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Glossary
2D
Acronym for “two dimensional,” a term applied to computer graphics that
are “flat.” Typical desktop applications such as word processors,
spreadsheet programs, or other programs that manipulate print or simple
graphics (such as pictures or line art) are generally considered to be
operating within a 2D environment, even when they include simple three
dimensional elements, such as buttons.
3D
Acronym for “three dimensional,” referring to computer graphics that
appear to have volume and depth. Various modelling processes take the
representation of a three dimensional object provided by the computer
program and render it by using various lighting components, applying
textures, and setting layers of transparency or opacity as required in order
to produce a realistic representation of a three-dimensional object on a two-
dimensional display.
ADC
Short for “Apple® Display Connector,” a type of video connection found
only with certain Apple displays. In addition to carrying the video signal to
the monitor, it also carries power, so users can start their whole computer
using the power button on the monitor. This type of connector is being
phased out in favor of DVI connectors.
Alpha Blending
Alpha blending is used in 3D graphics to create transparent or opaque
effects for surfaces such as glass and water. Alpha is a transparency value,
so the lower the value, the more transparent the image looks. It is also used
in animations to produce such things as fading effects, where one image
gradually fades into another.
Anisotropic Filtering
A technique that preserves the surface details of an object as it recedes into
the distance by utilizing and blending together the object’s texture maps.