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. […]
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Snapchat Definition Snapchat is a mobile app and service for sharing photos, videos, and messages with other people. Once you view a message received via Snapchat, it is automatically deleted. This makes the service ideal for sharing quick updates with friends without accumulating media or messages on your mobile device. The Snapchat app is available for iOS and Android devices. Once you download […]
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IRC Definition Stands for “Internet Relay Chat.” IRC is a service that allows people to chat with each other online. It operates on a client/server model where individuals use a client program to connect to an IRC server. Popular IRC clients include mIRC for Windows and Textual for OS X. Several web-based clients are also available, including KiwiIRC and […]
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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 […]
Read MoreSearch Engine Definition
Search Engine Definition Google, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista, Infoseek, and Yahoo are all search engines. They index millions of sites on the Web, so that Web surfers like you and me can easily find Web sites with the information we want. By creating indexes, or large databases of Web sites (based on titles, keywords, and the […]
Read MoreAlgorithm Definition
Algorithm Definition An algorithm is a set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. This can be a simple process, such as multiplying two numbers, or a complex operation, such as playing a compressed video file. Search engines use proprietary algorithms to display the most relevant results from their search index for specific queries. In computer programming, algorithms are […]
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App Definition App is short for “application,” which is the same thing as a software program. While an app may refer to a program for any hardware platform, it is most often used to describe programs for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The term “app” was popularized by Apple when the company created the “App Store” in 2008, a year after […]
Read MoreReciprocal Link Definition
Reciprocal Link Definition A reciprocal link is a mutual link between two websites. For example, if website A links to website B, then website B can add a reciprocal link back to website A. The result of a reciprocal link is two websites that link to each each other. Reciprocal links are typically created for one of two […]
Read MoreWeb 2.0 Definition
Web 2.0 Definition Web 2.0 is a term that was introduced in 2004 and refers to the second generation of the World Wide Web. The term “2.0” comes from the software industry, where new versions of software programs are labeled with an incremental version number. Like software, the new generation of the Web includes new features […]
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Usenet Definition Usenet is collection of online discussions that are organized into newsgroups. Users may create their own discussion topics or contribute to existing threads within a topic. Some newsgroups provide forums for questions and answers, while others are designed primarily for file sharing. Usenet started in 1980 as a medium for discussing topics online, similar to a […]
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