Terms and Definitions

ADSL - asymmetric digital subscriber line, a technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines
album - a presentation of photos similar to a physical photo album, containing a number of photos per page and without motion (as compared to a slide show).
analog - describes any feature that is continuous, as opposed to digital representations, which are discontinuous archive storage of a collection of data.
appearance - when creating a show (album or slideshow), appearance refers to the design chosen to frame the show.
ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange, ASCII is a code for representing English characters as numbers.
aspect ratio - the relative horizontal and vertical sizes. For example, if a graphic has an aspect ratio of 2:1, it means that the width is twice as large as the height. When resizing graphics, it is important to maintain the aspect ratio to avoid stretching the graphic out of proportion.

bitmap - a representation, consisting of rows and columns of dots, of a graphics image in computer memory.
bits - binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine.
brightness - each pixel's lightness value between black and white.
browse - locate file on your computer for importing to site.
browser - a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
bytes - binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. Equal to 8 bits.

cards - an 'e-card' - photo greeting card sent by email.
character - in computer software, any symbol that requires one byte of storage, including all ASCII and extended ASCII characters, and the space character. In character-based software, everything that appears on the screen, including graphics symbols, is considered to be a character. In graphics-based applications, letters, numbers, and punctuation are considered characters.
characteristics - refers to the show size, slide delay and photos per page settings when creating a show.
compression - storing data in a format that requires less space than usual. Data compression is useful in communications as it enables devices to transmit the same amount of data in fewer bits.

darkroom - work area for storing and manipulating photos.
data - distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special manner.
default - a present value of setting automatically selected by a program or device if a subsitute is not selected.
delete - permanently remove item.
dialog window - a box that appears on a display screen to present information or request input. Typically, dialog boxes are temporary -- they disappear once you have entered the requested information.
digital - describes any system based on discontinuous data or events.
digital camera - a filmless camera that stores photos digitally.
digitize - to translate into a digital form.
download - to copy data or a file from a main source to your own computer or site.
drag and drop - dragging a file from one place to another in order to trigger an action.

edit properties - modify features.
effect - a visual change or modification.

field - a space allocated for a particular item of information.
file format - a method of encoding information into a file.
FTP - file transfer protocol, the main protocol for sending files through the internet.
folder - a virtual file folder in which to store/organize your photos and/or shows.
font - a design for a set of characters, combining typeface, size, pitch, and spacing.

GUI - graphic user interface. A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Besides their visual components, GUIs also make it easier to move data from one application to another. A true GUI includes standard formats for representing text and graphics. Because the formats are well-defined, different programs that run under a common GUI can share data.

homepage - the opening page of a website.

icon - a small symbol which represents an object or program.
icon view - organize the placement of items as icons.
index - a list of items, each of which identifies a unique record.

jpeg / jpg - Joint Photographic Experts Group, a compressed image optimized for online display quality.

keywords - catchwords that describe the content, used to index the content; data about data; metadata.

layout - the organization of objects or content to achieve a desired appearance.
link - a connection to another web document or site.
list view - organizes the visual placement of items into a list.

menu - a list of commands or options from which you can choose.
menu bar - a horizontal menu that appears at the top of a page.
metadata - data about data; metadata describes how, when, and by whom a particular set of data was collected, and how the data is formatted. Metadata is essential for understanding information stored in data warehouses.
modem - a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines. Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. A modem converts between these two forms.
move - move item into a different folder.

PCUploader - a downloadable program facilitating the uploading of photos to your darkroom or photolab.
parameter - a characteristic. For example, specifying parameters means defining the characteristics of something. In general, parameters are used to customize a program.
photosite - personal photo website.
pixel - picture element - the most basic component in a graphic image - the smallest thing that can be drawn on a computer screen. Every computer graphic is made up of a grid of pixels. When these pixels are 'painted' onto the screen, they form an image. This grid of pixels is called a bitmap.
plug-in - a small software module that adds a specific feature/service to a larger system, eg, to a browser.
preview - view photo or show before saving any alterations.
program - an organized list of instructions, when executed, prompts the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
protocol - an agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices.

red eye - red discoloration of photo subjects' eyes, caused by the light of the flash bouncing off the retina in the back of the eye.
resolution - refers to the sharpness and clarity of an image, determined by the density of dots.
RGB - red, green, blue - the primary colors for devices that use light to display images. Each RGB color is represented by a value between 0 - 255. Most of the visible spectrum of color can be represented by mixing the three basic components of colored light in various proportions.

scanner - a device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and translate the information into a format the computer can use.
settings - characteristic. For example, specifying settings means defining the characteristics of something. In general, settings are used to customize a program.
share - invite guests to view your work, or email your work to others.
show - an album or slideshow.
show parameters - characteristics of a show influencing the look and feel.
show size - refers to a parameter for creating an album/slideshow; specifically the frame size of your photos as they appear on your computer screen during a slideshow.
slide delay - refers to a parameter for creating a show; specifically the time each slide will be shown before advancing to the next one.
slide show - a presentation of a series of photos (slides), advancing automatically in accordance with parameters such as slide delay and transition.

text - words, sentences, paragraphs. Text refers to info stored as ASCII codes (i.e. without any formatting).
theme - specific and distinctive appearance.
thumbnail - a miniature display of a photo.
tool bar - the display of implements used for photo manipulation in Photo Edit Mode.
tools - implements used to alter photos or shows.
transition - visual effect linking photos in a slideshow.
TWAIN - existing interface standard used to transfer images from a digital camera to a computer via a serial connection.

upload - send photo to your darkroom; transmit data from your computer to a network.
URL - Uniform Resource Locator; path through a directory to a file or site.
user interface - the junction between a user and a computer program. An interface is a set of commands or menus through which a user communicates with a program. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that use windows, icons, and pop-up menus have become standard on personal computers.

zoom (photography) - using a photographic lens to increase or decrease the magnification of the image being captured.
zoom (GUI) - to magnify the contents of a window.