Server Message Block Protocol (SMB protocol) The Server Message Block Protocol (SMB protocol) is a client-server communication protocol used for sharing access to files, printers, serial ports and other resources on a network. It can also carry transaction protocols for interprocess communication. Created by IBM in the 1980s, the SMB protocol has since spawned multiple variants or implementations, […]

Multiplatform Definition If a software program is developed for mulitple operating systems, it is considered to be “multiplatform.” Since Microsoft Word runs on both the Windows and Macintosh platform, it is a mutliplatform application. In the consumer gaming market, mutliplatform games run on more than one gaming machine. For example, a sports game developed for […]

Swipe Definition Swipe is a command used primarily with touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It is also supported by some laptops with trackpads and desktop computers with trackpad input. A swipe involves quickly moving (or “swiping”) your finger across a touchscreen or trackpad. For example, swiping the screen from right to left in a photo viewing application typically displays the next photo. […]

SMS Definition Stands for “Short Message Service.” SMS is used to send text messages to mobile phones. The messages can typically be up to 160 characters in length, though some services use 5-bit mode, which supports 224 characters. SMS was originally created for phones that use GSM (Global System for Mobile) communication, but now all […]

Dynamic Website Definition Dynamic websites contain Web pages that are generated in real-time. These pages include Web scripting code, such as PHP or ASP. When a dynamic page is accessed, the code within the page is parsed on the Web server and the resulting HTML is sent to the client’s Web browser. Most large websites are dynamic, since they are easier to maintain than static websites. […]

IMEI Definition Stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity.” Every mobile device that connects to a cellular network has a unique IMEI number. This includes cell phones, smartphones, cellular-enabled tablets and smartwatches, and other devices that support cellular data. The IMEI number uniquely identifies a mobile device. It is separate from the SIM card or UICC number which is linked to a removable card […]

Processor Core Definition A processor core (or simply “core”) is an individual processor within a CPU. Many computers today have multi-core processors, meaning the CPU contains more than one core. For many years, computer CPUs only had a single core. In the early 2000s, as processor clock speeds began plateauing, CPU manufacturers needed to find other ways to increase processing performance. Initially, […]

External Hard Drive Definition Nearly all personal computers come with an internal hard drive. This drive stores the computer’s operating system, programs, and other files. For most users, the internal hard drive provides enough disk space to store all the programs and files. However, if the internal hard drive becomes full or if the user wants to […]