Glossary-10 Glossary
LCD
See liquid crystal display.
LED
See light-emitting diode.
light-emitting
diode (LED)
A device that glows when an electric current passes through it. Status lights on
computers are often LEDs.
link
An item that provides direct access to a file, program, directory, or Web site.
See hyperlink, shortcut.
liquid crystal
display (LCD)
A type of display that uses chemicals, or liquid crystals, that respond to polarized
light and electrical signals.
listserv
See mailing list.
local area
network (LAN)
Two or more computers linked together for the purpose of sharing resources, such as
files, programs, or printers. A local area network is usually contained within a single
building. Contrast wide area network.
log on
To gain authorized access to a network or Internet service provider account by
providing a user name and password.
mailing list
A mail-forwarding service that allows subscribers to send e-mail to a single address
where the message is copied and sent to all subscribers to that particular list.
MB
See megabyte.
Mbps
See megabits per second.
megabits per
second (Mbps)
A unit of measurement used to describe the rate of data transfer.
megabyte (MB)
A unit of measurement used to describe data quantity. One MB is equal to
approximately one million bytes. See byte.
megahertz
(MHz)
A unit of measurement used to describe microprocessor speed. One megahertz is
equal to one million hertz, or one million cycles per second. See hertz.