One of the problems we face when learning something new is
the specialized vocabulary. In fact, that is the major hurdle
for many. Combine that with the penchant of computer types to
use acronyms and the problem is compounded. My purpose in this
glossary is to give you only a cursory explanation of some of
the most commonly used terms, especially those used in this
file. An explanation which may not be technically precise...an
explanation in context with the theme of digital music.
For more detailed information, search at Google.
For brief definitions for things I probably have overlooked,
try Atomica
(data entry box at the top right). Finally, for an explanation
of a host of computer acronyms, see whatis.com. |
analog
From Atomica...
"Traditionally, audio and video recording has been analog.
Sound, which is continuously varying air vibrations, is converted
into analogous electrical vibrations. Video cameras scan their
viewing area a line at a time and convert the infinitely varying
intensities of light into analogous electrical signals.
The ability to capture the subtle nature of the real world is
the single advantage of analog techniques. However, once captured,
modern electronic equipment, no matter how advanced, cannot
copy analog signals perfectly. Third and fourth generations
of audio and video recordings show marked deterioration.
By converting analog signals into digital, the original audio
or video data can be preserved indefinitely and copied over
and over without deterioration. Once continuously varying analog
signals are measured and converted into digital form, they can
be stored and transmitted without loss of integrity due to the
accuracy of digital methods.
The key to conversion is the amount of digital data that is
created from the analog signal. The shorter the time interval
between samples and the more data recorded from that sample,
the more the digital encoding reflects the original signal."
APE
An audio file type resulting from non-lossy compression of audio
data
ASPI
An acronym for "advanced SCSI programming interface".
They are low level programs used by other programs when digitally
extracting or writing.
binary
Referring to numbers to the base 2
binary group
A news group where non-text files are posted. Files such as
sound, visual and programs
bit rate
The number of bits occuring per time unit, usually per second.
burn
To write digital data to a CD
clipping
See here
CODEC
An acronym for COderDECoder.. The low level program
used for changing one format to another
context menu
A pop up window giving various options. It is "context"
because the options offered vary according to other conditions
such as the application, when or from where the menu is called,
etc.
CPU
An acronym for "central processing unit". That part
of the computer that does the work as opposed to thaose parts
used for temporary or permanent storage.
decode
To convert the data in an MP3 (or other compressed audio file
type) to wave data
digital
Data represented with binary numbers
dll
A file type. An acronym for "dynamically linked library".
A file, generally non-executable, containing routines or drivers
for use by other programs.
DNS
An acronym for "domain name server". When one types
an internet address, a domain name server is queried to convert
the text that you typed to numbers. Computers only understand
numbers.
driver
A low level program, generally available for use by other programs.
As an example, a program to start a drive and position the head
would be a driver.
encode
To convert a wave file to MP3 or other compressed audio format
FLAC
An audio file type resulting from non-lossy compression of audio
data
LPAC
An audio file type resulting from non-lossy compression of audio
data
MP3
An audio file type resulting from the lossy compression of audio
data
MP3Pro
An encoder/encoding system designed to improve the sound of
MP3s when encoded at a low bit rate
normalize
Make a series of sound files have a similar volume level
ogg vorbis
An audio file type resulting from the lossy compression of audio
data
parameter
Any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits)
its performance
record
To digitize analog sound
rip
To digitally extract the data on an audio CD
sample rate
The rate at which sound is sampled when digitizing it
SHN
An audio file type resulting from non-lossy compression of audio
data
tag
A small amount of data added to a file to give information about
it
transcode
Remaking an MP3 by changing the bit rate. Also called re-encoding
URL
An acronym for "universal resource locator". An internet
address
Wave or WAV
An audio file type. The usual result of ripping or recording
with a computer.
Winkey
A special key on some keyboards. It normally has a Windows logo
on it. There are normally two such keys in the bottom row...one
to the left of the space bar, the other to the right.
WMA
An audio file type, proprietary to Microsoft, resulting from
the lossy compression of audio data
zip
A file type resulting from non-lossy compression; a method of
compressing files without loss of data |
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