Technical Corner > The PC Glossary - Definitions of Computer and Internet Terms

Computer Terms Beginning with "A"

(1/8) > >>

MysteRy:
Source : PC.net


Abend

Short for "Abnormal end." An abend is an unexpected or abnormal end to a process. In computer software, it typically refers to a software crash when a program unexpectedly quits. For example, an error in a program's code may cause it to freeze or crash while running a certain command. The result is an unexpected (and often inconvenient) end to the program.

The term "ABEND" was initially used by IBM OS/360 systems as an error message. It is now used by Novell Netware systems and also as a general programming term.

MysteRy:
Access

Microsoft Access, often abbreviated "MS Access," is a popular database application for Windows. Access allows users to create custom databases that store information in an organized structure. The program also provides a visual interface for creating custom forms, tables, and SQL queries. Data can be entered into an Access database using either visual forms or a basic spreadsheet interface. The information stored within an Access database can be browsed, searched, and accessed from other programs, including Web services.

While Access is a proprietary database management system (DBMS), it is compatible with other database programs since it supports Open Database Connectivity (ODBC). This allows data to be sent to and from other database programs, such as MS SQL, FoxPro, Filemaker Pro, and Oracle databases. This compatibility also enables Access to serve as the back end for a database-driven website. In fact, Microsoft FrontPage and Expression Web, as well as ASP.NET have built-in support for Access databases. For this reason, websites hosted on Microsoft Windows servers often use Access databases for generating dynamic content.

MysteRy:
Access Point

Example: "The coffee shop provides an access point for customers with Wi-Fi devices."

An access point provides wireless access to a network. Devices connected to an access point can communicate with other devices on the network. They may also connect to the Internet if the access point is linked to an Internet connection, which is commonly the case. Access points that use Wi-Fi are also called base stations.

MysteRy:
ACL

Stands for "Access Control List." An ACL is a list of user permissions for a file, folder, or other object. It defines what users and groups can access the object and what operations they can perform. These operations typically include read, write, and execute. For example, if an ACL specifies read-only access for a specific user of a file, that user will be able open the file, but cannot write to it or run the file.

Access control lists provide a straightforward method of managing file and folder permissions. They are used by most operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Unix systems. While ACLs are typically hidden from the user, they can often be modified using a graphical interface. For example, in Mac OS X 10.5, ACL settings can be edited by selecting a file or folder and choosing "Get Info." The access control settings can be modified within the "Sharing and Permissions" section of the window. On Unix systems, ACLs can be edited using the chmod() command.

MysteRy:
Active-Matrix

Active-matrix technology is used in high-quality flat-panel displays, such as laptop screens and thin computer monitors. The images on active matrix screens are created by laying diodes, or small semiconductors, over a grid of ultra-small wires. When a current passes through the diodes, they light up in different colors, depending on the strength of the current. Thousands of these diodes next to each other form an image on the screen.

To keep the diodes in an on or off state, active-matrix displays use transistors, which are not found in the lower-quality passive-matrix displays. The transistors help make the active-matrix displays brighter and give them more contrast than passive-matrix displays.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page