MICROSOFT Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. The apparently simultaneous execution of two or more routines or programs. Concurrent execution can be accomplished on a single process or by using time-sharing techniques, such as dividing programs into different tasks or threads of execution, or by using multiple processors. Also called: parallel execution. See also parallel algorithm, processor, sequential execution, task, thread (definition 1), time-sharing.

concurrent operation n. See concurrent.

concurrent processing n. See concurrent.

concurrent program execution n. See concurrent.

Concurrent Versions System n. See CVS (definition 2).

condensed

adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a font style, supported in some applications, that reduces the width of each character and then sets the characters closer together than their normal spacing. Many dot-matrix printers have a feature that causes the printer to reduce the width of each character and print them closer together, resulting in more characters fitting on a single line. Compare expanded.

condition

n. The state of an expression or a variable (for example, when a result can be either true or false, or equal or not equal).

conditional

adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an action or operation that takes place based on whether or not a certain condition is true. See also Boolean expression, conditional statement.

conditional branch

n. In a program, a branch instruction that occurs when a particular condition code is true or false. The term is normally used in relation to low-level languages. See also branch instruction, condition code.

conditional compilation

n. Selective compilation or translation of source code of a program based on certain conditions or flags; for example, sections of a program specified by the programmer might be compiled only if a DEBUG flag has been defined at compilation time. See also comment out.

conditional expression

n. See Boolean expression.

conditional jump

n. In a program, a jump instruction that occurs when a particular condition code is true or false. The term is normally used in relation to low-level languages. See also condition code, jump instruction.

conditional statement

n. A programming-language statement that selects an execution path based on whether some condition is true or false (for example, the IF statement). See also case statement, conditional, IF statement, statement.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

conditional transfer

n. A transfer of the flow of execution to a given location in a program based on whether a particular condition is true. The term is usually used in relation to high-level languages. See also conditional statement.

condition code

n. One of a set of bits that are set on (1, or true) or off (0, or false) as the result of previous machine instructions. The term is used primarily in assembly or machine language situations. Condition codes are hardware-specific but usually include carry, overflow, zero result, and negative result codes. See also conditional branch.

conditioning

n. The use of special equipment to improve the ability of a communications line to transmit data. Conditioning controls or compensates for signal attenuation, noise, and distortion. It can be used only on leased lines, where the path from sending to receiving computer is known in advance.

conductor

n. A substance that conducts electricity well. Metals are good conductors, with silver and gold being among the best. The most commonly used conductor is copper. Compare insulator, semiconductor.

Conference on Data Systems Languages n. See CODASYL.

CONFIG.SYS

n. A special text file that controls certain aspects of operating-system behavior in MS-DOS and OS/2. Commands in the CONFIG.SYS file enable or disable system features, set limits on resources (for example, the maximum number of open files), and extend the operating system by loading device drivers that control hardware specific to an individual computer system.

configuration

n. 1. In reference to a single microcomputer, the sum of a system’s internal and external components, including memory, disk drives, keyboard, video, and generally less critical add-on hardware, such as a mouse, modem, or printer. Software (the operating system and various device drivers), the user’s choices established through configuration files such as the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files on IBM PCs and compatibles, and sometimes hardware (switches and jumpers) are needed to “configure the configuration” to work correctly. Although system configuration can be changed, as by adding more memory or disk capacity, the basic structure of the system—its architecture—remains the same. See also AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS. 2. In relation to networks, the entire interconnected set of hardware, or the way in which a network is laid out—the manner in which elements are connected.

configuration file

n. A file that contains machine-readable operating specifications for a piece of hardware or software or that contains information on another file or on a specific user, such as the user’s logon ID.

congestion

n. The condition of a network when the current load approaches or exceeds the available resources and bandwidth designed to handle that load at a particular location in the network. Packet loss and delays are associated with congestion.

connect charge

n. The amount of money a user must pay for connecting to a commercial communications system or service. Some services calculate the connect charge as a flat rate per billing period. Others charge a varying rate based on the type of service or the amount of information being accessed.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Still others base their charges on the number of time units used, the time or distance involved per connection, the bandwidth of each connected session, or some combination of the preceding criteria. See also connect time.

connection

n. A physical link via wire, radio, fiberoptic cable, or other medium between two or more communications devices.

connection-based session

n. A communications session that requires a connection to be established between hosts prior to an exchange of data.

connectionism

n. A model in artificial intelligence that advocates using highly parallel, specialized processes that compute simultaneously and are massively connected. Thus, the connectionist approach would not use a single high-speed processor to compute an algorithm, but would break out many simple specialized processing elements that are highly connected. Neural networks are classic examples of connectionism in that each “neuron” in the network may be assigned to a single processor. See also algorithm, artificial intelligence, neural network.

connectionless

adj. In communications, of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a method of data transmission that does not require a direct connection between two nodes on one or more networks. Connectionless communication is achieved by passing, or routing, data packets, each of which contains a source and destination address, through the nodes until the destination is reached. See also node (definition 2), packet (definition 2). Compare connection-oriented.

connectionless session

n. A communications session that does not require a connection to be established between hosts prior to an exchange of data.

connection-oriented

adj. In communications, of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a method of data transmission that requires a direct connection between two nodes on one or more networks. Compare connectionless.

connection pooling

n. A resource optimization feature of ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) 3 that results in more efficient sharing of database connections and objects. Connection pooling maintains open collections (pools) of database connections that can be used and reused by applications without the need to open and close a connection for each request. This is particularly important for Webbased applications. Connection pooling enables sharing among different components, maximizes performance, and minimizes the number of idle connections. See also ODBC.

connectivity

n. 1. The nature of the connection between a user’s computer and another computer, such as a server or a host computer on the Internet or a network. This may describe the quality of the circuit or telephone line, the degree of freedom from noise, or the bandwidth of the communications devices. 2. The ability of hardware devices or software packages to transmit data between other devices or packages. 3. The ability of hardware devices, software packages, or a computer itself to work with network devices or with other hardware devices, software packages, or a computer over a network connection.

connectoid

n. In Windows 9x and Windows NT, an icon representing a dial-up networking connection that will also execute a script for logging onto the network dialed.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

connector

n. 1. In hardware, a coupler used to join cables or to join a cable to a device (for example, an RS- 232-C connector used to join a modem cable to a computer). Most connector types are available in one of two genders—male or female. A male connector is characterized by one or more exposed pins; a female connector is characterized by one or more receptacles—sockets or jacks— designed to accept the pins on the male connector. See also DB connector, DIN connector. 2. In programming, a circular symbol used in a flowchart to indicate a break, as to another page.

connect time

n. The amount of time during which a user is actively connected to a remote computer. On commercial systems, the connect time is one means of calculating how much money the user must pay for using the system. See also connect charge.

consistency check

n. A survey to verify that items of data conform to certain formats, bounds, and other parameters and are not internally contradictory. Compare completeness check.

console

n. 1. A control unit, such as a terminal, through which a user communicates with a computer. In microcomputers, the console is the cabinet that houses the main components and controls of the system, sometimes including the screen, the keyboard, or both. With the MS-DOS operating system, the console is the primary input (keyboard) and primary output device (screen), as evidenced by the device name CON. See also CON, system console. 2. See game console.

console game

n. A special-purpose computer system designed specifically for the home user to play video games. A game console typically includes a CPU, one or more game controllers, audio output, and a video output that connects to a television set. Individual games and memory cards are supplied on plug-in cartridges or compact discs. Many recent versions are 128-bit systems and also include a modem for online gaming over the Internet. Well-known console games include Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Sega Dreamcast. Also called: game console. Compare arcade game. See also computer game, Dreamcast, GameCube, PlayStation, Xbox.

constant

n. A named item that retains a consistent value throughout the execution of a program, as opposed to a variable, which can have its value changed during execution. Compare variable.

constant expression

n. An expression that is composed only of constants and, hence, whose value does not change during program execution. Compare variable expression.

constellation

n. In communications, a pattern representing the possible states of a carrier wave, each of which is associated with a particular bit combination. A constellation shows the number of states that can be recognized as unique changes in a communications signal and thus the maximum number of bits that can be encoded in a single change (equivalent to 1 baud, or one event). See the illustration.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Constellation.

constraint

n. In programming, a restriction on the solutions that are acceptable for a problem.

consultant

n. A computer professional who deals with client firms as an independent contractor rather than as an employee. Consultants are often engaged to analyze user needs and develop system specifications.

Consumer Electronics Show

n. Annual tradeshow of the consumer electronics industry, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES features exhibits of the latest consumer electronics products and conference events that focus on consumer trends and business strategies. Acronym: CES.

contact manager

n. A type of specialized database that allows a user to maintain a record of personal communication with others. Contact managers are widely used by salespeople and others who want to keep track of conversations, e-mail, and other forms of communication with a large number of current and prospective customers or clients. See also database.

container

n. 1. In OLE terminology, a file containing linked or embedded objects. See also OLE. 2. In SGML, an element that has content as opposed to one consisting solely of the tag name and attributes. See also element, SGML, tag. 3. In Sun Microsystem’s J2EE network platform, an entity that provides life cycle management, security, deployment, and runtime services to components such as beans, Web components, applets, and application clients. Each type of container created (for example, EJB, Web, JSP, servlet, applet, and application client) also provides component-specific services. See also applet, component (definition 3), enterprise java bean, JSP, servlet.

container object

n. An object that can logically contain other objects. For example, a folder is a container object. See also noncontainer object, object.

content

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. 1. The data that appears between the starting and ending tags of an element in an SGML, XML, or HTML document. The content of an element may consist of plain text or other elements. See also element (definition 2), HTML, SGML, tag (definition 3). 2. The message body of a newsgroup article or e-mail message. 3. The “meat” of a document, as opposed to its format or appearance.

content-addressed storage n. See associative storage.

content aggregator

n. 1. Broadly, an organization or business that groups Internet-based information by topic or area of interest—for example, sports scores, business news, or online shopping—to provide users with a means of accessing that content from a single location. 2. In terms of push technology and multicasting, a service business that mediates between subscribers (“customers”) and content providers by gathering and organizing information for broadcast over the Internet. Content aggregators supply subscribers with client software through which content providers broadcast (push) information via “channels” that allow users both to choose the kind of information they receive and to decide when they want it updated. Also called: channel aggregator. See also push, webcasting. Compare content provider.

content caching

n. See content delivery.

content delivery

n. The process of caching the pages of a Web site on geographically dispersed servers to enable faster delivery of Web pages. When a page is requested at a URL that is content-delivery enabled, the content-delivery network routes the user’s request to a cache server closer to the user. Content delivery frequently is used for high-traffic Web sites or for specific high-traffic events. Also called: content distribution, content caching.

content distribution

n. See content delivery.

contention

n. On a network, competition among nodes for the opportunity to use a communications line or network resource. In one sense, contention applies to a situation in which two or more devices attempt to transmit at the same time, thus causing a collision on the line. In a somewhat different sense, contention also applies to a free-for-all method of controlling access to a communications line, in which the right to transmit is awarded to the station that wins control of the line. See also CSMA/CD. Compare token passing.

Content Management Server

n. Automated software application developed by Microsoft Corporation to assist nontechnical users in creating, tracking, and publishing content for Web sites. A workflow system delineates the tasks each user can perform, assigns content to individuals or groups, and allows users to monitor the status of content with which they are associated.

Content Protection for Recordable Media n. See CPRM.

content provider

n. 1. Broadly, an individual, group, or business that provides information for viewing or distribution on the Internet or on private or semiprivate intranets or extranets. Content in this sense includes not only information but also video, audio, software, listings of Web sites, and product-specific materials such as online catalogs. 2. A service business that makes Internet information resources available to users. Content providers include online services such as America Online

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

and CompuServe, Internet service providers (ISPs), and an increasing number of media companies representing television, long-distance telephone, and publishing industries. See also ISP, online information service. Compare content aggregator.

Content Scrambling System n. See CSS.

contents directory

n. A series of queues that contain the descriptors and addresses of routines located within a region of memory.

context-dependent

adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a process or a set of data characters whose meaning depends on the surrounding environment.

context-sensitive help

n. A form of assistance in which a program that provides on-screen help shows information to the user concerning the current command or operation being attempted.

context-sensitive menu

n. A menu that highlights options as available or unavailable depending on the context in which the option is called. The menus on Windows’ menu bar, for example, are context sensitive; options such as copy are grayed out if nothing is selected.

context switching

n. A type of multitasking; the act of turning the central processor’s “attention” from one task to another, rather than allocating increments of time to each task in turn. See also multitasking, time slice.

contextual search

n. A search operation in which the user can direct a program to search specified files for a particular set of text characters.

contiguous

adj. Having a shared boundary; being immediately adjacent. For example, contiguous sectors on a disk are data-storage segments physically located next to one another.

contiguous data structure

n. A data structure, such as an array, that is stored in a consecutive set of memory locations. See also data structure. Compare noncontiguous data structure.

continuous carrier

n. In communications, a carrier signal that remains on throughout the transmission, whether or not it is carrying information.

continuous-form paper

n. Paper in which each sheet is connected to the sheets before and after it, for use with most impact and ink-jet printers and some other printing devices designed with an appropriate paperfeed mechanism. The paper usually has holes punched along each side so that it can be pulled by a tractor-feed device. See the illustration. See also pin feed, sprocket feed, tractor feed.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Continuous-form paper.

continuous processing

n. The processing of transactions as they are input to the system. Compare batch processing (definition 3).

continuous speech recognition

n. A type of automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology that responds to strings of words. Continuous speech recognition allows a user to speak in a natural voice without the need to slow down and enunciate each word separately. Continuous speech recognition software takes advantage of context in recognizing words, and thus will not operate at full efficiency if each word is spoken with distinct separation. See also ASR (definition 2).

continuous-tone image

n. An image, such as a photograph, in which color or varying shades of gray are reproduced as gradients rather than as clustered or variably sized dots, as in traditional book or newspaper printing. Continuous-tone images can be viewed on an analog monitor (such as a television monitor), which accepts input as a continuously variable signal. They cannot be viewed on a digital monitor, which requires input broken into discrete units, nor can they be printed in books or newspapers, which represent illustrations as groups of dots. See also scan (definition 2), video digitizer. Compare halftone.

continuous-tone printer

n. A printer that produces an image using smoothly blended levels of continuous ink for gradations of gray or color. Compare dithering.

contouring

n. 1. In computer graphics, such as CAD models, the representation of the surface of an object— its bumps and crannies. See the illustration. 2. In image processing, the loss of detail that occurs in a shaded image when too few gradations of gray are used to reproduce a graphic, such as a photograph. In photography and graphic arts, this phenomenon is sometimes called posterization.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

Contouring.

contrast

n. 1. The degree of difference between light and dark extremes of color on a monitor or on printed output. 2. The control knob by which the contrast of a monitor is changed.

control

n. 1. Management of a computer and its processing abilities so as to maintain order as tasks and activities are carried out. Control applies to measures designed to ensure error-free actions carried out at the right time and in the right order relative to other data-handling or hardwarebased activities. In reference to hardware, control of system operations can reside in a data pathway called a control bus. In reference to software, control refers to program instructions that manage data-handling tasks. 2. In a graphical user interface, an object on the screen that can be manipulated by the user to perform an action. The most common controls are buttons, which allow the user to select options, and scroll bars, which allow the user to move through a document or position text in a window.

control break

n. A transition in control of the computer that typically gives control of the CPU (central processing unit) to the user console or to some other program.

Control-Break

n. See Break key.

control bus

n. The set of lines (conductors) within a computer that carry control signals between the CPU (central processing unit) and other devices. For example, a control bus line is used to indicate whether the CPU is attempting to read from memory or to write to it; another control bus line is used by memory to request an interrupt in case of a memory error.

control character

n. 1. Any of the first 32 characters in the ASCII character set (0 through 31 in decimal representation), each of which is defined as having a standard control function, such as carriage return, linefeed, or backspace. 2. Any of the 26 characters Control-A through Control-Z (1 through 26 in decimal representation) that can be typed at the keyboard by holding the Control key down and typing the appropriate letter. The six remaining characters with control functions, such as Escape (ASCII 27), cannot be typed using the Control key. Compare control code.

control code

n. One or more nonprinting characters used by a computer program to control the actions of a device, used in printing, communications, and management of display screens. Control codes are mainly employed by programmers or by users to control a printer when an application program does not support the printer or one of its specialized features. In video, control codes are sent from a computer to a display unit to manipulate the appearance of text or a cursor on the screen. Popular video control code sets are ANSI and VT-100. Also called: escape sequence, setup string. See also control character.

control console

Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition

n. See console.

control data

n. Data that consists of information about timing and switching, used to synchronize and route other data or to manage the operation of a device such as a bus or a port.

control flow

n. The tracing of all possible execution paths in a program, often represented in the form of a diagram. See the illustration.

Control flow.

Control key

n. A key that, when pressed in combination with another key, gives the other key an alternative meaning. In many application programs, Control (labeled CTRL or Ctrl on a PC keyboard) plus another key is used as a command for special functions. See the illustration. See also control character (definition 2).

Control key.

controller

n. A device that other devices rely on for access to a computer subsystem. A disk controller, for example, controls access to one or more disk drives, managing physical and logical access to the drive or drives.

control logic

n. The electronic circuitry that generates, interprets, and uses control data.

control panel