an IET department. See the Mediaworks Web site.
ITPB: Information Technologies Policy Board. Former part of the UC Davis campus's governance structure for information technology. The CC-FIT now provides direct recommendations to Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and to Interim Vice Provost for Information and Educational Technology Peter Yellowlees. See the CC-FIT Web site.
ITR: Information Technology Representative. An IET staff member who acts as liaison between Information and Educational Technology and Technology Support Coordinators.

JCCIT: Joint Campus Committee on Information Technology. Now-defunct committee which provided campus oversight of Information Technology. Replaced the Campus Coordinating Council for Information Technolgoy (CC-FIT).
Jump Drive: USB keychain: A USB keychain (also known as a jump drive, a USB drive, flash drive, or keychain drive) is a plug-and-play portable storage device that functions similarly to a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD. USB keychains can be used to transfer files from one computer system to another, or for short-term backup of data. USB keychains are available in capacities of up to 2 megabytes, and can be used on both Windows and Macintosh-based systems.
JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group. Together with GIF, JPEG (or JPG) is one of the two commonly used image formats on the Web. JPEG format is best suited to photographic images.

Kbps: Kilobits per second. A measure of data transmission speed.
Kerberos password: A highly encrypted code that protects confidential or secure information from being accessed by unauthorized users. See more information about Kerberos passwords.
Keychain drive: USB keychain: A USB keychain (also known as a jump drive, a USB drive, flash drive, or keychain drive) is a plug-and-play portable storage device that functions similarly to a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD. USB keychains can be used to transfer files from one computer system to another, or for short-term backup of data. USB keychains are available in capacities of up to 2 megabytes, and can be used on both Windows and Macintosh-based systems.
kilobyte (KB): An amount of storage equivalent to 1,024 bytes, or about 1,000 characters of information.

LAN: Local area network. Two or more computers, usually within a single room or building, that are connected so they can interact with each other.
laser printer: A type of printer that utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. Laser printers produce very high-quality print and are very adept at printing graphics. Because laser printers are nonimpact printers, they are much quieter than dot-matrix printers. They are also relatively fast, printing from about 4 to 20 pages of text per minute (ppm). Laser printing is also waterproof.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display. A type of display used especially in small portable electronic devices (digital watches & clocks, cell phones, PDAs, etc. ) as well as laptop computers and some flat-panel monitors and TVs.
LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. A set of protocols for accessing information directories. The online UC Davis directory at http://www.ucdavis.edu/directory.html is an LDAP implementation.
link: On the Web, a connection that, when clicked on, will take users to another Web page. A link can be in the form of text (usually appearing as underlined blue text) or images which are coded to act as links. Links are also referred to as "hyperlinks. "
Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system derived from the Unix operating system. It is often used to run servers.
listserv: An email list server. A computer program that maintains lists of email addresses.
login: The process by which a user enters an account name and password to access a computer.
LoginID: A two- to eight-character name that a user gives to his/her computing account. The LoginID is also known as login name, account name, usercode, or username. See more about the UCD LoginID.

MAC address: Media Access Control address. A unique number coded into a piece of networking equipment to identify it; used when connecting a computer to a network.
machine language: The language that computers can "understand," machine language is entirely numerical. Programs written by humans must be translated by a computer into machine language before they can be used.
Magneto-Optical (MO) Drive: A type of disk drive that combines magnetic disk technologies with CD-ROM technologies. Like floppy disks, they are removable and rewritable; however, they are faster than floppies and can store more than 200 megabytes.
MailID: The part of an email address before the @ symbol; usually the first and middle initial of a user's name, followed by the last name. The number of characters which can compose a MailID is unlimited.
mainframe: A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers.
Malware: Short for malicious software. Software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse.
Mbps: Megabits (i.e. , one million bits) per second. A measure of data transmission speed.
Mediaworks: Department within Information and Educational Technology (IET) that provides audio, video, graphic art, Web design, and course technology services to faculty and staff. See the Mediaworks Web site.
megabyte (MB): A measurement of computer storage that equals 1,048,576 bytes (1,024 Kilobytes). Bytes are typically represented in computer terminology by an upper case "B. " Colloquially referred to as a "meg. "
MHz: Megahertz, or one million cycles per second. A measure of the speed of a microprocessor (sometimes referred to as the computer's "clock speed").
MIME type: Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions is a data specification which allows non-ASCII files to be sent over the Internet. Email programs (such as Eudora) and Web browsers are configured to interpret a variety of standard MIME types so they can transmit and receive graphics, audio, video, and formatted text files.
modem: A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line, and a common way for people to connect to the Internet. There are two modems involved in making a connection: one that connects the user's computer to the phone jack and, at the other end of the line, the modem that communicates with a networked computer.
modem pool: UC Davis provides modem dial-up access to the campus network through three banks (or pools) of 56Kbps modems. Access through all modem services requires a valid university LoginID and password. When a modem dials up the network, it is automatically switched to one of the available modems in that modem pool. See the Remote Access Web site.
Mothra: The old UC Davis computing accounts database, where information such as LoginIDs, passwords and associated ServiceIDs were stored.
MP3: MPEG-3. A digital audio format providing near-CD quality sound with relatively small file sizes. See a May 1999 IT Times article about the MP3 format and some of the issues associated with it.
MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-3, MPEG-4: Motion Picture Experts Group. Refers to a multimedia graphics, movie, and sound format; higher numbers indicate standards that were developed later. MPEG-3 is mostly known as MP3.
multimedia: The combination of audio, video, animation, text, and graphics.
MySpace: 100 MB of free space allocated to every user with a Kerberos password and accessed through MyUCDavis. Useful for storing and retrieving files from any location and sharing them with other MyUCDavis users.
MyUCDavis: The campus Web portal. Students, faculty, and staff can access many services through this Web site, such as email, MySpace, and communication tools, as well as other services (weather forecasts, movie listings, campus news, etc. ). See my.ucdavis.edu.

NAM: Network Access Module. A special jack into which a printer or computer is plugged to connect to a network.
NAR: Network Area Representative.
netiquette: Short for "Internet etiquette," netiquette refers to standards of courtesy in electronic communications.
network: A set of conjoined computers that can share storage devices, peripherals, and applications. Networks may be connected directly by cable connection, or indirectly by telephone lines or satellites, and can be part of a small-office system or global web of numerous other networks.
network access ports: On-campus stations (desks or booths) designated for connecting laptops to the Internet via the UCD campus network. All are equipped with special jacks called "NAMs" and electrical outlets.
Network Security: Refers to the measures taken to protect a set of computers from threats posed by hackers, viruses, thieves and other destructive forces. A secure network has the ability to protect the system of computers from these forces. See also Computer Security
newsgroup: A virtual forum focusing on a specific subject. The collected email entries (known as news articles) can be perused by all Internet users. On this campus, many newsgroups allow people to discuss academic and recreational interests.
NIC: Network Interface Card. An expansion card that allows a computer to connect to a network.
NOC: Network Operations Center, a unit of Communications Resources. See the NOC Web site.
NOS: Network Operating System. An operating system that includes extra capabilities for connecting computers and devices into a local area network.
NPACI: National Partnership for Advanced Computing Infrastructure. A national collaborative organization. See the NPACI Web site.
NSF: National Science Foundation.
NTTF: National Telecommunications Task Force. NTTF is the driving force behind Internet 2.

OCR: Optical Character Recognition. Refers to both the process of scanning text from a printed page into a digital text file and to the type of software that carries this process out.
Open Access lab: A campus computer room that is available for students to use at any time during normal operating hours. A campus computing account is required to use the open access computer rooms.
Open Email Relay: An open email relay occurs when a mail server processes a mail message where neither the sender nor the recipient is a local user.
open source: Computer programs or operating systems for which the source code is publicly available are referred to as open-source software. Inherent in the open source philosophy is the freedom of a distributed community of programmers to modify and improve the code. The most widely known example of open-source software is the Linux operating system.
Operating System Patches: Operating system patches are updates that “fix” an inherent flaw in your operating system, the basic program that runs your computer such as Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Macintosh OS X. Patches are released on an as-needed basis from your operating system vendor (such as Microsoft or Apple) and should be installed as soon as they are available.
OPTRS: On-line Time Reporting System (a component of Payroll Personnel System used by the campus).
OS: Operating System. The software on your computer that controls the basic operation of the machine. The operating system performs such tasks as recognizing keyboard input, sending output to the monitor, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling other connected devices such as disk drives and printers.
OS X: The Macintosh operating system introduced in 2002, OS X was significantly different from the previous operating system (OS 9). OS 9 applications can only run under a special mode of OS X. Several updated versions of OS X are available, usually referred to as decimals of 10 (10.1, 10.35).

password: A password is a common security measure and is generally a string of letters, numbers and symbols used by individuals to access protected computers or computing systems. To learn more about passwords, see http://security.ucdavis.edu/passwords.cfm.
patches: See Operating system patches and software patches.
PCFIT: Provost's Commission on the Future of Information Technologies. A UC Davis organization, now defunct, formed in January 1997 to evaluate campuswide use of information technologies. See archived PCFIT Web site.
PCS: Personal Communications Services. Term describing a series of second-generation wireless technologies, like cell phones and PDAs. PCS technologies all share the characteristics of being completely digital and operating at the 1900 MHz frequency range.
PDA: Personal Digital Assistant. Generic term for handheld devices such as Palm Pilots that are commonly used to store address and calendar information. Newer models may include networking features as well as cell phones and cameras.
PDF: Portable Document Format. Refers to a file format in which formatted documents can be transferred over the Internet. PDF files are readable with Adobe Acrobat Reader, an application which can be downloaded from the Adobe Web site at no charge.
Personal Information: Personal information includes your name, Social Security Number, credit card number or other identifying information. See also confidential information and the UC Davis Cyber-Safety Program Personal Information.
Pharming: A scamming practice where malicious code is installed on a personal computer or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent Web sites without their knowledge or consent.
Phishing: A form of fraud that uses email messages that appear to be from a reputable business (often a financial institution) in an attempt to gain personal or account information. The email message typically includes a link to a fake Web site that appears identical to a legitimate page. The fake Web page is used to collect the requested information. This information is then used for fraudulent purposes.
Physical Computer Security: Environmental and physical controls that secure and protect the computer and or/network. Examples of such controls include locks for laptops and doors and systems for protecting against power surges and excessive heat and humidity.
platform: A combination of hardware and system software forming the basis for a computer system. Examples include Macintosh, PC, NT, and UNIX. The term "cross-platform" refers to programs and formats that can be used on more than one platform.
Podcasting:: A method of publishing audio broadcasts via the Internet and allowing users to subscribe to an automatic feed of new files for subsequent downloading to and playback on portable music players or PCs.
POP: Post Office Protocol. POP is a way of retrieving email from an email server (called a POP server), such as the UC Davis email servers where your email messages are stored before you pick them up. See more information about POP servers, under “Access Your Email. ”
PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol. A method of connecting a computer to the Internet that connects to a server that is connected to the Internet rather than linking directly to other computers.
PPS: Payroll Personnel System. PPS gives departments inquiry and update access to the payroll system, which is maintained by UC Office of the President. This system includes employees' payroll, benefits, time reporting (OPTRS) pay check, and personal information. See the PPS Home Page.
protocol: A set of formal rules and procedures which your computer must support in order to communicate with other computers on a network or through the Internet.

RAM: Random Access Memory. RAM is commonly considered synonymous with main memory (i.e. , the memory available to programs in use on a computer). Physically, RAM consists of memory chips or chip modules (e.g. , SIMMs or DIMMs) which attach to the computer's logic board, the main circuit board inside the computer. Memory modules can continue to be added as long as open slots are available on the logic board.
RAMP: Remote Access Management Program. A project carried out by Information and Educational Technology to provide remote access services to faculty.
remote access: A service which makes it possible to connect to a network such as the campus network or the Internet from a distant location (such as your residence in Davis, your permanent home, or your favorite vacation spot).
Repro Graphics: Campus department affiliated with the Office of Administration, responsible for providing document services. See the Repro Graphics Web site.
ResNet: A data and video network available to most UC Davis Student Housing residents.
RFI: Request for Information, also called Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotation (RFQ). A document that an organization sends to a vendor to request a bid for a product.
ROM: Read-only Memory. Refers to computer memory or a storage device in which data or programs have been permanently encoded and which can be accessed but not altered. For example, a CD-ROM is a compact disc onto which digital information has been "burned," and the contents of most CD-ROM discs cannot be altered without special equipment.
RSS: Rich (or RDF, Rich Document Format) Site Summary. An electronic document users post to another Web site that allows the original publisher to continue updating it remotely.
RTF: Rich Text Format. A document format which allows documents to retain their formatting when transferred between platforms and over the Internet.

scanner: A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translate the information into a form the computer can use. A scanner works by "digitizing" an image and placing it on the computer as a file.
SCSI: Small Computer System Interface (pronounced "scuzzy"). An interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers. Hardware components for implementing a SCSI interface include connector ports on computers and cables for connecting peripheral devices to the computer. SCSI is being supplanted by the newer USB standard.
Security: see computer security.
security alerts: Security alerts are notices posted on the Computer and Network Security Web site when a new virus or other threat is identified.
server: The control computer on a local-area network (LAN). The server controls software, access to printers, and other parts or functions of the network. The server is usually connected to workstations that share the main system's resources.
ServiceID: Part of your campus computing account, ServiceIDs allow you access to specific computing services. Four ServiceIDs are automatically assigned to all UC Davis student computing accounts. See more information about ServiceIDs and click on “Learn Your LoginID and MailID. ”
SGI: Silicon Graphics Incorporated. A manufacturer of high-end computer workstations.
SGML: Standard Generalized Markup Language. A set of standards for document markup tags. SGML rules formed the basis for HTML and is used to manage large documents that are revised frequently, but is not used widely on personal computers.
SIMM: Single Inline Memory Module. A circuit board on which RAM memory chips are mounted.
SIS: Student Information System. See Banner.
site license: A license that gives permission to use a software package on more than one system. Site licenses are a means of providing a bulk rate to companies and schools that want to use software on many computers. UC Davis has been able to negotiate special pricing for many applications that are used widely on campus; you can find out more information on the Software page under either the 'My Office' or 'UCD Resources' tabs in MyUCDavis.
SITT: Summer Institute on Teaching and Technology. A five-day workshop offered by the Teaching Resources Center on exploring new approaches to teaching at UC Davis. See the TRC Web site for more details.
SLA: Service Level Agreement. A contract between a software provider and an organization.
SLIP: Serial Line Internet Protocol. As with PPP, SLIP is a method to connect computers to the Internet, but it is older and less reliable than PPP.
SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol for transferring email messages from one server to another.
software: Sets of instructions or data that tell a computer what to do. Software is often divided into two categories: system software, which includes the operating system (e.g. , Windows XP, MacOSX) and all utilities that enable the computer to function; and application software, which includes programs that perform specific tasks (e.g. , word processors, spreadsheets, and databases).
software patches: Software patches are updates that “fix” an inherent flaw in programs that your have on your computer.
source code: Computer programs or operating systems are originally written by a human being in a programming language. This is called the source code of the software. To be actually used by a computer, the program has to be translated by the computer from the source code into the machine language that the computer understands and can execute. This translation process is referred to as compiling.
spam: Unsolicited bulk email, usually advertising, on the Internet or Usenet newsgroup postings sent to large numbers of people. It is considered inappropriate to send such mail. See the UC Davis site on email spam.
spam filtering: This is a security measure that the campus has implemented to help reduce the amount spam that enters the email inboxes of those using the campus email system. Spam filtering is often available through ISPs (AOL, SBC) and individual email programs (Outlook, Eudora, Mail). See http://security.ucdavis.edu/spam.cfm for more information about spam filtering.
SPARC: Scalable Processor Architecture. A proprietary technology for computer workstations developed by Sun Microsystems.
spyware: Spyware is software that gathers information about your Web-surfing habits for marketing purposes. Spyware “piggybacks” on programs you choose to download. Tucked away in the fine print of user agreements for many “free” downloads and services is a stipulation that the company will use spyware to monitor your web habits for business research purposes. For more about spyware and how to remove spyware from your computer, see http://security.ucdavis.edu/csb_spyware.cfm.
SSL: Secure Sockets Layer. A protocol allowing secure transmission of confidential material via the Internet.
Student Information System (SIS): See Banner.

T1 line: A dedicated digital communications connection supporting data rates of 1.544Mbits per second. A T1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each of which supports 64Kbits per second. Each channel can carry voice or data traffic.
TCO: Total Cost of Ownership. A measure of the value of a product which factors in maintenance expenses as well as purchase price. See an October 1997 IT Times article on this subject.
TCP: Transmission Control Protocol. Together with Internet Protocol (IP), TCP is one of the core protocols underlying the Internet. The two protocols are usually referred to as a group, by the term "TCP/IP. " TCP enables two computers to establish a connection and exchange information. It guarantees delivery of data and also guarantees that information packets will be delivered in the same order in which they were sent.
telecommute: To work at home or some other location remote from one's place of employment, making use of a computer, telephone, fax, and/or modem to receive job assignments and send in completed work.
terabyte: A unit of computer memory equal to approximately 1 trillion bytes, or 1 million megabytes.
TIF: Technology Infrastructure Forum. Campuswide committee comprised of technology specialists from all UC Davis schools, colleges, and administrative units. Formed by John Bruno, Vice Provost for Information Technology in September 2000, the TIF is charged with identifying, evaluating, and resolving critical information technology infrastructure issues for the campus. See tif.ucdavis.edu for more information.
TIFF: Tagged Image File Format. A widely-supported bitmap image format most often used in print publications.
TN3270: In order to access the Payroll/Personnel (PPS) system, you will need to run telnet software that emulates an IBM 3270 terminal on your PC or Macintosh. For more information about getting the necessary software, see the PPS Installation page (add hot link to http://payroll.ucdavis.edu/pps/installindex.cfm)
Trojan: A program that masks itself as another in order to gain access to your computer and give another user control over it.
TSC: Technology Support Coordinator. A staff member in a campus department enrolled in the Technology Support Program (see following entry). TSCs provide front-line technology support for their departments.
TSP: Technology Support Program. Designed to form closer alliances between IET and individual departments on campus. The goal of the program is to help departmental support staff provide effective front-line information technology support. Departments that participate select a department staff member to act as this front-line technology support person - referred to as a Technology Support Coordinator (TSC). (See the TSP home page. )

UCD Campus Network: The University's set of conjoined computers that share peripherals, storage devices and applications. When you connect to this network, most of its services are accessible, allowing you to perform various tasks, such as sending email or getting onto the Web.
UC Davis Cyber-Safety Program: A policy that establishes that devices connected to the UC Davis electronic communications network must meet UC Davis security standards or seek exception authorization. For more information, visit the UC Davis Cyber-Safety Program page.
UCDNet: The network that interconnects department Local Area Networks (LANs) with the campus area network and the Internet.
UCDWhois: An Internet directory service for looking up names of UC Davis faculty and staff.
Unix: A computer operating system developed in the early 1970s. Unix (pronounced "YOU-nicks") is widely used in high-end workstations and servers. Many variants of Unix have been developed, including Sun Solaris, Free BSD, Linux, and MacOSX.
UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply. A power supply device that you can plug your computer into. Includes a battery to keep your computer running in the event of a power outage. A UPS can usually keep your computer up for several minutes after a power outage, enabling you to save files and shut the computer down safely.
URL: Uniform Resource Locator. Technical term for a Web address. For example, the URL of this document is http://iet.ucdavis.edu/glossary.cfm.
USB Drive: USB keychain: A USB keychain (also known as a jump drive, a USB drive, flash drive, or keychain drive) is a plug-and-play portable storage device that functions similarly to a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD. USB keychains can be used to transfer files from one computer system to another, or for short-term backup of data. USB keychains are available in capacities of up to 2 megabytes, and can be used on both Windows and Macintosh-based systems.
USB Keychain: USB keychain: A USB keychain (also known as a jump drive, a USB drive, flash drive, or keychain drive) is a plug-and-play portable storage device that functions similarly to a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD. USB keychains can be used to transfer files from one computer system to another, or for short-term backup of data. USB keychains are available in capacities of up to 2 megabytes, and can be used on both Windows and Macintosh-based systems.
USB: Universal Serial Bus. An interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to computers. Hardware components for implementing a USB interface include connector ports on computers and cables for connecting peripheral devices to the computer. There are two USB standards; USB 1.1 (commonly referred to as just USB) supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps, while USB 2.0 supports up to 480 Mbps. USB 2.0 is fully compatible with USB 1.1. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices plugged into each other.

videoconference: A discussion made possible by electronic communications between two or more people in different locations. Participants view each other on screens; real-time sound and video is transmitted between locations via the network. (See the Classroom Technology Services Web site. )
virus: A program designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. Some viruses additionally are designed to damage data or halt operations on a system. Viruses can spread through diskettes, CD-ROMs, email attachments, and the Internet. (See the Quick Tip on viruses at http://xbase.ucdavis.edu/itx/article.cfm?art=307. )
VLAN: Virtual LAN. VLANs allow departments at two or more separate locations to connect all their users to one departmental network. This overcomes the constraint that is associated with Local Area Networks (LANs), which can only group together users who are located in the same geographical vicinity, such as a small building or one section of a building.
VPIET: Office of the Vice Provost-Information and Educational Technology. Headed by Interim Vice Provost Peter Yellowlees, this unit is responsible for campuswide technology policy and planning, and oversight of the Information and Educational Technology organization. See the VPIET Web site.
VRAM: Video RAM. A specialized RAM for use in digital video equipment.
VRML: Virtual Reality Markup Language. Allows display of 3-dimensional imagery on the Web.
Vulnerability Scanning: Security measure the campus has implemented to help protect the campus computer network and individual computers from viruses and other threats.A key component of this measure is the Vulnerability Self Scan, which allows individuals to scan their computers and access instructions for fixing any problems found.

WAN: Wide Area Network. A computer network covering a large geographical area, usually consisting of two or more LANs.
WAP: Wireless Application Protocol. A secure method for connecting handheld wireless devices on any operating system.
Web browser: See Browser.
Webcam (Web camera): A near real time camera whose images can be accessed using the World Wide Web. Generally a digital camera, it delivers images to a web server either continuously or at regular intervals.
Web Information Retrieval With Enhanced Security (WIRES): A method created at UC Davis to deliver secure or confidential information on the Web, but no longer in use. The data was encrypted (to protect it as it traversed the network) and authenticated (to ensure that users were who they said). WIRES allowed access to information such as student grades, account balances, and financial aid, but this information has since been transferred to the Registrar’s SISWeb system.
Web page (or Web document): A document, usually written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), that can be accessed on the Internet. Web pages can contain information, graphics, and hyperlinks to other Web pages and files.
Web server: A combination of computer hardware and special software used to store Web pages.
Web site: A collection of Web pages. Provides information such as text, graphics, and audio files to users as well as connections ("hypertext links," "hyperlinks," or just "links") to other Web sites on the Internet. This online guide, for instance, is a page on a Web site.
Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity. Used generically to refer to any kind of wireless computer network.
Wireless Network: A service that allows a computer to access the internet without a cable. Wireless networks are sprouting up everywhere, including UC Davis.
WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network.
WML: Wireless Markup Language. A language based on XML designed especially for wireless devices with small screens.
worm: A program that replicates itself over networked computers. Different from a virus in that a virus may only be programmed to infect multiple files on one computer, and is spread by copying those files.
World Wide Web (WWW or The Web): A graphical interface for the Internet, composed of Internet servers that provide access to documents that in turn provide links to other documents, multimedia files, and sites.
WYSIWYG: What You See Is What You Get (pronounced "whizzywig"). Characteristic of a program or application which displays formatted material on the screen so that it looks the same as it will appear when printed out.

XHTML: Extensible Hypertext Markup Language, a combination of XML and HTML. It is useful to make sure that Web sites appear exactly the same across multiple systems.
XML: Extensible Markup Language. Like HTML, XML is a markup language, but unlike HTML, it is not limited to Web documents. Another difference is the markup tags in HTML define how the elements thus tagged are displayed, whereas the tags in XML define the data contained in the tagged elements. XML is expected to eventually bring about great changes in the delivery of information on the Web.

Zip disk: A high-capacity floppy disk developed by Iomega Corporation. Zip disks are slightly larger than conventional floppies and can hold either 100 MB or 250 MB of data.