Computer Science

A data structure is a specialized format for organizing, processing, retrieving and storing data.

A Turing Test is a method of inquiry in artificial intelligence (AI) for determining whether or not a computer is capable of thinking like a human being.

An application program interface (API) is code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other.

A tracking array is a collection of solar panels that turn to follow the path of the sun in order to maximize the solar radiation on the photovoltaic (PV) surface and convert light into electrical current.

A field-effect transistor (FET) is a type of transistor commonly used for weak-signal amplification (for example, for amplifying wireless signals).

Ohm's Law is the mathematical relationship among electric current, resistance, and voltage.

This handy fast reference will help you quickly understand hundreds of Text, Twitter and Chat abbreviations and acronyms that are popularly used in text messages and social media. Please bookmark this page and refer back to it as needed.

A motor vehicle record (MVR) is the documentation of a person’s driving history. The information in an MVR includes personally identifiable information (PII) as well as information about the driver's traffic citations, vehicular crimes, accidents, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions and the number of points on the individual’s driver’s license.

United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a federal cabinet agency that is tasked with overseeing the energy economy, energy policies and energy security of the U.S. The agency creates policies for nuclear power, fossil fuel and alternative energy sources.

The Media Rating Council (MRC) is an industry-funded organization whose purpose is to review and accredit audience rating services within the media industry and secure a measurement service that is valid, reliable and effective.

Syslog is an IETF RFC 5424 standard protocol for computer logging and collection that is popular in Unix-like systems including servers, networking equipment and IoT devices.

RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a way of storing the same data in different places on multiple hard disks to protect data in the case of a drive failure.

Grid computing (or the use of a computational grid) is applying the resources of many computers in a network to a single problem at the same time

How to select the right firewall for your needs

Quick Network Security & Hardware Refreshers School is out for college students across the US, but the learning never stops for IT professionals.

An independent variable is a variable that is manipulated to determine the value of a dependent variable.

A natural number is a number that occurs commonly and obviously in nature.

An algorithm (pronounced AL-go-rith-um) is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions.

Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random access memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular random access memory (RAM).

A smart card is a physical card that has an embedded integrated chip that acts as a security token.

A neuromorphic chip is an analog data processor inspired by the biological brain.

A MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) is a miniature machine that has both mechanical and electronic components.

A nanocrystal is a crystalline particle with at least one dimension measuring less than 1000 nanometers (nm), where 1 nm is defined as 1 thousand-millionth of a meter (10-9 m).

Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life.

In the SearchVoIP.com videocast, Whatis.com's Alex Howard discusses the differences between unified messaging and unified communications, the features each option allows users and the development of UM to UC. Whether you are considering UC or have already implemented unified communications, this videocast embedded on the right explains the differences between the technologies and how UC will continue to impact the future of communications.

In this WhatIs.com podcast, you'll learn about this attempt to modernize existing banking practices in the context of new online threats like phishing. To learn more about FFIEC compliance, Assistant Site Editor Alex Howard interviewed Patrick Audley, the CTO of risk adaptive software provider Cogneto.

In this podcast you will learn what service-oriented architecture (SOA) is, how it relates to other programming approaches and what standards and tools you need to be aware of before implementing SOA. (Continued...)

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a software protocol for enabling anyone to locate organizations, individuals, and other resources such as files and devices in a network, whether on the public Internet or on a corporate intranet.

RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is a protocol used to enable routers to share information about IP traffic routes as they move traffic within a larger network made up of separate LANs linked through routers.

TCP/IP, or the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (an intranet or an extranet).

A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is a vehicle that can depart, hover and land vertically.

A Turing Test is a method of inquiry in artificial intelligence (AI) for determining whether or not a computer is capable of thinking like a human being.

Social robot definition: A social robot is designed to interact and collaborate with humans and other robots.

Videogrammetry is the extraction of an object’s measurements from a video; measurements may be gathered from multiple angles or multiple videos.

A digital evidence presentation system (DEPS) is a system with an overhead camera and a liquid crystal display (LCD) used in courts to present and record evidence digitally.

A video display unit (VDU) consists of:A computer output device that uses a cathode ray tube or other technology to present visual imagesOne or more input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or both.