Glossary

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Rear Projection Television (RPTV)
A TV in which the image is projected and reflected onto the screen from behind the screen.

Resolution
Measures the sharpness of a video image, signal or display.

Roaming
Permits the use of a cell phone when the user is out of his home coverage area, though typically for a higher fee.

Router
A device that connects two or more local area networks (LANs) together, with more functionality than a bridge but at a slower speed.

• See also: Local Area Network (LAN), Bridge
• Related Link: What is the difference between a DSL modem and a router?

Satellite Broadband
A form of wireless broadband technology that delivers data via satellite, with speeds slower than DSL and cable modem but faster than dial-up.

• See also: Wireless Broadband, DSL, Cable Modem, Dial-Up

Satellite Master Antenna TV (SMATV)
A small cable TV system that delivers content to a housing complex or hotel.

Scanner
A device that copies images from photos, posters and similar sources for computer editing and display.

Server
A computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users.

Set-Top Box
A device that sits on top of a user's television and connects it into a video subscriber network.

Shareware
Software that is downloaded from the Internet on a free trial-basis.

Signal Booster
A device that enhances the picture and sound quality on a high-definition TV.

• See also: HDTV

SIM Card
A stamp-size card in a cell phone that contains user account information.

Sirius Radio
One of two satellite radio services in North America that provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television.

• See also: XM Satellite Radio

Spam
Like paper junk mail, refers to unwanted and/or unsolicited e-mail.

• See also: E-Mail

Spyware
Software that monitors a person's computer activity without permission.

• Related Link: How to avoid spyware effectively

Storage
Devices or media, such as a CD-ROM or computer hard drive, that retain data for long periods of time.

• See also: CD-ROM, Hard Drive, Networked Storage

Streaming Media
The rapid transmission of video and audio via the Internet.

Surround Sound
The use of multiple audio tracks that makes a user feel as if he's in the middle of an event, such as a concert.

Tablet PC
A type of notebook computer that lets a user take notes directly on the screen using a special pen.
           
TCP/IP
Two protocols that together allow a computer to communicate over the Internet.

• See also: Protocol

Text Messaging
Allows short text messages to be sent and received on a mobile phone or BlackBerry.

• Related Link: Text Messaging Dictionary

TIFF
A high-quality file format for storing images such as photographs, providing more detail than a GIF or JPEG.

• See also: GIF, JPEG

Time Shifting
The act of digitally recording a TV program for later viewing.

Ultrawideband Radio (UWB)
Technology that optimizes wireless connectivity between multimedia devices operating within a designated range.

Universal Remote
A single remote control that can operate a variety of devices found in a home entertainment center, such as the TV, DVD player and stereo.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A standard type of plug that connects devices, such as a printer, scanner or digital camera, to a computer.

• See also: Wireless USB, FireWire

Upload
The process of transferring, or sending, a file from one computer to another through a modem or network.

• See also: Modem, Download

URL
Refers to a Web site's Internet address, typically beginning with "http."

• See also: HTTP