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Glossary
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LAN (Local Area Network). A group of connected computers, usually located close to one another (such as the same building or floor of the building) so that data can be passed among them rapidly.
language. A specified way of using words and symbols to give the computer instructions and tell it what to do. All software is created using a programming language.
language-independent. A term used to indicate that a piece of software can be developed in any programming language.
laptop. A computer small enough to fit in your lap.
launch. To start a program, usually directly from an operating system. Also used in place of the terms load, and run.
LAWN. Acronym for local-area wireless network. See WLAN.
LCD. Acronym for Liquid Crystal Display, which is a display commonly used in pocket calculators, watches, and laptop computers. LCD displays consume less power than normal monitors.
legacy system. A legacy system is one that will not receive any further development or enhancement. Typically, once a system has been declared to be a legacy system the only changes that are made to it are the application of patches that prevent security risks. When a system has been declared a legacy system, new accounts are created only under rare circumstances. A system is often declared to be a legacy system as a part of a plan to retire it.
link. A connection that is uniquely defined by the adapterŐs address and the destination service access point. Also, a connection between two objects, or a reference to an object that is linked to another
linked object. An OLE object may be linked as opposed to embedded. For a link, the container merely saves the actual filename, as opposed to the whole file.
Linux. Pronounced lee-nucks. A freely-distributable open source
implementation of UNIX that runs on a number of hardware platforms, including
Intel and Motorola microprocessors. It was developed mainly by Linus Torvalds.
Because it's free, and because it runs on many platforms, including PCs,
Macintoshes and Amigas, Linux has become extremely popular over the last
couple years.
Another popular, free version
of UNIX that runs on Intel microprocessors is FreeBSD.
LiveWire. JavaScript "LiveWire" refers to a development environment for creating server-based applications using JavaScript. These applications are similar to CGI scripts in their behavior.
lock. To prevent access to something. Some computers have a key lock that you can use to prevent others from using your computer.
locker. A locker is a specified amount of disk space on CIT's network. Files stored on a locker are accessible from any computer connected to CIT's network. Uses for a locker include storage of word processing documents, large graphics files or statistical data sets.
logic The main ingredient lacking in every computer manual in existence.
log in. To connect to another computer or computer network to access its information.
loop. When programming, it's sometimes necessary to repeat steps of a program. The process of repeating program instructions is referred to as "looping."
low-level format. To arrange the pattern of magnetic tracks and sectors of a hard disk. Low-level formats are often unnecessary and may be used only on a new hard disk for the first time. After performing a low-level format on a new hard disk, you then must use the MS-DOS FORMAT command to perform a high-level format.
LPT. In MS-DOS, the name given to the parallel ports of the computer. The first parallel port is called LPT1:, the second LPT2:, and so on.
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