label
A word or number used to define the beginning of a routine within a program's source code.
LAN
Local Area Network; a group of personal computers networked together.
landscape generator
A software program that creates scenic landscapes, often for use with 3D modeling.
language
A set of commands and functions used by a compiler or interpreter to perform a specific set of operations.
laser printer
A device that prints text or graphics to paper using light beams, much like a photocopier or FAX machine.
lathe
A tool used to spin a 3D object and produce any desired holes within the object, as produced by a manufacturing lathe.
layer
A development area used for temporary storage data, or a page of workspace in a desktop publisher or 3D modeling package.
lens
A partially transparent material capable of modifying the direction and path of light rays, producing distorted images and varying lighting effects.
lens flare
A technique used in 3D animation which causes a light source to appear on a lens in order to simulate the effect of a real light source affecting a real video camera.
lens reflections
Light reflections that appear in video recorded using complex lens combinations, causing multiple reflections to appear for any given light source.
letterbox
An aspect mode capable of displaying cinematic movie sequences on a television screen by displaying a solid
black band above and below the images. This ensures that no imagery is lost when a film, intended for theaters, is displayed on NTSC or PAL television.
library
A collection of compiled routines that can be accessed by more than one application.
light
A form of illumination used to provide color and visibility to a surface or object. Often used in 3D modeling to produce realistic effects.
light emitting diode -
light pen
An electronic pen used to draw directly on the monitor's screen by placing the tip of the light pen on the glass surface of the monitor.
· A light pen is used by many sports announcers, such as for football games, to show how a particular play has
occured. The pen is drawn on the video screen or monitor, allowing the audience to view what the sportscaster has drawn.
light sourcing
The use of a light source, in a particular location of a scene, to cast shade on surfaces or objects.
Lightwave
NewTek's 3D animation stage editor, for use with the Video Toaster.
line feed
A command sent to a device to advance the current position to the next line of output.
load
The process of bringing a file from disk into the memory of the computer. Files stored on disk are retained when the computer
is turned off, while files loaded in memory are not retained when the computer is turned off. Loading a file from disk does not change the file on disk.
local variable
A variable that is only accesible in the current shell or in any shells spawned from that shell.
locale
The Amiga's multilingual environment.
locked file
A file that is currently being used by another program.
locked device
A device that cannot be written to.
logical operations
The use of AND, NOT, OR, and XOR in functions or mathematical equations.
login prompt
A symbol or message that notifes the user that he must enter his user name at that time in order to gain access to the system.
logoff
The act of disconnecting from a computer system, and any procedures required to do so.
logon
The act of connecting to a computer system, and any procedures required to do so.
logout
The act of disconnecting from a computer system, and any procedures required to do so.
loop
An iterating block of code that has a set beginning and end, used to perform a repetitive tasl a specific number of times.
lossy
Any recording or compression technique that does not maintain the original quality or information that it was given. This
includes analog systems, JPEG, and some magnetic media copying techniques.
low end
Computer systems that are designed to be as inexpensive as possible, for users who are working on tighter budgets.
low level language
A language that compiles or operates as close as possible to the processor or CPU's. These include assembly and machine languages.