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n. Short for Platform for Privacy Preference Project. An XML-based technology under development by the World Wide Web Consortium for enabling Web sites and users to exchange privacy information. The goal of P3P is to enable Web sites to provide users with machine-readable and human-readable information regarding their privacy policies, and for users to be able to make decisions based on site policies and their own privacy preferences.
n. A technique employed in a number of DoS (denial of service) attacks in which a flood of packets of data are sent to a target server, overwhelming the computer and rendering it unable to respond to legitimate network requests. Examples of specific types of packet flooding include smurf attacks and SYN flood attacks. See also DoS, packet (definition 2), smurf attack, SYN flood.
n. A deceptive practice that detours Web visitors from legitimate sites generated as search engine results to copycat Web pages, from which they will be redirected to pornographic or other unwanted sites. Page-jacking is accomplished by copying the contents and metatags of a Web page, altering its title and content so that, on search results, it displays before the original, and then submitting the copied page to search engines. When clicking on the link to the copied site, the visitor will instead be redirected to an unwanted and unrelated site. See also metatag. Compare mousetrapping.
n. An input/output connector that sends and receives data 8 bits at a time, in parallel, between a computer and a peripheral device such as a printer, scanner, CD-ROM, or other storage device. The parallel port, often called a Centronics interface after the original design standard, uses a 25-pin connector called a DB-25 connector that includes three groups of lines: four for control signals, five for status signals, and eight for data. See the illustration. See also Centronics parallel interface, ECP, EPP, IEEE 1284, input/output port. Compare serial port.
n. Short for Peripheral Component Interconnect card. A card that fits into a PCI local bus to add functionality to a PC. Examples of the types of PCI cards available include TV tuner cards, video adapters, and network interface cards. See also card (definition 1), PCI local bus.
n. A family of 32-bit microprocessors introduced by Intel in March 1993 as the successor to the i486. The Pentium family is comprised of superscalar, CISC-based microprocessors containing between 3 million (earlier models) and 28 million transistors. They have a 32-bit address bus, a 64-bit data bus, a built-in floating-point unit and memory management unit, built-in caches, and a System Management Mode (SMM), which provides the microprocessor with the ability to slow or halt some system components when the system is idle or performing non-CPU-intensive tasks, thereby lessening power consumption. The Pentium also employs branch prediction, resulting in faster system performance. In addition, the Pentium has built-in features to ensure data integrity, and it supports functional redundancy checking (FRC). The Pentium II introduced MMX media enhancement support. See the table. See also branch prediction, CISC, functional redundancy checking, i486DX, L1 cache, L2 cache, microprocessor, MMX, P5, SIMD, superscalar.
Table: Pentiums
| Processor | Year of Release | Processor Speeds | Caches | Transistors |
| Pentium | 1993 | 60–200 MHz | 16-KB L1 cache | 3.1 million |
| Pentium Pro | 1995 | 150–200 MHz | 16-KB L1 cache; 512-KB–1-MB L2 cache | 5.5 million |
| Pentium II | 1997 | 233–450 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 256-KB-512–KB L2 cache | 7.5 million |
| Celeron | 1998 | 266–466 MHz | 128-KB L2 cache | 19 million |
| Pentium II Xeon | 1998 | 400–450 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 512-KB–2-MB L2 cache | 7.5 million |
| Pentium III | 1999 | 450–733 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 512-KB–2048-KB L2 cache | 28.1 million |
| Pentium III Xeon | 1999 | 500–733 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 512-KB–2-MB L2 cache | 28.1 million |
n. The use of telephone wiring for connecting computers and other devices in a small network, such as a home network. See also HomePNA.
n. Adobe software product for digital image editing and enhancement, photo retouching and color management of graphic images. Photoshop includes such features as multiple undo, text editing with formatting control, and enhanced color management and controls. The program supports numerous Web and graphics file formats and runs on both the Windows and Power Macintosh platforms.
n. A screen distortion effect in which a straight line curves, or the sides of the viewing area bow in, on a monitor screen. Pincushioning can usually be minimized through adjustment of appropriate monitor controls.
n. A graphical tool in Microsoft Excel 2000 that can be used to display data from a list or database in chart form. Based on user-selected information incorporated in an Excel PivotTable, a PivotChart provides the ability to chart the data interactively—for example, to "pivot" the chart's point of view from product sales by category to product sales by region or by salesperson. See also PivotTable.
n. An interactive table in Microsoft Excel that can show the same data from a list or a database in more than one arrangement. A user can manipulate the rows and columns in a PivotTable to view or summarize the information in different ways for purposes of analysis. In Excel 2000, a PivotTable is the basis for creating a PivotChart that displays the same data in chart form. See also PivotChart.
Platform for Privacy Preference Project
n. See P3P.
n. In relation to digital audio, a program that plays music and other audio files that have been ripped (transferred from a compact disc to a hard disk) and then encoded in a playable format, such as MP3. See also encoder, MP3, ripper.
n. Short for Private Network-to-Network Interface. A routing protocol used in ATM networks that provides switches with the ability to communicate changes in the network. Through PNNI, switches can be informed of changes to the network as they occur and can then use the information to make appropriate routing decisions. See also ATM (definition 1).
n. A type of virus that eludes detection by creating slightly modified but functional copies of itself. Because each copy of a polymorphic virus will have a different signature than the original, signature scanning techniques used in virus detection software might not find all instances of the virus infection, making it difficult to eradicate. See also signature file (definition 2), virus.
n. See article.
vb. 1. To submit an article in a newsgroup or other online conference or forum. The term is derived from the "posting" of a notice on a physical bulletin board. See also newsgroup. 2. To place a file on a server on a network or on a Web site.
n. A Macintosh computer based on the PowerPC processor. The first Power Macintoshes, 6100/60, 7100/66, and 8100/80, were unveiled in 1994. Several upgraded versions followed, and in early 1999 the G3, a PowerPC 750, was released. This was followed later in the year with the unveiling of the Power Macintosh G4. The Power Mac G4 uses the PowerPC 7400 processor and features significant boosts in processing speed. The Power Mac G4 uses Apple's Velocity Engine to process information in 128-bit chunks, allowing sustained performance in excess of one gigaflop. Also called Power Mac. See also PowerPC.
n. The regulation of power consumption on a computer, especially a portable battery-operated device such as a laptop. Power management reduces power to certain components, such as the screen and CPU, in order to use power efficiently and extend battery life. See also ACPI, Advanced Power Management.
n. A microprocessor architecture developed in 1992 by Motorola and IBM, with some participation by Apple. A PowerPC microprocessor is RISC-based and superscalar, with a 64-bit data bus and a 32-bit address bus. It also has separate data and instruction caches, although the size of each varies by implementation. All PowerPC microprocessors have multiple integer and floating-point units. The voltage and operating speed varies with the implementation. Starting with the PowerPC 740, the microprocessors were manufactured with copper, instead of aluminum, for better performance and reliability. See the table. See also L1 cache, L2 cache, microprocessor, RISC, superscalar.
Table: PowerPC
| Processor | Year of Release | Processor Speeds | Caches | Transistors |
| 601 | 1993 | 80–100 MHz | 16-KB L1 cache | 2.8 million |
| 603 | 1994 | 80–300 MHz | 16-KB L1 cache | 1.6 million |
| 604 | 1995 | 100–350 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache | 3.6 million |
| 740 | 1997 | 200–333 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache | 6.5 million |
| 750 | 1997 | 200–400 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 1-MB L2 cache | 6.5 million |
| 7400 or G4 | 1999 | 350–500 MHz | 32-KB L1 cache; 2 MB L2 cache | 10.5 million |
n. Microsoft's presentation software. PowerPoint includes text-editing and graphics tools that can create slides for public presentations. The presentations can be printed, projected, displayed on a monitor, or, in the version included with Office 2000, saved and published as Web pages.
Private Network-to-Network Interface
n. See PNNI.
n. An Internet service provider (ISP) that offers Internet access and a wide range of related services. Prodigy was founded by IBM and Sears as a proprietary online service, was acquired by International Wireless in 1996, and in 1999 entered into a partnership with SBC Communications. The addition of SBC's Internet customer base made Prodigy the third largest ISP in the United States.
n. Slang for a person who is obsessed with computers or other technology; a geek. The name refers to a child's beanie cap topped by a spinning propeller.
n. A management tool designed to identify and diagnose computer network problems. A protocol analyzer looks at LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network) traffic and finds protocol errors, connection delays, and other network faults. The protocol analyzer can filter and decode traffic, suggest solutions to problems, provide graphical reports, and show traffic by protocol and percent utilization. See also communications protocol.
n. See qubit.
n. A theoretical design for computers based on quantum mechanics. Unlike classic (current) digital computers, which calculate sets of values sequentially because a single bit can represent only 1 or 0 at any given time, a quantum computer is based on the ability of each bit to represent more than one value at the same time. Because each quantum bit-called a qubit-represents multiple values, a quantum computer can be in multiple states simultaneously and can thus work on numerous problems at the same time to offer far more computing power than is currently available. Quantum computing is under investigation by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and other groups. Although atoms of hydrogen and carbon have been used to create the rudiments of a quantum computer, the technology is still in its infancy.
Short for quantum bit. The bits (currently, atomic particles) that make up the theoretical machines known as quantum computers. Qubits are unlike bits in current computers in that they exist in more than one state at the same time. They can, therefore, represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. Qubits, like quantum computers, are based on the science of quantum mechanics.n. Financial-management software from Intuit, Inc. The personal-finance version, introduced by Intuit in 1984, includes tools for balancing and tracking bank accounts and investments, budgeting, paying bills, planning and preparing tax returns, financial planning, and estate planning. A small-business version, Quicken Home & Business, adds tools for business-related matters, such as invoicing and accounts receivable and payable.
n. See RDRAM.
Rambus dynamic random access memory
n. See RDRAM.
n. Short for Rambus dynamic random access memory. A type of DRAM designed by Rambus, Inc. In its fastest form, known as Direct RDRAM, this technology provides a 16-bit data path and a peak bandwidth of 1.6 GB per second (approximately eight to ten times faster than synchronous DRAM, or SDRAM). RDRAM has been used in graphics and video chips; Direct RDRAM is expected to replace DRAM and SDRAM in personal computers. Also called Rambus DRAM. See also dynamic ram, sdram.
n. See absolute address.
n. Streaming audio technology developed by RealNetworks, Inc., for distributing radio and FM-quality sound files over the Internet in real time. RealAudio is based on two components: client software for decompressing the sound on the fly and server software for delivering it. The client software is free, distributed either as a downloadable program or as part of browser software. See also RealPlayer, RealVideo, stream1, streaming (definition 1).
n. An Internet media player and browser plug-in developed by RealNetworks, Inc., that supports playback of RealAudio and RealVideo, as well as certain other formats, after installation of appropriate plug-ins. The current version allows RealPlayer users to surf for media content directly from the player or through a Web browser. See also RealAudio, RealVideo.
n. An open, standards-based platform for delivery of streaming audio and video over the Internet and other TCP/IP networks developed by RealNetworks, Inc. RealSystem G2 was introduced by RealNetworks in its audio and video players, servers, and development tools in 1998. Among other features, RealSystem G2 scales to different bandwidths, includes streaming that adjusts delivery to available bandwidth, and supports SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) for multimedia presentations. See also RealAudio, RealVideo, SMIL, streaming (definition 1).
n. The streaming technology developed by RealNetworks, Inc., for distributing video over intranets and the Internet. RealVideo transmits video from a server in encoded (compressed) form. The video and accompanying sound are viewed on the client end with the help of a software player. RealVideo works with both IP and IP multicasting and, as with RealAudio, does not require transmission of complete files before playback can begin. See also RealAudio, RealPlayer, streaming (definition 1).
n. See region code.
n. Digital information included on DVD releases that prevents the DVD from being played in any region but the one in which it was purchased. DVD playback devices read the region code of the DVD and compare it with the code included with the DVD player. If the codes don't match, the disc cannot be played. Region codes are a required part of DVD standards at the insistence of the entertainment industry because of the need to retain control of the distribution of its products. Under the system, the United States and Canada are Region 1 of six worldwide regions. While the region code reader is required in all DVD playback devices, the coding system is optional on DVDs. Discs distributed without a region code can be played on any DVD player.
n. See RPG.
n. A plug-in module jointly developed by Rambus and Intel for the high-bandwidth computer memory known as Direct RDRAM. A RIMM is comparable to a DIMM in size and shape, but the two are not pin-compatible. See also DIMM, RDRAM.
vb. To convert audio data from a compact disc into a WAV file or other digital format, typically in preparation for further encoding as an MP3 file. See also MP3.
n. 1. Short for Routing Information Protocol. An Internet protocol, defined in RFC 1058, that defines the exchange of routing table information. Through RIP, each router on a network sends its routing table to its nearest neighbor every 30 seconds. Under RIP, routing is determined by the number of hops between source and destination. RIP is an interior gateway protocol (a protocol used by gateways for exchanging routing information). Because it is not the most efficient of routing protocols, it is being replaced by the more efficient Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. See also communications protocol, interior gateway protocol, OSPF. 2. See raster image processor.
n. Digital audio technology that converts audio data from a compact disc into a WAV file or other digital format. An encoder then converts this file into a file (typically an MP3 file) that can be played back by software known as a player. See also encoder (definition 2), MP3.
n. 1. See role-playing game. 2. Short for Report Program Generator. An IBM programming platform introduced in 1964. The earliest version of RPG was not a language, but a program generator intended to aid in producing business reports. Versions of RPG have been developed for various platforms, including IBM's AS/400 server,UNIX, MS-DOS, and Windows.
n. Short for Run Length Encoding. A data compression format in which only the first of a series of consecutive identical pixels is saved, along with the total number of pixels in the run. When the file is decompressed, each representative pixel is copied the correct number of times to replace those not saved. RLE compression works best with simple, black and white or flat color graphics.
n. See RLE.
n. Identifier for Intel's line of RISC-based microprocessors for portable and embedded devices. See also StrongARM.
n. See storage area network.
n. See screenscraping.
n. Programming that reformats data passed between older programs and new user interfaces, such as Web browsers or windows in an operating system, so that the data can be understood by both old and new software. The screenscraping program intercepts data coming from a legacy program and reformats it for a current user interface. The program then reformats user input from newer interfaces that is passed to legacy programs.
n. A would-be hacker who does not have the technical skills or knowledge needed for traditional hacking methods; one who relies on easy-to-use kiddie scripts. See also hacker (definition 2), kiddie script.
n. See Secure Digital Music Initiative.
Secure Digital Music Initiative
n. A coalition of companies from the recording, electronics, and information technology industries founded in February 1999 for the purpose of developing an open standard for the secure distribution of music in digital form. The SDMI specification is designed to provide consumers with flexibility and convenient access to electronically distributed music (that is, over the Internet) while also protecting the rights of the artists. Acronym: SDMI. See also MP3, Windows Media Technologies.
n. The strategy of dealing with security holes in a computer product by ignoring them. The vendor selling the product or the company using the product makes the assumption that, if the holes are ignored they will not be found and will not be exploited. While security by obscurity might offer short-term protection, product vulnerabilities tend to be found, and exploited, eventually.
n. A device designed to deliver one or more specific network services in a single turnkey package that includes both hardware and software. All necessary programs are preinstalled on a server appliance, which has minimal, simplified options and controls. Server appliances can be used to complement or replace traditional servers on a network and can provide such services as file and printer sharing and Internet connectivity. Also called appliance. See also information appliance.
n. A centralized grouping of network servers maintained by an enterprise or, often, an Internet service provider (ISP). A server farm provides a network with load balancing, scalability, and fault tolerance. Individual servers may be connected in such a way that they appear to represent a single resource.
n. A device that converts a cable TV signal to an input signal to the TV set. Set-top boxes can be used to access the World Wide Web and are a type of information appliance. See also information appliance.
n. In e-commerce programs, a file in which an online customer stores information on potential purchases until ready to order. Usually represented on screen with a drawing of a shopping cart, the virtual shopping cart provides a recognizable point of reference to users new to the e-commerce experience. See also e-commerce.
n. A contract or license in or on a software box or package that sets forth conditions for use of the software. Typically, a shrinkwrap agreement states that a user accepts the terms of the agreement when he or she opens the box. A shrinkwrap agreement is a print version of an End-User License Agreement. Also called box-top license. See also end-user license agreement. Compare clickwrap agreement.n. 1. A file that contains information inserted by a user and automatically appended to e-mail correspondence or newsgroup articles by client software. A signature file typically contains the name or nickname of the user and might include such information as the user's e-mail address, Web page, company, or job title. 2. A file that updates an antivirus program so that the program recognizes signatures of new viruses and removes the viruses from the user's computer. See also antivirus program, virus signature.
n. See mantissa (definition 2).
n. Short for Software & Information Industry Association. A nonprofit trade association representing over 1200 high-tech companies worldwide and charged with watching over the interests of the software and digital content industry. The SIIA was formed in 1999 when the Software Publishers Association (SPA) merged with the Information Industry Association (IIA). The SIIA focuses on three areas: providing information and forums in which to distribute information to the high-tech industry; protection in the form of an antipiracy program geared to help members enforce their copyrights; and promotion and education.
n. The Manhattan, New York, metropolitan area. Originally the term referred to the area of Manhattan below 41st Street, which had a heavy concentration of technology companies, but now includes the entire island, reflecting the number of businesses involved in computer technology in that area. The name was inspired by Silicon Valley, the area of northern California that is home to many technology firms. See also Silicon Valley.
n. An alternative graphical interface for an operating system (OS) or a software program. A skin customizes the look of the OS or program but does not affect its functionality. Programs that allow the use of skins usually make standards available for the creation and distribution of new skins. See also graphical user interface.
n. A sudden but short-lived increase in traffic to a smaller Web site that occurs after that Web site has been listed on a large, high-interest Web site or similar source. The increased number of hits often overwhelms the capabilities of the smaller Web site, slowing it down or making it impossible to reach. The slashdot effect gets its name from the reported results of having a Web site listed in an article on the news and information Web site Slashdot.org.
n. See slashdot effect.
n. A suite of business application programs sold by Lotus Development. Lotus SmartSuite includes six programs: Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet, Lotus WordPro word processor, Lotus Approach database, Lotus Freelance Graphics presentation software, Lotus Organizer time-management software, and Lotus ScreenCam multimedia software. SmartSuite 97 supports collaboration, Web publishing, use of Internet/intranet resources, and customizable document and project organizers. SmartSuite competes with Microsoft Office and WordPerfect Office.
n. Software that assists in gathering information about people or organizations without their knowledge or consent. Snoopware may be designed to record and report all activity on a computer, or Web sites visited, keystrokes made, e-mail sent, andso forth. Originally, most snoopware was used by companies to monitor employee activity or gather information over the Internet on users to distribute to advertisers or other interested parties. Newer, low-cost snoopware products are available that enable users to monitor spouses, children, co-workers, or other individuals.
n. Short for Simple Object Access Protocol. An XML/HTTP-based protocol for platform-independent access to objects and services on the Web. SOAP defines a message format in XML that travels over the Internet using HTTP. By using existing Web protocols (HTTP) and languages (XML), SOAP runs over the existing Internet infrastructure without being tied to any operating system, language, or object model. See also communications protocol, HTTP, XML.
Software & Information Industry Association
n. See SIIA.
Software Publishers Association
n. See SIIA.
n. A tool designed to track changes made to source code files. Changes are documented in such a way that previous versions of the files can be retrieved. Source code control is used in software development, particularly in situations involving concurrent development and multiple user access to source code files.
n. See SIIA.
n. A long key occupying much of the bottom row of most keyboards that sends a space character to the computer.
n. 1. An unsolicited e-mail message sent to many recipients at one time, or a news article posted simultaneously to many newsgroups. Spam is the electronic equivalent of junk mail. In most cases, the content of a spam message or article is not relevant to the topic of the newsgroup or the interests of the recipient; spam is an abuse of the Internet in order to distribute a message to a huge number of people at minimal cost. 2. An unsolicited e-mail message from a business or individual that seeks to sell the recipient something. Also called UCE, unsolicited commercial e-mail.
vb. See address munging.
n. An emerging field of study in electronics and physics that is based on the ability to detect and control the spin of electrons in magnetic materials. Using spintronics, it might eventually be possible to produce small, fast electronic devices, including transistors, memory devices, and quantum computers.
n. Short for Streaming SIMD Extensions. A set of 70 new instructions implemented in Intel's Pentium III microprocessor. SSE, more formally called Internet SSE (ISSE), uses SIMD (single-instruction, multiple-data) operations to accelerate floating point calculations. Designed to improve performance in visual areas such as real-time 3-D and graphics rendering, SSE also provides support for development of such applications as real-time video and speech recognition. See also SIMD.
n. A type of virus that disguises the modifications it has made to files or boot records by reporting false values when files are read. Programs see the original, uninfected form of files, and the virus infection remains hidden.
adj. In reference to a Web site, properties such as targeted content or services that increase the amount of time users choose to spend at the site and increase user's desire to return to the site repeatedly.
n. A high-speed network that provides a direct connection between servers and storage, including shared storage, clusters, and disaster-recovery devices. A storage area network, or SAN, includes components such as hubs and routers that are also used in local area networks (LANs), but it differs in being something of a "subnetwork" dedicated to providing a high-speed connection between storage elements and servers. Most SANs rely on fiber-channel connections that deliver speeds up to 1000 Mbps and can support up to 128 devices. SANs are implemented to provide the scalability, speed, and manageability required in environments that demand high data availability. Acronym: SAN. Also called system area network.
n. The architecture underlying Intel's low-power, high-performance SA microprocessors. StrongARM is based on the 32-bit RISC architecture licensed by ARM Limited. StrongARM-based SA microprocessors support a number of platforms, including Windows CE and Java, and are designed for use in four primary areas: smart portable devices, such as cellular phones and handheld computers; Internet access devices, such as set-top boxes; networking devices, such as switches and routers; and embedded controls, such as entertainment devices and automation equipment. See also ARM.
n. See storage area network.
n. Short for Time Division Multiple Access. A multiplexing technology used to divide a single cellular phone channel into multiple subchannels. TDMA works by allocating separate time slots to each user. It is implemented in D-AMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service), which relies on TDMA to divide each of the 30 analog AMPS channels into 3 separate subchannels, and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). See also D-AMPS, Global System for Mobile Communications. Compare AMPS, FDMA.
n. See Tribe Flood Network.
n. See time stamp.
n. 1. A feature often built into evaluation or beta versions of software that renders the software unusable after a certain period of time. With some evaluation versions of software containing time bombs, users are given codes or registration numbers after purchasing the software that will deactivate the time bomb. 2. See logic bomb (definition 2). 3. See Year 2000 problem.
n. A time signature that is added by a program or system to files, e-mail messages, or Web pages. A time stamp indicates the time and usually the date when a file or Web page was created or last modified or when an e-mail message was sent or received. Most time stamps are created by programs and are based on the time kept by the system clock of a computer on which the program resides. Commercial time stamp services are available on the Web or by e-mail, and offer proof of posting certificates to corroborate the time and date a message was sent. Also called date and time stamp, date stamp, time and date stamp.
n. See top-level domain.
n. A utility that shows the route a packet takes through a network to arrive at a remote host. A traceroute also reports the IP addresses of all intermediate hosts or routers and the time required for the packet to reach each of them. See also IP address, packet.
n. An attack tool used by hackers to enable distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Tribe Flood Network's master component is installed on computers that become unwitting accomplices to the attack. The hacker uses the client component of the program to control the hacked computers and coordinate the attack. Tribe Flood Network is capable of launching SYN flood, and smurf attacks on Windows NT, Solaris, and Linux servers. Acronym: TFN. See also DDoS, smurf attack, SYN flood, Trinoo.
n. An attack tool released in December of 1999 used to perform distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Trinoo consists of two types of components: a master component and a client component. A hacker will send Trinoo's master component, usually disguised as an e-mail attachment, to computers that will serve as unwitting accomplices. The master component secretly installs itself on the hacked computer, from which it carries out its attack, sending numerous invalid data packets to the target server. Trinoo's client component allows the hacker to control master components on multiple zombie computers during the attack. See also DDoS, Tribe Flood Network.
n. See OpenType.
n. A PCI card that allows a computer to receive television programming and display it on the computer's monitor. See also PCI card.
n. The de facto standard interface between software applications and image-capturing devices such as scanners. Nearly all scanners contain a TWAIN driver, but only TWAIN-compatible software can use the technology. The TWAIN specification was developed by the TWAIN Working Group, a consortium of industry vendors formed in 1992. The name is thought by some to be an acronym for the phrase "technology without an interesting name," although the TWAIN Working Group maintains the name is not an acronym. Others attribute the name to the quote, "Ne'er the twain shall meet," because the TWAIN driver and the application receiving the image are separated. See also scanner.
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Last Updated: Saturday, July 7, 2001