Operating instructions
analog An analog device uses a physical quantity, such as length or voltage, to
represent the value of a number. By contrast, digital storage relies on a coding
system of numeric units.
analog video Picture signals represented by a number of smooth transitions
between video levels. Television signals are analog, as opposed to digital video
signals, which assign a finite set of levels. Because computer signals are digital,
analog video must be converted into a digital form before it can be shown on a
computer screen.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Body responsible for standards
such as ASCII.
ANSI character set The ANSI-standard character set, which defines 256
characters. The first 128 are ASCII, and the second group of 128 contain math
and language symbols.
anti-aliasing In computer imaging, a blending effect that smoothes sharp
contrasts between two regions—e.g., jagged lines or different colors. This re-
duces the jagged edges of text or objects. In voice signal processing, it refers to
the process of removing or smoothing out spurious frequencies from wave-
forms produced by converting digital signals back to analog.
antistatic bag A bag made of antistatic plastic into which electronics are
placed for temporary or long-term storage. Used to prevent electrostatic dis-
charge.
antistatic mat A special surface upon which electronics are laid. These mats
come with a grounding connection designed to equalize electrical potential be
-
tween a workbench and one or more electronic devices. Used to prevent electro
-
static discharge.
antistatic wrist strap A special device worn around the wrist with a ground
-
ing connection designed to equalize electrical potential between a technician
and an electronic device. Used to prevent electrostatic discharge.
API (application programming interface) A software definition that describes
operating system calls for application software; conventions defining how a
service is invoked.
Passport / Mike Meyers‘ A+ Certification Passport / Meyers / 226308-3 / Glossary
6 MIKE MEYERS’ A+ CERTIFICATION PASSPORT
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