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Glossary Terms: I
- IDE interface
- Integrated Device Electronics. The standard hard drive interface for PC computers.
- IDE/ATAPI
- An interface that allows a PC to control CD, tape, and DVD drives over the IDE interface.
- Incandescent
- Used for everyday, general lighting and dimming, these bulbs have been used for the past 80 years. Incandescent lighting is also the least expensive way to light an office.
- Indexed file system
- Provides you with the capability of indexing the contents of the file system; this allows you to locate files easily and quickly based on a filename or search string.
- Indexes
- Hole–punched sheets with pre–printed or write–on tabs that are used to organize the information in a binder.
- Infrared port
- Allows for the wireless transmission of data — between two PCs, two handhelds, or between a PC and a handheld. Both devices must be fitted with an infrared port to transmit data by infrared light.
- Ink cartridge
- Ink cartridges come in black–and–white or color. Color ink cartridges use three colors — cyan, yellow and magenta. Some printers have individual cartridges for each color, while others combine the three into one unit. Ink cartridges are also refillable. Refill kits are available in black, cyan, yellow, magenta, or a combination of all three colors. A cartridge should be refilled once or twice before being replaced.
- Ink ribbon
- Used with typewriters, dot matrix printers and printing calculators. An ink ribbon is usually wrapped around loose spools or spools encased within a cartridge. Ribbons are typically available in black, and black–and–red ink.
- Ink toner
- Toner is a powder used by high–end laser fax and copy machines. Most generic brands are sufficient, though they may produce a lower–quality image than high–end toners. OEM toner (e.g., toner produced by the original equipment manufacturer) is recommended by most manufacturers.
- Ink types
- Dot matrix printers use ink ribbons, similar to those used on typewriters. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, which is sprayed directly onto the paper. Laser printers use dry ink, which is fused onto the paper by a laser.
- Input devices
- Handhelds offer two basic means of entering data, via a miniature keyboard or a stylus pen that works with touch–screen technology or hand–writing recognition software.
- Input/output card
- A standard PC adapter card that typically provides two serial ports for your modem and two parallel printer ports. Also called an I/O card.
- Intercom
- Lets you communicate from room to room within a building. Some intercoms allow for two–way conversation.
- Interface
- A connection standard for transferring data that's recognized by all PCs and Macintosh computers. For example, a parallel printer port is a common interface (found on virtually all computers) that's used to transferring data from the computer to a printer.
- Internet connection firewall
- Automatically shields your PC from unauthorized access when you're on the Internet.
- Internet connection sharing
- Allows multiple computers in your home to access the Internet at the same time via the same broadband or dial–up connection. NEW – Windows XP Home Edition is now available with the option to remotely disconnect your dial–up connection to use your phone line and easily resume the connection again.
- Internet Explorer
- Internet Explorer 6 is the next major update to the award–winning Internet Explorer technologies and provides the most private, reliable, and flexible Internet–browsing experience. Internet Explorer 6 includes many new and enhanced features that can simplify the daily tasks you perform while helping you to maintain the privacy of your personal information on the Web. The latest version of Internet Explorer has also taken steps to improve Web–browser reliability with the option of fault collection services. With the new innovative browser capabilities, including media playback, automatic picture resizing, and more, you can experience the Web exactly the way you want.
- Internet Explorer 6 privacy support
- Maintains control over your personal information when visiting Web sites.
- Internet-enabled games
- Using the Internet, you can be matched with players from around the world on games like Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers, Internet Hearts, Internet Reversi, Internet Spades or you can invite your friends to play against you in other Internet–based games.
- IP address
- Internet Protocol address. The specific network address of a computer. Computers that dial into a network will have a different IP address each time, while those using a high–speed will have a fixed address. This, incidentally, makes high–speed connections without firewall protection more susceptible to hackers.