|
@cam address
|
an email address of form identifier@cam.ac.uk
|
|
|
accessibility
|
In the context of the World Wide Web, the ease with
which the content of a web page can be understood by any user with any browser.
|
|
|
Access Point (AP)
|
A connection point where a wireless local area network links to the wired network
|
|
|
Acrobat Reader (Adobe Reader)
|
A program for reading PDF files
|
|
|
ADSL
|
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (Broadband): a broadband network
connection with high-speed downloading but slower uploading (still faster than
standard dial-up)
|
|
|
Airport
|
Wireless networking technology (used by Apple for Macintosh computers)
|
|
|
applications
|
software for particular tasks, such as word-processors, graphics programs etc.
provided on a computer in addition
to the underlying operating system
|
|
|
assistive technology
|
Technologies enabling users with disabilities to access computing facilities:
the part of the Computing Service providing hardware, software and training on
these technologies |
|
|
attachment
|
a file (often in some special format, e.g. a word-processor file) attached to an email message
|
|
|
Balfour Room
|
A central Computing Service PWF room providing Macintosh
computers for University users; also used for
courses
|
|
|
Bcc |
Blind carbon copy: a list of addresses to which a copy of an email message is to be sent
without the list being visible to all recipients |
|
|
Blackberry
|
Wireless device offering phone, email, SMS, organizer and browser
capabilities above those in standard mobile phones. Uses "push" technology
for email so is ideal for those not in fixed office environments with need
for constant email contact.
|
|
|
blocking
|
(a) blocking of network traffic through certain ports
(e.g. at the gateway between the CUDN and JANET), for security reasons
|
|
|
(b) blocking of certain sorts of email either at the mail switch or by individual recipients
|
|
|
Bluetooth |
Used for short-range wireless communication between devices,
(e.g. between computers and mobile phones, wireless keyboards or mice)
|
|
|
bookmark |
a Web address recorded for future use (in Mozilla, Opera and other browsers:
see also Favorites) |
|
|
broadband |
a fixed digital connection
via ADSL or cable modem to the Internet, much faster than traditional
dial-up |
|
|
browser
|
(web browser) a program for looking at information on the World Wide Web
|
|
bulk purchase
|
The UCS, the IT Purchasing Group and the Central
Purchasing Office conduct an annual tender
for the supply of desktop PCs to the University.
|
|
|
bus speed
|
the speed at which the processor in a computer
communicates with
memory (also speed of other internal buses)
|
|
|
cable modem
| a modem designed to operate over cable TV lines (for fast
access to the Internet)
|
|
|
cache
|
(a) a section of memory or a separate storage device used in a
computer system to store recently accessed data or instructions | |
|
|
(b) (local web cache): copies of recently-fetched Web documents kept locally
(usually on the hard disk) by the web browser |
|
|
Cam domain |
The collection of Internet addresses ending in cam.ac.uk;
various services are restricted to systems within the cam domain
|
|
|
CamCORS
|
The University's online system for supervision reports |
|
|
CamCERT
|
The Cambridge Computer Emergency Response Team, which deals with security incidents
involving computer systems. See also CERT.
|
|
|
CamSIS
|
The University's student information system |
|
|
CARET
|
The Centre for Applied Research in Education Technologies
|
|
|
Cc |
Carbon copy: a list of addresses to which a copy of an email message is to be sent
|
|
|
CERT
|
Computer Emergency Response Team, which deals with security incidents
involving computer systems. Cambridge has its own CERT, as does JANET.
|
|
|
CHEST
|
a central negotiating body for software purchase for UK educational institutions |
|
|
CHRIS
|
The University's Human Resources information system (under development)
|
|
|
client
|
a computer or a program that receives a service from a
(usually remote) server, often for mail, Web access, etc. |
|
|
cloud computing
|
The delivery of hosted
resources (infrastructure, platforms, software applications) over the Internet.
|
|
|
common balance
|
The scheme for users to have a single printer credit balance which
can pay for printing on a variety of PWF or other managed printers
|
|
|
Cockcroft 2
|
Floor 2 of the Cockcroft Building on the New Museums Site, housing
Computing
Service Reception and the Service Desk (Help Desk) |
|
|
cookie
|
A text file stored by a web browser in response to a request from a web server, and
sent back to the server (to identify the user and possibly customise pages)
each time the browser requests a page from the server
|
|
|
CRSid
|
a user identifier issued by the Computing Service and used on all
Computing Service systems (e.g. Hermes, PWF) and many others in the University |
|
|
CUDN
|
The Cambridge University Data Network, which links institutions within Cambridge
and provides onward connectivity to JANET and the Internet
|
|
|
CUFS
|
the University Finance System
|
|
|
DDA
| the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
|
|
|
Desktop Services
|
UCS service
providing facilities to users' own desktops (e.g. central filing system and
printing management)
|
|
|
DNS
|
Domain Name System (or Server): the mechanism that translates between domain names
(e.g.www.cam.ac.uk) and IP addresses |
|
|
Dock
|
A narrow palette, usually displayed along an edge of a computer desktop,
containing shortcuts to applications and documents |
|
|
DPA
|
The Data Protection Act, which sets out rules and principles for
the processing of personal information |
|
|
DSpace
|
A digital repository for the University; a system to store digital information and its descriptive
"metadata"
|
|
|
dual boot
|
A mechanism allowing a single machine to offer a choice of start-up
operating systems (e.g. Windows and Linux) | |
|
DVI
|
(a) Digital Video Interface: a way of connecting a flat screen |
|
|
|
(b) the data format in which TeX produces output for printing |
|
|
eCredit |
a system for paying online for printing on
PWF or other managed printers |
|
|
Eduroam |
An international facility for the research and education community,
allowing users visiting an institution to access a local wireless
network using their username and password from their home
institution. Cambridge provides Eduroam facilities both for Cambridge users
going elsewhere (using Raven for authentication), and for visitors..
|
|
|
email address |
an address of the form identifier@domain |
|
|
email directory |
a list of names matched to email addresses |
|
|
eScience |
Use of internet technologies (grid computing etc.)
for scientific applications
|
|
|
Ethernet
|
a very widely implemented technology for connecting computer systems in
local-area networks
|
|
|
Eudora
|
A mail user agent for the Macintosh and for PCs, using either POP
or IMAP
|
|
|
Exim
|
A mail transfer agent used on many systems in the University and
worldwide |
|
|
Falcon |
A content management system provided by the Coputing Service for setting up
websites using the University web templates |
|
|
Favorites |
a set of Web addresses recorded for future use (in Internet Explorer, Outlook
and other browsers:
see also bookmark) |
|
|
Fetch |
A file transfer utility for the Macintosh |
|
|
filespace
|
On the PWF (or more generally), personal or group allocation of storage for users'
files |
|
|
filestore
|
a repository for storing users' files: the Hermes filestore is used for
non-mail files such as attachments saved from Hermes Pine
|
|
|
filtering
|
(mail filtering): sorting incoming mail into separate folders, in particular
to distinguish spam |
|
|
|
(packet filtering): controlling access to a network by analyzing the incoming and
outgoing packets and letting them pass or halting them based
on the IP addresses of the source and destination. | |
|
firewall
|
an application that lets you control and filter traffic on connections
to or from your computer or network |
|
|
FireWire
|
the name used by Apple and others for a very fast external bus standard
(IEEE 1394) for connecting
external devices to computers.
1394 products for other systems are known as i.link and Lynx |
|
folder |
(a) a collection of files stored together (a directory)
|
|
|
|
(b) in the context of email, a collection of
mail messages stored together (mailbox) |
|
|
Forum
|
A web-based discussion system run by the Computing Service for the University
and its institutions |
|
|
forwarding
|
sending email directed to one address onward to another address, either
automatically for all messages or
by hand for a specific message |
|
|
friendly probing
|
the probing carried out by the Computing Service on machines connected to the CUDN, to
detect insecure systems which might be the target of hackers
|
|
|
FTP
|
File Transfer Protocol (see also SFTP) |
|
|
|
the complete collection of headers on a mail or other message, not usually displayed
in full by mail programs, but often useful in tracing mail problems |
|
|
gateway
|
a node on a network that provides a connection to another network, e.g.
the CUDN-JANET gateway or a NAT gateway
|
|
GBN
|
The Granta Backbone Network, the communications infrastructure used by the CUDN
|
|
|
GhostScript
|
a utility (Windows and Unix) for displaying and printing
PostScript files (and some PDF files)
|
|
|
ghosting
|
the process by which PWF machines (Mac or PC) are set up in a standard identical state across
all PWF rooms
|
|
|
gif
|
a file in Graphics Interchange Format, one of the standard graphical
formats used in Web pages and elsewhere
| |
|
Gnome
|
the default desktop used by PWF Linux
|
|
|
Google Appa
|
Bundled collaboration applications provided by Google; the UCS is planning to
provide the calendar application from this bundle for use in the University
|
|
|
group
|
in the University lookup directory, a set of CRSids, usually with specific
privileges or
access rights
|
|
|
IMAP
| the mail protocol whereby
mail (including mail which has been read or sent) is kept
on a central server such as Hermes |
|
|
image
|
a copy of all the system software, configuration files etc. to be stored on the hard disks of
a set of
identical
machines, for example on the PWF. New images are created for PWF machines several
times a year. |
|
|
Institution Strategy
|
the division within the Computing Service which deals with advice and liaison
for IT providers within Colleges and Departments |
|
|
inbox
|
the folder into which incoming mail is delivered |
|
|
IP
|
IP - Internet Protocol, used by almost all communicating computer
systems, usually in combination with TCP (Transmission Control
Protocol) to give TCP/IP
|
|
|
IP address
|
the means used to identify the connection of a system to the Internet,
conventionally represented
by a four-component number
(for instance, 131.111.8.42 which
identifies a Computing Service DNS server).
|
|
|
iPrint
|
a facility for printing to certain PWF and other managed
printers from any Internet-connected
PC running Windows
|
|
|
ISSS
|
the Information Strategy and Services Syndicate, which has overall
responsibility for the Computing Service |
|
|
Macintosh Support
|
Part of Computing Service User Services, providing technical
help for people running their own Macintosh systems |
|
|
Mail Transfer Agent
|
see MTA
|
|
|
Mail User Agent
|
see MUA
|
|
|
mailbox
|
a collection of mail messages stored together (folder)
|
|
|
Mailman
|
A widely-used mailing list system, used by the Computing Service
to provide mailing list facilities to the University.
|
|
|
mailstore
|
The Hermes mailstore is used to store mail folders only
|
|
|
malware
|
a collective name for worms, viruses, trojans and spyware (may arrive as an email attachment,
by being downloaded from a web site, through using P2P software, by using an infected disk,
or simply across the network)
|
|
|
Managed Cluster
|
A PWF room in a College or
Department (see MCS) |
|
|
Managed Web server
|
A Web server run by the CS for an
institution |
|
|
Managed mail domain
|
an institutional mail domain using the CS
central mail switch |
|
|
Managed Wiki Service
|
the Computing Service provides a pilot Managed Wiki Service.
A Wiki allows users to create and
edit shared web pages using a web browser.
|
|
|
MCS
|
The Managed Cluster Service, provided by the Computing Service to run PWF rooms
in Colleges and
Departments |
|
|
mirror
|
a local file or software archive keeping copies of material
available elsewhere, for convenience of searching and
fetching |
|
MISD
|
Management Information Services Division, part of the University central
administration
|
|
|
modem
|
short for modulator-demodulator: a device or program
that enables a computer to transmit data over, for example, telephone or cable
lines
|
|
|
MTA
|
Mail Transfer Agent: a program which manages the delivery of mail from the server end |
|
|
MUA
|
Mail User Agent: a program such as Mulberry or Eudora which allows you to read,
send and manage your electronic mail
|
|
|
Mulberry
|
An MUA for the Apple Macintosh, Windows and Unix
|
|
|
MZS
|
Managed Zone Service: provides Domain Name Services for academic web
servers that are located in the cam.ac.uk domain but are known by non cam.ac.uk
names |
|
|
NAG
|
The Numerical Algorithms Group, which develops very widely used mathematical software
libraries and other related software |
|
|
NAT
|
Network Address Translation: a facility whereby the actual IP addresses and, possibly,
ports used
within an organisation's network are translated to other IP addresses
and ports seen from outside |
|
|
Netstorage
|
a facility for PWF users to access their personal PWF filespace via a web
browser from any system |
|
|
New Museums Site
|
a site in Central Cambridge housing the Computing Service and a number of other Departments |
|
|
newsgroup
|
a Usenet discussion group |
|
|
News Service
|
Computing Service News service, via web pages and RSS feeds |
|
|
Newton
|
the catalogue for the libraries of the
University |
|
|
P2P
|
see peer to peer software |
|
|
PandIS
|
the Photographic and Illustration Service, part of the Computing
Service |
|
|
patch
|
an update for a piece of software (operating system or application), usually to
mend bugs and/or deal with security problems |
|
|
PC Support
|
see Windows Support
|
|
PDA
|
Personal Digital Assistant; a handheld computing device
|
|
|
PDF
|
Portable Document Format: a format widely used for publishing
on the Web, and read using Acrobat Reader
|
|
|
peer to peer software
|
a type of network in which each participating system has equivalent
capabilities (unlike client-server architecture). Often used for
file-sharing applications such as music sharing
| |
|
phishing
|
The sending of faked emails in an attempt to extract personal information including account
details
|
|
|
Phoenix Teaching Room
|
One of the central Computing Service PWF rooms containing PCs,
used for courses and available to all users at other times.
|
|
|
Phoenix User Area
|
One of the central Computing Service PWF rooms containing PCs, Macintoshes and a User Library,
available to all users.
|
|
|
PHP
| a scripting language originally designed for producing
dynamic web pages. PHP can be used on the Managed Web Service.
|
|
|
Pine
| a Mail User Agent available on Windows and also on Unix systems
|
|
|
POP/POPS
|
a mail protocol whereby the central server only keeps your incoming mail
messages until you download them. POPS is the secure version.
|
|
|
port number
| a number used to identify one end of a logical
connection between computer systems. There are standard numbers for
particular types of traffic; for instance, a browser connecting to a web server
will commonly connect to port 80 of the server
|
|
|
port blocking
|
blocking of network traffic through certain ports
(e.g. at the gateway between the CUDN and JANET), for security reasons
|
|
|
port scanning
|
The scanning of another machine to determine which services are running,
commonly used by malicious hackers
attempting to find vulnerable systems. Port scanning
from systems on the CUDN is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Director of the
Computing Service.
|
|
|
PostScript
|
the format in which many applications send documents to a
printer |
|
|
PPSW (PPswitch)
|
the central mail switch for the University |
|
|
pre-registration
|
the facility for staff and academic visitors to be registered for Computing
Service facilities before they arrive |
|
|
printer credit
|
payment made in advance for printing on PWF-connected printers |
|
|
private address
|
(private IP address): an IP address within a 'private internet', that is a network
which is strictly local to an organisation. Within Cambridge, private addresses may be
either CUDN-wide or institutional |
|
|
profile
|
(roaming profile): information held for a particular PWF Windows user, including preferences
and files stored on the desktop |
|
|
proxy
|
A server that sits between a client application, such as a Web browser, and a real server,
and intercepts requests |
|
|
PuTTY
|
A widely used Telnet/SSH client program for Windows and Unix,
provided on the PWF, and
used for logging in to remote computer systems
|
|
|
PWF
|
Public Workstation Facility: the network of Macintosh and PC computers which is
run by the Computing Service |
|
|
RAM
|
Random Access Memory: the main memory available to a computer or other device
|
|
|
Raven
|
A Computing Service system providing a central authentication
service for Web-based services
|
|
|
Reception
|
(Computing Service): the main point for enquiries, sales etc., on the second floor of
the Cockcroft building
|
|
|
Redstone
|
A networking company housing some University Computing Service equipment, to
improve resilience.
|
|
|
roaming profile
|
information held for a particular PWF Windows user, including preferences
and files stored on the desktop |
|
|
ROM
|
Read-Only Memory: most computers and peripheral devices have a small amount of ROM
containing critical information which cannot be overwritten |
|
|
RSI
|
Repetitive Strain Injury |
|
|
|
a family of web feed formats (specified using XML) used to publish regularly
changing content, typically news headlines |
|
|
RTF
|
Rich Text Format: a standard for specifying formatting of
documents. Many applications can save and read files as RTF, so it is useful
for exchanging between applications.
|
|
|
Safari
|
a Web browser used on Macintoshes | |
|
search engine
|
An application that indexes contents of web servers: the Ultraseek engine is available for use on
any official or semi-official web site in the University. |
|
|
SCP
|
Secure Copy; a method of transferring files securely between computer
systems |
|
|
server
|
a computer or program that provides a service used by, typically,
multiple clients: for example, a web server or mail server
| |
|
Service Desk
|
The UCS Service Desk (Help Desk) is the first port of call for any
technical queries about the various facilities the Computing Service provides
|
|
|
service pack
|
a bundle of software updates from a supplier such as Microsoft
(security patches, operating system updates, etc.)
|
|
|
SFTP
|
Secure File Transfer Protocol: a method of transferring files securely
between computer systems |
|
|
Shibboleth
|
A worldwide system providing an access control system for web-based resources.
In Cambridge Shibboleth is operated as part of the Raven service.
|
|
|
Skype
|
A software application that allows users to make voice calls, plus instant
messaging and videoconferencing, over the Internet. The UCS provides facilities
for videoconferencing using Skype.
|
|
|
Sieve
|
the language used for constructing advanced mail filters on Hermes |
|
SMS
|
See Streaming Media Service
|
|
SMTP/SSMTP
|
the main protocol for sending email messages between servers or from a mail
client to a mail server. To send mail from your system
you need to specify an SMTP server. SSMTP is a secure version. |
|
SMTP server
|
(SMTP listener) a server providing SMTP services for the relaying of mail.
Generally only users running authorised mail hubs should be running SMTP servers |
|
|
Software Sales
|
the part of the Computing Service that deals with negotiating bulk/educational rates
for software for the University and Colleges, the administration
of site licences and distribution of software |
|
|
spam
|
unsolicited bulk email, or junk mail. About 80% of mail arriving at
the University mail switch is classifiable as spam |
|
|
SSH
|
Secure Shell: a method of secure login to a remote system (e.g PWF Linux,
Hermes) |
|
SSL
|
Secure Sockets Layer: may be an option in mail client programs |
|
|
Streaming Media Service
|
The Streaming Media Service hosts (and converts into a range of formats)
video and audio that has been uploaded by members of the University
|
|
|
SuSE
|
the version of Linux used on the PWF PCs as an
alternative to Windows |
|
|
TCP/IP
| Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol, used by almost all communicating computer
systems.
|
|
|
Techlink
|
a support scheme open to IT support staff in the University and
Colleges |
|
|
Telnet
|
an insecure method of logging in to remote systems; SSH is to be preferred
where possible |
|
|
TeX
|
a markup language for mathematical material |
|
|
Thunderbird
|
A Mail User Agent for Windows, Linux and Macintosh, provided on the PWF
|
|
|
Titan Teaching Rooms
|
A pair of central Computing Service PWF rooms providing PCs for
University courses and (when not in use for courses) for general University users
|
|
|
TLS
|
Short for Transport Layer Security, a protocol that guarantees privacy and data
integrity between client/server applications communicating over the Internet.
Used by many email clients for secure access to mail servers. |
|
|
trojan
|
A program that masquerades as a benign application but is in fact malign. Trojans
do not primarily replicate
themselves like viruses; they are usually acquired by downloading |
|
|
UCISA
| the Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association,
representing Higher Education (and increasingly Further Education)
in the provision and development of IT
|
|
|
UCS
|
The University Computing Service
|
|
|
Ultraseek
|
A web search engine (to index the contents of web sites) available for use on
any official or semi-official web site in the University. |
|
|
Unix Support
|
Part of the Computing Service, providing advice and assistance
primarily to system administrators of Unix and Unix-related systems
|
|
|
URL
|
Uniform Resource Locator: the standard means of addressing
documents or other resources on the World Wide Web |
|
USB
|
Universal Serial Bus: a type of connection to a computer system, widely used for
connecting mice, keyboards and other peripheral devices |
|
|
Usenet
|
A worldwide bulletin board system that can be accessed through the Internet
|
|
|
User Area
|
See Phoenix User Area |
|
|
vacation message
|
a message to be sent in response to email received
whilst you are away |
|
|
videoconference
|
a conference or discussion held via an audiovisual link between two or more
geographically remote sites. |
|
|
Virex
|
the anti-virus software provided for University members running Macintosh systems |
|
|
virus
|
a computer program designed to replicate itself and (usually) to cause damage to
infected systems. Many but not all viruses are spread by email. |
|
|
VirusScan
|
the anti-virus software provided for University members running PC systems |
|
|
voicemail
|
The facility to record phone messages and collect them, including collecting
via email
|
|
|
VoIP
|
Voice over IP: the technology for making voice phone calls over an IP network.
The University telephone system moved to VoIP in 2008-9.
|
|
|
VPN
|
Virtual Private Network: a mechanism for running private (secure)
networks on public connections |
|
|
VPDN
|
Virtual Private Dial-up Network: a service providing a secure
connection via an external ISP to facilities normally only accessible from computers on the
CUDN |
|
|
vulnerable period
|
a period designated by the Computing Service as one during which services may be
interrupted for maintenance or other dedicated work |
|
|
Web Support
|
Local email support and web pages for web developers
and web server administrators
|
|
|
WebDAV
|
A protocol allowing
users to create, change and move documents on a remote server; can be used to
access PWF files remotely.
|
|
|
Webmail
|
A system for access to email via a web browser. In Cambridge, the term usually
refers to the locally-developed Hermes Webmail facility.
|
|
|
Wiki
|
A Wiki allows users to create and edit shared web pages using a web browser.
The Computing Service runs a pilot Managed Wiki Service for institutions.
|
|
|
Windows Support
|
Part of Computing Service User Services, providing technical
help for people running their own Windows systems |
|
|
WLAN
|
Wireless Local Area Network: a facility for connecting to a wider network
using wireless technology to reach a local Access Point
|
|
|
worm
|
A program or algorithm that can replicate itself over a computer network
(and usually cause damage to the network or the infected machines). See also
virus |
|
|
WSUS
|
Windows Software Update Server, a means of obtaining security and other updates
automatically. The Computing Service runs a WSUS server, as do some Colleges
and Departments. |
|
