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Documentation

Glossary of Common Computing Terms

The following is an alphabetized list of commonly used computing terms that you may encounter while utilizing the University at Buffalo's technological resources. Any hyperlink within a definition can be clicked to jump to a section of the glossary detailing that term. Any hyperlink that is the title of a term in the glossary can be used to access either a web site or the CIT documentation relating to that term.

• ACAP: Application Configuration Access Protocol. See IMSP.
  
  
• Ad-Aware: A program designed by Lavasoft to detect and delete harmful spyware on your computer.
  
  
• Adobe Reader: Free program provided by Adobe that allows users to read files stored in the popular .pdf format.
  
  
• Adobe Acrobat: Program developed by Adobe that transfers existing files into .pdf format, allowing the original text to retain its initial qualities no matter what machine it is viewed on. Adobe Acrobat is available in the Public Computing Service Areas (which include the Cybraries).
  
  
• Alert: See UBIT Alert.
  
  
• Anti-virus Software: Software, such as Symantec AntiVirus, used to continuously monitor your computer for attempted infection from viruses or other malicious kinds of attacks. AntiVirus software must be continually updated to maintain security against the most recent types of viruses.
  
  
• Attachment: A file of any type appended to an email message. Attachments are an easy way to send files from one user to another, but they are also one of the more common ways to get viruses. Regardless of whom they are from, all attachments should be thoroughly scanned for viruses before they are opened.
  
  
• BIRD: Billing Inquiry Registration Drop/Add. An automated telephone system used for registering for classes, retrieving grades, paying your tuition by credit card, and obtaining financial aid information. The telephone number for BIRD is (716) 645-7800.
  
  
• BISON: Buffalo Information System Online. Through the World Wide Web, Bison offers access to the UB Libraries Catalog and a wide selection of online resources for research. BISON is available from any computer with access to the World Wide Web.
  
  
• Blackboard: Blackboard is a comprehensive and flexible e-Learning software platform that delivers a course management system. See UBlearns for more information.
  
  
• Broadband: A term commonly used to refer to high-bandwidth (or "high speed") Internet. Common types of broadband service include cable, DSL, ISDN, and satellite.
  
  
• Browser: A program designed to allow its users access to the World Wide Web. By downloading content from a specific URL's web server, almost any kind of information can be retrieved through a web browser. This includes text, pictures, animation, and even multimedia such as sound or video. The most well-known browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, Safari, and Firefox (an open source browser).
  
  
• CCR: The Center for Computational Research at the University at Buffalo. Located on the Medical Campus, the CCR houses the University at Buffalo's supercomputer, and is a valuable technological asset to the university and the Western New York community. It is responsible for various levels of technological research and innovation, and is closely tied to the University at Buffalo's advancements in the field of Bioinformatics. You can learn more about the CCR, its mission, and the opportunities it provides at http://www.ccr.buffalo.edu/.
  
  
• CD-R/CD-RW: Compact discs that serve as a medium for storing relatively large quantities of information. CD-R stands for CD Writeable. CD-Rs may only be written to once, and they will contain that data permanently. CD-RWs, or CD Rewritable discs, write at significantly slower speeds than CD-Rs, but can be erased and written to numerous times. CD-R or -RW discs can be "burned," or written to, using Roxio Easy CD Creator, which is a program installed on the computers in the University at Buffalo's Public Computing Service Areas. CD media is generally capable of holding several hundred times more data than a floppy disk.
  
  
• CDE: See Common Desktop Environment.
  
  
• Central Email Account: There are many methods available at the University at Buffalo to retrieve your email, including WebMail, Mulberry, and Microsoft Outlook. All of these different methods draw from the same pool of messages, known as your Central Email Account. Your Central Email Account is linked to your UBITName and Password, and can be accessed using any method of email retrieval available at the University at Buffalo. Your University at Buffalo email address is your UBITName followed by @buffalo.edu.
  
  
• CGI: Common Gateway Interface. An interface program that enables an Internet server to run external programs to perform a specific function. These programs, also known as scripts, are usually written in a programming language like C or PERL. CGI scripts are often used to add interactivity to web pages, thereby allowing users to perform tasks like fill out and submit forms, submit search requests, and register or gain access to password-protected areas of a web site.
  
  
• Chain Letter: An email message continuously forwarded by each recipient to a number of other recipients. These messages are generally considered spam, and can sometimes be a risk for viruses. Use a form of anti-virus software to thoroughly scan all attachments appended to chain letters before opening them. Sending chain letters is a violation of the University at Buffalo's Computer and Network Use Policy.
  
  
• CIT Help Desk: The CIT Help Desk is the central source of technical assistance available at the University at Buffalo. Located in 214 Lockwood, Lockwood 2nd Floor Cybrary, the CIT Help Desk is available to offer assistance to students, faculty, and staff. For information regarding the CIT Help Desk's schedules, policies, and services, visit http://helpdesk.buffalo.edu/. The CIT Help Desk can also be reached by phone at (716) 645-3542, or by email at cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu.
  
  
• Command Prompt: Allows input at the most basic level of an operating system. When entering commands via a command prompt, most of the superfluous levels of an operating system's Graphical User Interface are totally bypassed. A UNIX shell prompt or a DOS prompt are examples of a command prompt.
  
  
• Common Desktop Environment: The Common Desktop Environment, or CDE, is a proprietary Desktop environment for UNIX. It provides an easy-to-use GUI for simple UNIX activities.
  
  
• Computer and Network Use Policy: A set of rules which applies to everyone who uses any of the University at Buffalo's Public Computing Service Areas or connects to the University at Buffalo network. Failure to comply with the Computer and Network Use Policy can lead to a deactivation of your UBIT Account.
  
  
• Cookie: A small text file deposited on your computer by a web page you visit. These files can be used to "identify" you based on your preferences, shopping habits, or any personal information you have supplied. They are generally considered malware or spyware because they can pose a security risk if they attempt to collect sensitive kinds of information about you, such as credit card numbers or your home address.
  
  
• Cybrary: The Cybraries are a part of the Public Computing Service Areas that are available to students to facilitate the use of technology in study and research. Available in many of the University at Buffalo's libraries, the Cybraries provide Internet, email, research capabilities, and more. For more information about the Cybraries, visit http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/about/cybrary.html.
  
  
• Database: A database is a collection of information that is arranged in an extremely specific structure so that it can be easily accessed, queried, and managed. Databases can hold virtually any kind of information, and can be used to perform a variety of tasks. Common applications for manipulating databases are Microsoft Access and Oracle.
  
  
• Deactivation: Deactivation of your UBIT Account will effectively disallow you access to any of the services or features usually available through your UBITName and Password. Your email and network access, as well as your ability to log on to and use Public Computing Service Areas, will be suspended. Furthermore, you will not be able to log onto the University at Buffalo ResNet. Deactivation of your UBIT Account may happen for several reasons. If you have not registered successfully for your next semester's classes, and are therefore no longer considered a University at Buffalo student, your account will be deactivated until you resolve any registration issues. Upon graduation from the University at Buffalo, you will have six months of UBIT access before your account is completely deactivated. Finally, any action taking place under your UBITName that violates the University at Buffalo Computer and Network Use Policy will lead to a deactivation of your UBIT Account until proper disciplinary action can be taken. Contact the CIT Help Desk if you have questions about deactivation of your UBIT Account.
  
  
• Decompress: See unzip.
  
  
• Desktop: A computer's Desktop is the first level of its Graphical User Interface. A Desktop is usually identified by an arrangement of icons, which represent shortcuts to commonly used programs. Downloading files to a computer's Desktop is an easy way to locate them without searching through your computer's directories. Some operating systems, such as Linux, allow users to simultaneously maintain multiple Desktops.
  
  
• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP, allows specific computers on a TCP/IP-based network to obtain information about their network setup. This protocol is most often used to obtain your IP address.
  
  
• Dial In: Dialing in refers to using a modem to access the University at Buffalo's technology services remotely through the phone lines. Dialing in allows you access to UBUnix, FTP, and other such services that would be otherwise unavailable off campus. For information on how to dial into the University at Buffalo, see the CIT documentation for Off-Campus Computing for Windows or Mac.
  
  
• DMCA: The Digital Millenium Copyright Act, enacted in 1998, defines digital copyright law. It makes numerous clarifications about how copyright law affects electronic media. Its most well-known provision legally prohibits the circumvention of anti-piracy software and the unauthorized duplication of copyrighted material onto computers or the Internet. The DMCA also places severe restrictions on webcasting, calling for amateur webcasters to pay royalty fees.
  
  
• DNS: Domain name service, or DNS, is responsible for translating alphabetic domain names into IP addresses. Domain names, such as www.buffalo.edu, are not in a format that networks understand; they must be converted into an IP address in order to be processed. When a domain name is processed through a web browser, that information is sent to a DNS server, where the corresponding IP address is sought out and processed in turn. It is possible to reach any web site on the World Wide Web by entering its IP address into your browser's address bar because you are simply bypassing the DNS server and connecting directly to the appropriate IP address.
  
  
• Dock: A Macintosh-specific term which refers to the portion of the GUI that appears as a bar at the bottom of the screen in operating systems OS X and later. Much like the Windows QuickLaunch Bar, the Dock provides easy access at any time to a customizable list of commonly used programs.
  
  
• Domain Name: Alphabetic representation of an IP address which is processed by a DNS server in order to connect a browser to an appropriate web server.
  
  
• Download: Transferring a file from an external location onto your computer. There are many different kinds of downloads, some more obvious than others. Downloads can be as straightforward as transferring the setup file for a popular program onto your hard drive, or as subtle as simply browsing the Web. Every file -- be it a web page, setup program, picture, etc. -- that is transferred onto your computer for manipulation from any source is an example of a download. Depending on the type of file you download, you may need to search your computer for it afterwards in order to manipulate it.
  
  
• Drop/Add: The period of time when you can add or remove (drop) classes from your schedule. You can add or drop classes through BIRD or MyUB.
  
  
• DSL: DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a method of broadband Internet connectivity that uses standard copper phone lines. DSL comes in several different varieties, differing in speed and download/upload speeds. Because Internet traffic and voice communication occur on two different frequencies, it is possible when using a DSL connection to talk on the phone while your computer is connected to the Internet.
  
  
• DVD: Digital Video Disc. DVDs have a number of purposes. Not only do they offer superior video and sound quality, they are also extremely useful as mass storage devices. DVD-R and DVD-RW drives offer around five gigabytes of storage space (about seven CDs worth of data) on one disc, and are convenient and inexpensive alternatives to tape drives and other high capacity storage media.
  
  
• Email: Short for electronic mail, email is any number of messages written by anyone, anywhere in the world, and sent to a server where their intended recipients can download them by providing a specific username and password. Attachments can also be appended to email messages in order to transmit files of any type anywhere in the world. The University at Buffalo has numerous methods of sending and receiving email, such as UBMail and Mulberry, and has its own central email account system for storing, sending, and receiving messages.
  
  
• Email Bombing: A method of cyber-harassment in which the agitator sends massive quantities of unsolicited email to their victim, thereby rendering their email account virtually unusable for practical purposes. Mail bombing, as it is also known, is a serious offense and can lead to deactivation of your UBIT Account.
  
  
• Email Filter: Email filters are sets of rules that direct incoming email into different folders depending on their context. Filters can be set to scan the subject lines, to/from addresses, and bodies of email messages for specified words, characters, symbols, or phrases. These messages will then be directed towards the established folder(s) automatically. This is an especially effective way to keep spam out of your inbox.
  
  
• Email Quota: See mail quota.
  
  
• Enable email: Before you can access your University at Buffalo central email account, you must enable your email. Do so by visiting http://mailcluster.acsu.buffalo.edu/newuser.html and following the on-screen instructions. Once enabled, you will be able to access your email normally.
  
  
• Ethernet: Ethernet is the most widely-used standard for network cabling. Ethernet cable has various speeds and uses, but the different versions work similarly. Ethernet jacks look much like phone jacks, but are slightly larger. Ethernet cabling can be used to wire networks, enable broadband Internet connections, and directly connect two computers for a quick transfer of data. Ethernet connections are generally capable of transferring data at 10 mbps, although certain, professional-grade cable can transmit data at hundreds of times that speed.
  
  
• Ethernet Card: A network interface card that must be installed in your computer in order to receive data from an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cabling can be plugged into the slot the card provides. Novice users should have an Ethernet card professionally installed if they decide they need one.
  
  
• FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. A federal law that prohibits the University at Buffalo from disclosing certain information, such as GPA, country of citizenship, race or ethnicity, gender, and Social Security number, or other student identification number. The University at Buffalo may disclose information that is designated as directory information, such as your current name, address, telephone number, major, email address, and dates of attendance. If you would like to keep your directory information private, please fill out the following form:
  http://src.buffalo.edu/forms/requestfornonreleaseofinfo.pdf.
  
  
• Finder: Finder is a Mac OS X feature that functions very similarly to Windows Explorer. Through Finder, it is possible to browse through the directory structure of your Mac's hard drives and removable media, as well as remote and FTP locations. Finder is highly customizable and can be configured to display its information in a number of different ways. Its primary use is to locate files, folders, and applications in your directory structure.
  
  
• FileZilla: An FTP client recommended for Windows PCs.
  
  
• Firefox: An open source web browser known for its improved security and innovative features. Firefox is the default web browser for University at Buffalo students.
  
  
• Firewall: A firewall is hardware or software that restricts or monitors your network activity for security purposes. Some programs, such as Symantec Client Firewall, are software firewalls that allow customizability and certain software-only features like Automatic Program Control. Hardware firewalls usually exist as routers, such as the Linksys Router, that can physically restrict the data flowing through it. The University at Buffalo strongly recommends the use of a firewall for security purposes.
  
  
• FireWire: A serial bus interface designed to transmit data at up to 400 mbps. Denoted by the industry standard of IEEE 1394, FireWire is essentially a network interface that does not require a central computer to transmit data through. This means that it is ideal for transferring data from peripherals such as digital cameras or portable hard drives onto your home computer. In performance and function, FireWire is very similar to USB 2.0.
  
  
• Flash Drive: See jump drive.
  
  
• FTP: Short for File Transfer Protocol, FTP is a method used to transfer files to or retrieve them from a remote server. Many FTP clients, such as FileZilla or Internet Neighborhood, feature a drag-and-drop interface that allows easy manipulation of files. Using an FTP program to communicate with your home directory on UBUnix is one way to access your UBFS space.
  
  
• Ghostscript: A program that allows your computer to display and print PostScript files.
  
  
• GUI: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. A GUI (pronounced "goo-ey") is anything which allows a user to use an aesthetically appealing method to manipulate something technical that happens out of sight. Almost every program that is not run through a command prompt has some form of a GUI. Windows, for instance, is essentially one large graphical user interface. Buttons, menus, and other graphical items are found almost everywhere in Windows, but you do not see the hard code that is run when you use them.
  
  
• Hacker: A malicious computer user, typically with a high degree of technical knowledge, whose aims are usually to steal personal information or breach the security of outside computer systems.
  
  
• Hard Drive: A common storage medium for personal computers. Hard drives offer high storage capacities, relatively low prices, and are the preferred storage method for almost every kind of PC. Hard drives use a series of disk plates and a magnetic spindle to retrieve data stored on them.
  
  
• Hardware: A computer term used to refer to any part of a computer system that is tangible, which usually transmits and/or stores data or power. Generally, a system's hardware does the processing or computing, while the software allows the user to direct that processing or computing.
  
  
• Home page: Home page can have different meanings depending on its context. The most commonly used context refers to the initial web page that is displayed when you visit a web site. For instance, when you visit www.buffalo.edu, you are first greeted with a home page containing numerous links and options for where to go next. A home page can also be the initial web page displayed in a web browser. Users can choose their own browser home page in the preferences for their web browser. Finally, a home page may refer to an individual's personal web page. Each University at Buffalo student is assigned a home page. The URL for this page is http://www.buffalo.edu/~UBITName, where UBITName is your individual UBITName.
  
  
• Host on Demand: A service that allows authorized users quick access to a host terminal at any location which has Internet access. Host on Demand services are usually powered by a widely-distributed software platform, such as Java.
  
  
• HTML: Hypertext Markup Language. Most sites on the World Wide Web are coded in the basic language of HTML. HTML code is mainly composed of a series of tags before and after blocks of text to denote their purpose and appearance.
  
  
• HUBNET: HUBNET is the Hospitals and UB Library Resource Network. HUBNET is an enhanced reference system that provides computer access to health-related bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, full-text journals, clinical manuals and textbooks, drug-information resources, expert systems, and communication tools.
  
  
• Hyperlink: Any text or picture on a web page that can be clicked on to access a URL or another position on the same page.
  
  
• iconnect@ub: A University at Buffalo program designed to provide all the computer software and services that students need. For more information, visit the iconnect web site at www.buffalo.edu/iconnect.
  
  
• IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol. IMAP is a protocol that defines a set of rules for accessing your incoming email. Any major email provider has two different protocol servers: incoming and outgoing. Almost all outgoing email servers are SMTP servers, while most incoming email servers are either IMAP or POP3. The main difference between IMAP and POP3 is that POP3 is designed to connect to an email server, download messages quickly, then disconnect, permanently removing those messages from the server. By default, IMAP will leave any read messages on the server until the user specifies that he or she would like to delete them. IMAP is ideal for an environment where a user accesses his or her email from different programs or locations, as any read emails will still be there no matter where they go until they are deleted. The University at Buffalo uses an IMAP incoming mail server.
  
  
• IMSP: Internet Message Support Protocol. This email-related protocol allows a central server to store certain preferences and settings regarding a user's email account. The preferences and settings can be accessed from anywhere the user logs in to manage his or her email. It also allows access to address books from anywhere that can connect to the IMSP server. IMSP can also be referred to as ACAP; the terms are interchangeable.
  
  
• Inbox: The default directory for all incoming email. Regardless of which email program or protocol you are using, the initial directory is always referred to as the inbox. Use of mail filters can redirect this mail to other directories if specified by the user.
  
  
• Internet: The Internet is the physical arrangement of cabling and networks that allows the enormous transfer of electronic data comprising the World Wide Web, email, and other forms of digital information. The term "Internet" is one of the most misused terms in all of technology, as many people assume it to be the World Wide Web as opposed to just a network of cables and satellites that allow the transfer of data across the Web. The Internet was developed in the Cold War era as a failsafe communication network able to withstand nuclear attack, and has evolved into the most powerful and popular data transmission system in the world.
  
  
• Internet 2: The next generation of the Internet, linking government supercomputers to hundreds of universities and research institutions. Internet 2 is expected to run at least twenty thousand times faster than the current Internet.
  
  
• IP Address: Internet Protocol address. Every computer connected to a network or the Internet is assigned one of these 32-bit numeric identifications. Internet IP addresses usually come in region-specific blocks, so an IP address is a good method to tell where a computer you may be connecting to is located. IP addresses are also used to connect to web servers. Every domain name on the World Wide Web is linked to a specific IP address, and the connection between the two is established via a DNS server.
  
  
• iprint@ub: The University at Buffalo's printing system, which is currently in a trial period at all Public Computing Service Areas. Each student at the University at Buffalo is granted a quota of pages that can be printed at Public Computing Service Areas each semester. Once that default quota is used, additional credit may be purchased.
  
  
• ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN is a higher speed alternative to dial-up modems that can transfer data over standard phone lines. ISDN can transmit data at up to 128 kbps, which is much faster than dial-up, but still significantly slower than other forms of broadband, such as cable or DSL.
  
  
• ISP: Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a company or organization that provides Internet access to its customers.
  
  
• IT: Information Technology. The acronym IT has many different uses, but in general it defines the entire category of computing, hardware, and programming/software. Essentially any form of technology that has business or consumer value can be referred to as an IT resource.
  
  
• IT Workshops: The University at Buffalo offers free IT workshop classes to provide training for a wide range of software. To browse, find information on, or register for IT workshops, visit http://www.itworkshops.buffalo.edu/.
  
  
• Java: Java is a multiplatform programming language and web tool. As a programming language, it allows object-oriented implementation and a very versatile database of API libraries. As a web-based multimedia tool, it allows the online execution of applets, or small programs viewable through a browser. This means that a user may view and interact with more advanced programs, games, and animations through a simple web browser, instead of having to download the entire file.
  
  
• Jump Drive: Also known as a flash drive or a thumb drive, jump drives are small, portable devices that can be used to hold relatively large quantities of information. Jump drives usually connect via a USB port, and operate within Windows Explorer or Apple Finder as if they were a hard drive installed in the computer.
  
  
• LAN: Local Area Network. A small-scale computer network usually wired with Ethernet cabling. Networked computers can transmit data or files to each other, share print jobs, or split an Internet connection, amongst other features.
  
  
• LDAP: Light Directory Access Protocol. This is essentially the University at Buffalo's "online phone book." LDAP allows directory information (such as email address, phone number, etc.) to be stored on any type of server for anyone with an active connection on the same network to view. To use the University at Buffalo's LDAP system, visit http://ldap.buffalo.edu/.
  
  
• Linux: An open source operating system known for its stability, security, and customizability. Linux is UNIX-based and free for anyone. The University at Buffalo has its own customized version of Linux available, known as UBLinux.
  
  
• Listserv: A commercial mailing list management system that allows individuals to create, manage, and control electronic mailing lists.
  
  
• LiveUpdate: Process used by Symantec AntiVirus to update all of its virus definitions, and therefore keep your computer as well protected against harmful software as possible.
  
  
• Mac OS: Macintosh Operating System. Mac OS is the operating system for Mac computers. There were major revisions after Mac OS X, resulting in Mac OS being based on FreeBSD, an open source operating system with advanced stability and security. The latest Mac OS versions go by a number as well as a nickname. Jaguar, Panther, Cheetah, and Tiger all refer to versions of the Macintosh operating system.
  
  
• Mail Quota: Because it is based on an IMAP server, your University at Buffalo central email account can easily accumulate a large volume of mail. To conserve space on the university's central mail server, a mail quota of 150 megabytes is enforced. Any email that would result in a breach of this quota will not be delivered. If you have questions about your University at Buffalo email quota, contact the CIT Help Desk.
  
  
• Malware: See spyware.
  
  
• Matlab: MATrix LABoratory. A mathematical application package that supports numerical computation and graphics. It can be used interactively by issuing commands to a simple command-line prompt, or as a scientific programming language.
  
  
• Metatags: Descriptive words or phrases inserted into the HTML of a web page designed to increase the exposure of that web page to search engines.
  
  
• Microsoft Campus Agreement: Microsoft and the University at Buffalo are able to provide students with powerful software at no additional cost based on the Microsoft Campus Agreement. Bringing your UB Card, showing that you are a student, to UBMicro, on North Campus, in The Commons will allow you access to current software such as Microsoft Windows Upgrade, Microsoft Office, and others. For more information on receiving software through the Microsoft Campus Agreement, visit http://www.ubmicro.buffalo.edu/msca_st.shtml.
  
  
• MIME: Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension. An Internet protocol that allows the addition of outside files such as word processing documents, graphics, sound, or video to email messages in the form of attachments.
  
  
• Modem: Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a device that allows a computer to access the Internet over standard phone lines. Modems are very cheap and easy to use, but are much slower than various types of broadband. Modems also occupy the phone line that they are using, so that you cannot use the phone and the Internet at the same time.
  
  
• Mulberry: Mulberry is a University at Buffalo email client. It provides access to a user's central email account for sending and receiving mail.
  
  
• MyUB: A personalized web portal available for every University at Buffalo student. MyUB contains links to popular student destinations, email, and also displays your course information. You must have an active UBIT Account to access MyUB.
  
  
• Netiquette: A set of behavioral guidelines that should be followed by anyone using Internet resources, such as email, newgroups, and the World Wide Web. Netiquette includes not sending unsolicited and/or mass email, not emailing or posting in all capital letters, and the careful use of sarcasm or humor.
  
  
• Network: In IT terms, a network is a group of technological devices (usually computers) that are interconnected to allow the transmission and sharing of data. Large-scale networks, such as the one at the University at Buffalo, are often used to supply broadband Internet to a number of simultaneous users. The most common kind of network is a LAN, but there are other methods for networking as well. P2P is a common kind of network that is not connected via traditional means, and cell phones run on a unique network as well -- as they run through a large-scale wireless network to transmit and receive data in which each handset is a hub.
  
  
• Newsgroups: Newsgroups are message boards where users can post topics, browse different subjects, and download information on many topics. Newsgroups operate independently of the World Wide Web. They transmit their information over the Internet, but do not rely on browsers or web pages to view different threads. Newsgroups instead use specialized newsreaders such as Agent, XNews, and NewsXpress. Newsgroups are not necessarily affiliated with news, and can be thought of as large electronic forums for different ideas and topics.
  
  
• NIC: Network Interface Card. See Ethernet card.
  
  
• NNTP: Network News Transfer Protocol. NNTP is the Internet protocol which allows the transmission of newsgroup messages.
  
  
• OCR: Optical Character Reader. Uses light to allow the digital interpretation of written characters.
  
  
• OpenPort: OpenPort is an open-access network for laptops on campus. OpenPort access is available in the Cybraries, and requires an Ethernet card and cable. You must have an active UBIT Account in order to access the OpenPort network.
  
  
• Open Source: A term referring to software whose source code is readily available to the public, and therefore is usually free.
  
  
• Oracle: A command line-based relational database system available on UBUnix.
  
  
• OS: Operating System. An OS is the GUI between the hardware element of a computer and the user. Operating systems handle all applications, for example, file management, Internet access, and everything in between. Computers would be useless if they did not have some form of operating system. Examples of operating systems include Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and UNIX.
  
  
• P2P: Peer-to-peer, a network type designed to allow each terminal to transmit data at its user's discretion between any other terminals on the network simultaneously. While those capabilities are available on a standard network, such as a LAN, P2P networks (such as KaZaA or Limewire) are generally run by downloadable software, so the only cabling they require is an active Internet connection. P2P networks are also unique in that the files transmitted between them are not stored on a central server, like most web downloads, they are instead transmitted from the hard drives of each individual user. This open atmosphere is very conducive to exposure to all types of files, but can lead to serious issues if copyrighted materials or viruses are shared. The University at Buffalo strictly prohibits the distribution, download, duplication, or sharing of any copyrighted materials. Furthermore, all downloaded files should be thoroughly examined with a virus scanner before they are opened.
  
  
• Password: A word, phrase, or string of characters used to verify your identity. You will be assigned a UBIT Password when you activate your UBIT Account, but it is a good idea to change your password to something new. Good passwords contain a mix of upper and lower case letters, are not easily guessed words or words that appear in the dictionary, and contain symbols like # or !.
  
  
• PDF: A file format created and read by Adobe Acrobat programs. .pdf documents can have different security features, a high level of graphical quality, and are relatively small in size.
  
  
• Phishing: Technique in which an individual receives an email message from a hacker posing as a legitimate company, asking that individual to update account information or enter personal information. The hacker uses the information to steal that individual's identity or pass it on to spammers.
  
  
• Pine: A text-based email client available on UBUnix.
  
  
• Plug-in: A program module that gives additional capabilities to a software package. Plug-ins are widely used in image editing programs such as Photoshop to add a filter for some special effect. Plug-ins are also added to web browsers to enable support for new types of content (audio, video, etc.).
  
  
• POP: Post Office Protocol. A standard for reading email messages received on a server but downloaded to a personal computer. Messages can only be read on the computer on which they were downloaded, unlike the IMAP protocol.
  
  
• PostScript: A language that tells printers how to print text and graphics.
  
  
• PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol. An Internet protocol that allows computers access to the Internet over a modem and standard telephone lines.
  
  
• Protocol: A set of "rules" that instructs computers on how to transmit data between one another. Protocols control all remote communication between computers, as well as internal communication, such as a network.
  
  
• Public Computing Service Areas: Areas across the University at Buffalo's campuses, including the Cybraries, that allow computer access to anyone with a valid UBIT Account. More information about Public Computing Service Areas can be found at http://ubit.buffalo.edu/sites/.
  
  
• PuTTY: A UNIX shell interface program that allows access to such University at Buffalo resources as UBUnix or departmental UNIX/Linux servers.
  
  
• Quick Launch Bar: This Windows feature is located immediately to the right of the start menu by default. The Quick Launch bar, also known as the Quickbar, allows users to drag shortcuts to the taskbar, providing quick access to programs and/or documents even when the Desktop is not visible.
  
  
• QuickTime: A multimedia player developed by Apple and available for both Windows and Mac.
  
  
• Quota: A quota is a size restriction placed on a directory or file system at the University at Buffalo. There is an email quota in effect for the University at Buffalo's central email account, and other departments maintain one as well. Your UBFS space is limited to a fifteen megabyte quota, and your UBUnix folders may only contain one megabyte of data. If you have questions about any of your quotas, contact the CIT Help Desk.
  
  
• Reader Stations: Terminals located in Public Computing Service Areas that interpret handouts, printouts, or electronic text files, and using a program called Kurzweil 3000 converts them into MP3 audio files.
  
  
• RealPlayer: A multimedia player developed by RealNetworks with advanced streaming features.
  
  
• ResNet: ResNet is the network that allows Internet access to the University at Buffalo residence halls. Anyone with an active UBIT Account may access ResNet. The first time a computer attempts to access ResNet it must successfully pass a scan by UB NetPass.
  
  
• Router: Computer hardware that directs a network signal across the most logical pathway possible. The physical cabling that powers the Internet directs all of its information using a series of routers to ensure that data safely reaches its destination. More common commercial applications of routers include splitting Internet and network data across multiple, often networked, computers. Routers also act as hardware firewalls, placing severe restrictions on the network traffic allowed through them.
  
  
• Safari: The default web browser for Mac computers.
  
  
• Search Engine: Web site, such as Google or Yahoo, that allows users to search for specific information on the World Wide Web by locating metatags that match their criteria.
  
  
• Server: A computer or cluster of remote computers that store files, transmit data, or provide an Internet connection.
  
  
• Shell: A shell is any method that a user has to communicate with an operating system. Command prompts are examples of shells.
  
  
• Shockwave: A plug-in made by Macromedia for viewing animation and multimedia presentations. Macromedia Shockwave is available for both Windows and Mac.
  
  
• Shortcut: An icon usually located on a computer's Desktop or Quickbar/Speedbar that provides quick access to a particular program. Strategic use of shortcuts can eliminate time-consuming searching through directories in order to find a particular program or file.
  
  
• SNAP: Students Needing Assistance Program. SNAP is a program sponsored by Dell and IBM to provide underprivileged students with technological resources that benefit them in college. For more information about the SNAP program, visit http://www.buffalo.edu/iconnect/snap.shtml.
  
  
• Software: Any kind of program or application that can run on a computer. Software is generally considered any "intangible" aspect of a computer, while hardware is the more "tangible" aspect.
  
  
• Source Code: The hard code that comprises a program and gives it instructions on how to run.
  
  
• Spam: Spam is unwanted email that is sent in large quantities by some companies and individuals. Most spam advertises products or services, and many spam messages include attachments which contain viruses. Spam messages are also notorious for phishing. Effective use of email filters can limit the amount of spam that makes its way to your inbox.
  
  
• Speedbar: When using Mac OS, the Speedbar appears at the bottom portion of the screen and contains a number of shortcuts. It is very similar in function to the Windows taskbar.
  
  
• Spybot: A program designed to find and eliminate spyware from your computer.
  
  
• Spyware: Files deposited in your computer which attempt to track your Internet activity and habits for a third-party's benefit. Spyware is similar in some ways to cookies, but it does not provide any of the positive benefits that cookies can (such as automated account remembrance and personalized shopping recommendations). Spyware can cause various Internet-related applications, or your entire computer, to encounter significant problems, and also presents a security risk. Especially malicious spyware may attempt to steal personal information or credit card numbers. You can remove spyware with Ad-Aware.
  
  
• SSID: Service Set Identifier. Every wireless network has an SSID which is considered its "name." Every Wireless Access Point requires that the appropriate SSID is used when referring to it before any data can be transmitted.
  
  
• start menu: A central location in Windows, labeled start, in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, that runs programs and accesses directories and core Windows functions.
  
  
• Streaming Video: Video that can be downloaded from the Internet and played as it is received, allowing for much shorter wait times than it would take to download the entire file. Audio files can also be streamed.
  
  
• Symantec AntiVirus: A program that scans your computer for harmful software, including viruses, trojans, and worms. Frequent LiveUpdates are necessary to keep AntiVirus fully up to date.
  
  
• System Tray: The system tray is located on the far right of the taskbar. It includes icons relating to programs currently running and displays the time.
  
  
• Taskbar: The Windows taskbar consists of the start menu, the Quick Launch bar (if enabled), the system tray, and a tab for each program that is currently running. If several types of files associated with the same program are running simultaneously, they may be grouped together under one tab for easy access and readability.
  
  
• Tech Tools: A standardized set of software components provided by the University at Buffalo. It includes all the tools you need to use campus email, search the Internet, and crunch numbers. The software is available at the Software Downloads page, http://wings.buffalo.edu/computing/software/.
  
  
• Technology Classroom: A classroom equipped with a higher standard of technological integration that can be customized to meet a variety of distance learning and videoconferencing requirements.
  
  
• Telnet: A standard protocol used for connecting one computer to another. Telnet is generally used by a remote computer to access a UNIX server in order to remotely input commands, access programs, or manipulate files.
  
  
• The GIMP: An open source image editing program. The GIMP, also known as the GNU Image Manipulation Program, has many features in common with Adobe Photoshop. It can change image formats and crop or resize images, along with many other common image editing tasks.
  
  
• Thumb Drive: See jump drive.
  
  
• Trojan: A program that hides malicious code on your computer, but appears to be benign. This code can give unauthorized users access to your computer or launch a virus or worm.
  
  
• UB Card: Your UB Card is the electronic photo ID card that acts as your official university ID. Many students receive their UB Card at Orientation. If you did not receive your card, you can pick it up at the UB Card Office in The Commons (North Campus), or Harriman Hall, Room 101 (South Campus).
  
  
• UB DARS: University at Buffalo Degree Audit Reporting System. An automated system that generates a report of each student's UB and transfer coursework matched with the student's degree requirements. Coursework satisfying university, general education, and major requirements is identified. The report also identifies courses that will satisfy specific degree requirements yet to be completed. Your DARS report is available through MyUB.
  
  
• UB NetPass: A program developed by the University at Buffalo that scans computers attempting to connect to ResNet for viruses and malicious software before granting them access. If you have questions about UB NetPass, or are disallowed from using ResNet because of it, please contact the CIT Help Desk.
  
  
• UBFS: The University at Buffalo File System. UBFS is a centrally located disk resource that allows each UB student, faculty, and staff member fifteen megabytes of space.
  
  
• UBiquity: UBiquity is the name given to the distributed computing environment used in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
  
  
• UBIT Account: The combination of a valid UBITName and Password. Your UBIT Account is required to access almost every technological resource available at the University at Buffalo.
  
  
• UBIT Alert: Whenever a major technical issue arises at the University at Buffalo, the CIT Help Desk issues an alert, consisting of the problem, the causes (if known), and a timetable for the solution. The UBIT Alerts page can be found at http://ubit.buffalo.edu/alerts/index.php.
  
  
• UBITName: Your UBITName is your computer username at UB. It is your key to accessing your email on the UB mail server, MyUB, and other online services. You can find your UBITName online or at a UBITName Look Up Station at Public Computing Service Areas. Swipe your UB Card and your UBITName, email address, and the default password formula will be displayed on the screen.
  
  
• UBITName Look Up Station: You can swipe your UB Card through a Look Up Station in the Public Computing Service Areas to display your UBITName and information about your initial Password.
  
  
• UBIT Password: If you have never used your account, your UBIT Password should be your four (4) digit birthday (mmdd) followed by the last six (6) digits of your UB Card number (under your picture). For instance, if your birth date is June 16th and the last six digits of your UB Card are 123456, then your Password should be 0616123456.
  
  
• UBlearns: UBlearns is a web server at UB that hosts Blackboard, a comprehensive and flexible e-Learning software platform which delivers a course management system. To use Blackboard on UBlearns, you must be a registered UB student. Blackboard on UBlearns is web-accessible 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
  
  
• UBLinux: A UB-customized version of Linux based on Red Hat 9 that combines all of the strengths of Linux with a full package of the University at Buffalo's most commonly used software programs. For more information on UBLinux, visit http://ubit.buffalo.edu/linux/.
  
  
• UBMicro: UBMicro, UB's computer store, is a convenient place to find computer hardware, software, and repair services. UBMicro is located in The Commons on North Campus.
  
  
• UBUnix: UBUnix is the University at Buffalo's central UNIX cluster and file server. UBUnix handles all of the University's web hosting, file storage, and much more. Everyone at the University at Buffalo who has a valid UBIT Account can access UBUnix via an FTP or shell program.
  
  
• UBVPN: The Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client allows you to securely access the University at Buffalo's computer systems from an outside Internet Service Provider (ISP). It also allows you to see the shared files of a server or access campus resources as if you were connected directly to UB.
  
  
• UNIX: An operating system that supports multiple users, has the TCP/IP protocol built in, and powers the vast majority of Internet servers.
  
  
• Unzip: A common term that refers to restoring a file that was "zipped," or packaged into a smaller size by a third-party program such as Aladdin Expander. Unzipping archived file types (such as .zip, .tar, and .rar) restores them to their normal size and functionality. Sometimes a single zipped file will unzip into a series of directories or a number of files.
  
  
• URL: Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is the global location of a web page or resource on the World Wide Web. It is more descriptive than a domain name because it includes the protocol to be used in transmitting the web page or data. For example, http://www.buffalo.edu/ is a URL composed of a domain name (www.buffalo.edu) and the protocol used to transmit data from the University at Buffalo's web site (http).
  
  
• USB: Universal Serial Bus. The current standard, USB 2.0, is the most popular and common high speed external data interface on a PC. With speed rivaling that of FireWire, low component/cabling costs, and instant software recognition by most operating systems, USB more than lives up to its name as universal.
  
  
• v.90: A protocol used by most modems.
  
  
• Videoconference: A means of using both audio and video to communicate with one or more other people who may be a great distance away. Videoconferencing utilizes the speed of broadband Internet to transmit the large quantities of data necessary to make it an effective means of communication.
  
  
• Virus: A virus is a malicious piece of code that will spread to as many files and directories as possible once it enters your computer. Viruses can have many negative effects, depending on the type of virus and how it was acquired. UBNetPass will scan all computers that attempt to access ResNet for the first time for viruses. Symantec AntiVirus is a good way to prevent or eliminate viruses.
  
  
• WAN: Wide Area Network. A network with boundaries far larger than a Local Area Network (LAN). Many WANs are connected by large-scale mediums such as telephone lines or fiberoptic cable backbones.
  
  
• Webcasting: To use the Internet to broadcast live or delayed audio and/or video transmissions, similar to traditional television and radio broadcasts. The University at Buffalo may offer online courses in which the instructor webcasts a pre-recorded or live lecture.
  
  
• Web Folders: A system designed to allow Windows or MacOS computers to mount a user's UBFS space on their home computer.
  
  
• WebMail: WebMail is a means of accessing your University at Buffalo central email account from anywhere in the world via the Internet. UBmail is UB's web-based email program. By visiting ubmail.buffalo.edu, users with a valid UBIT Account can use the University at Buffalo WebMail system to access their email.
  
  
• Web page: A file stored on a web server that is part of a web site. A web page is displayed in a browser when the associated domain name is accessed.
  
  
• Web site: A collection of web pages that are connected under one domain name. Whereas a web page is one individual file, a web site is created and maintained as a collection of files by the web site's author(s).
  
  
• Windows: Microsoft's popular operating system for PCs. One of the most commonly used operating systems in the world, Windows is available in many different versions - the most current being Windows XP. Windows upgrades are available at no additional cost for University at Buffalo students, faculty, and staff at UBMicro.
  
  
• Windows Explorer: Windows Explorer is a software tool available within Windows that allows users an easy-to-use GUI for searching through the storage mediums and directories on their computer. It is very similar in function to Mac OS's Apple Finder.
  
  
• Wings: The University at Buffalo's central web server. Wings is responsible for a variety of hosting duties, including all the web pages at the University at Buffalo that begin with wings.buffalo.edu. Wings is capable of hosting files, streaming audio/video, interacting with databases, and much more.
  
  
• WINS: Windows Internet Naming Service. WINS is a Microsoft service that translates server names into IP addresses. It is very similar in function to DNS.
  
  
• Wireless Access Point: The physical hardware (usually an antenna or wireless router) that allows Wireless Internet Zones the ability to function at the University at Buffalo.
  
  
• Wireless Card: A special type of NIC that allows a computer to communicate with a Wireless Access Point. Please note that this is a completely seperate piece of hardware from a normal, Ethernet-based NIC.
  
  
• Wireless Internet Zone: An area at the University at Buffalo in which wireless cards are able to communicate with the nearest Wireless Access Point to provide wireless access to the Internet.
  
  
• World Wide Web: A collection of web pages stored on computers across the world which are linked together via the Internet. Every web page is assigned its own IP address and domain name, and can be sought out by DNS servers in order to be displayed in a web browser.
  
  
• Worm: A program that replicates itself over a network, usually performing malicious acts. Unlike viruses, worms typically do not infect other computer programs.
  
  
• Zip Drive: A special kind of floppy drive that uses much higher capacity floppy disks (known as Zip disks). Though their size may vary, these disks generally have the capacity of roughly one hundred normal floppy disks.

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