Art And Telecommunications Glossary

ART AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS GLOSSARY Glossary definitionsprovidedbyFred Truck, TimothyO'Neill, DonForesta, Mit Mitropoulos, Derrick de Kerckhove, JenniferHall,Jeff Mann, Marcello Aitiani, EricGidney, MathiasFuchs, Mario Costa, Dana Moser, Stephen Wilson, BeverlyJones, Fred Forest, Anna Couey, Artur Matuck, CraigJohnson, RoyAscottand David Traub* address-a number that designates a particular location in computer memory.* algorithm-a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.* analogsignal-a continuous, unsampled representation ofan electronic signal. While the analog signal is an exact replication ofan original signal, and thus is true to that signal, it is quickly victim to degradation .* ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)-a standard for representing alphanumeric figures in binary form.* bandwidth-a measure of the width or capacity of any filter or delivery channel, such as fiber-optic, coaxial cable or a satellite circuit.* baseband transmission-the transmission ofdigital data across a local area network (LAN) cable or circuit that is capable only ofcarrying data.* bionism-an intermediate state between the natural and the technological environment which describes the condition when the human organism and mind are supported directly and interactively by some or all of their technological extensions (see 'psychotechnology'). bit-a single binary digit. * bitmap--a means of constructing computer -graphic images by selecting and highlighting sequential pixel representations (as opposed to the skeletal representation ofvector, or matrix, graphics).* bit stream-a series ofdigital signals stored, sent or retrieved from a digital device . Because bit stream transmission is a consecutive line ofinformation, data is arranged without regard to grouping by character. The character separation is accomplished by the retrieving terminal equipment. branches-decision points throughout the course ofa computer program that provide navigational options. For example, when navigating a historical videodisc, a user might be asked to choose between listening to speeches by George Washington or Thomas]efferson.* broadband transmission-the transmission of analog data via modem across a local area network (LAN) cable capable of carrying voice, data or video.* bulletin board system (BBS)-a system that has been set up to allow people to access it from home, using their own computer and a modem (usually for a fee). A bulletin board is a public forum where messages can be exchanged. The BBS normally has several bulletin boards available for differen t topics and also provides other services such as software trading. (See also 'computer conferencing'.) button-s-a graphical component to the interface that represents some embedded functionality. For example, in HyperCard a user can create buttons that, when clicked upon, branch a user to another location in the program.* byte-s-a group of eight bits.* CAD (computer-aided design)-the process by which a computer is used to design everything from products to buildings.* camcorder-the lightweight VHS and 8mm video camera.* CATV (cable television)-a local area network (LAN) principally dedicated to consumer-based video transmission. CATV can also deliver videotext, and it will continue to mesh with other forms of data and voice LANs as the separation between the domains ofvideo and data blurs even more.* CD·I (compactdisc-interactive)-a multimedia form ofcompact disc that allows for user interaction. It includes audio, static data, still video pictures and animated graphics.* CD ROM (compact disc read only memory)-the second of the compact disc family of digital products (after CD audio). Capable of holding as much as 250,000 pages ofgraphic and textural information. CD ROM is an ideal means of delivering large applications and databases.* CD ROM XA (compact disc read only memoryextension architecture)-a hybrid CD ROM product using CD-I audio and graphics technology to increase CD ROM's capabilities as a multimedia delivery medium.* chaos theory-the study of chaos, disorder, the random, erratic and unpredictable in nature in an attempt to find its underlying order; the study ofdynamical systems, nonlinear science, fractal geometry. clippers---a device used to truncate the flow of an electric current. Also known as limiters, clippers prevent the size of an electronic wave form from exceeding a specific level which preserves the shape of the wave at lower amplitudes. CODEC (coder-decoder)-videoconferencing equipment that changes analog audio and video signals into a compressed digital signal at varying rates for transmission over digital networks...