TAB key
A key located on the upper left of the keyboard which is used to advance the cursor a specific number of columns or to the next tab stop location.
tablet
A tabletop hardware device that allows a user to draw to the screen by pressing a pen to the sensitive tablet surface.
tab stop
A preset interval or location in a word processor file or text editor that defines where the TAB key will advance too.
tape drive
A slow hardware device that uses removable tape based cassettes to store and retrieve data, often used for archival purposes only.
task
A software program or element being used by the system.
task held error
An error that freezes a task yet allows other programs to continue running.
task priority
A value given to a task or process that determines how often it should have access to the CPU or its hardware and software.
TBC
Time Base Corrector, used to synchronize video inputs.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol for ethernet, primarily on UNIX machines.
telecommunications
Data processing that occurs over networks and remote hosts as opposed to single system setups.
Telenet
A login service which connects computer users to major computer networks using local dialin systems.
telnet
A program which allows on UNIX host to log into another.
template
A list of parameters and argumenst that may be passed to a command or function.
temporary file
A file that is created and destroyed by a program, for the purpose of creating another file.
term
A program that access remote computer systems over the serial port or a networking device.
terminal
A program that access remote computer systems over the serial port or a networking device.
TeX
An Amiga word processing and graphics printing package.
text
Written words, numbers, or characters stored in a computer file. May also refer to files which use 7 bit ASCII encoding as opposed to binary files which support 8 bit ASCII encoding.
text editor
A small program used to edit ASCII files or text files. Similar to a Word Processor.
text file
A file that is easily readable by humans.
text modes
A display format where each character displayed has the same height and same width, such that all characters
are displayed in straight columns and rows. These displays are much faster than proportional text modes.
texture
An image placed on an object to give the appearance of a specific type of material.
texture mapping
The process of placing images or algorithms onto a 3D object.
thermal printer
A printer that outputs text and graphics to paper using heat and heat sensitive paper.
third party manufacturer
A hardware manufacturer that produces peripherals and equipment for a particular platform.
thread
A sequence of connected events or ideas.
· USENET newsgroups contain threads of posts, all sharing the same topic.
throughput
The amount of data transferred.
thumbnail
A small picture, reduced or clipped from the original picture. Requires less memory and disk space, along with quicker access. Often used in video or image databases.
time base corrector
A device used to stabilize a video signal.
timestamp
The date and time assigned to a file when it was last created or modified.
tiled
Windows or images that are repeated throughout the screen.
time out
An error condition occuring when a connection is lost or never established.
time sharing
A technique used on a multiuser computer system that allows each user to access the computer at the same time without interfering with the actions of other users.
title bar
The horizontal strip located at the top of most screens or windows that allow them to be dragged and selected. This often contains the name of the screen or window.
Toaster
See Video Toaster.
ToasterCG
NewTek's character generator software for use with the Video Toaster.
Toaster Cozzy
An external device used to contain a Video Toaster card for use with an Amiga 3000.
Toaster Font
A font used with the Video Toaster Character Generator.
ToasterLink
A software and hardware combination that allows Macintosh computers to share images and data with a Toaster equipped Amiga through the serial port.
ToasterPaint
NewTek's HAM6 painting software for use with the Video Toaster, formerly known as DigiPaint III.
toggle
To change between different states, such as a cycle gadget or a boolean gadget.
token
A word or symbol in a computer language, meant to be understood by an interpreter or compiler.
token passing
A technique used to determine which device or
user receives CPU time or bus access. The token is a bit stream sent to all devices, by which any device can claim
ownership if it receives the token. When finished, the token is sent back to the main CPU to be reused.
toner cartridge
An ink cartridge used by a laser printer to print text or graphics onto a piece of paper.
tool
A software program or utility, capable of being operated from the Workbench, often using data files called Projects.
tool box
A window containing special functions used by a program. This window is often draggable and detached from the work area.
tool type
A parameter passed to a program or file through the Workbench via the program or file's icon. Parameters may include associated data files, applications, or preferences.
touch
The process of modifying the timestamp of a file, most often to the current date and time.
touch sensitive screen
A monitor and software combination that allows the user to touch an image displayed in the screen, often a gadget.
tower
A computer that stands vertically as opposed to a desktop system.
· The A3000T and A4000T are floor-standing tower systems.
trace mode
A debugging mode that allows a programmer to view the values of variables and the line numbers that an interpreter is reading.
track
An area of a device, in sequence, used to store data.
trackball
An input device which allows the user to control
onscreen images and interfaces, such as commonly done with a mouse. Using a rotating sphere, the user rolls
his hand or fingers to direct a pointer onscreen. These devices are often used when desk space is limited.
tracker
A program used to write music modules, such as SoundTracker, ProTracker, or NoiseTracker. SoundTracker
is widely known as the first popular Amiga music tracker, and has since migrated to the IBM and Macintosh world.
translate
To convert a file to another format.
transparency
The ability for light to pass through an object, and the amount of light that passes through it, causing
objects or images behind the transparent portions to be visible in some amount, defined using parameters.
transpose
To change the order of characters, words, or objects on the screen. Also used to move an object in 3D space to a new location.
trap
The act of detecting that an event has occured and providing special routines to handle that specific situation.
trapdoor
Internal expansion bus on the A500, A600, and A1200 allowing cards to be added beneath the keyboard without opening the computer's case.
tree
The method for which directories are stored, with the entire set of files contained in one branching system of
directories. A tree starts at the root, with any number of child nodes that it may lead two. Each child may also
have its own children, similar to a family tree, allowing nodes to be referred to each other in much the same way.
triangle
A polygon with only three edges and three points, used by some modeling programs. Used most effectively on surfaces that are not planar and bend through space.
trojan horse
A virus designed to appear harmless, yet contain secret code that causes purposeful malicious damage to other files.
TrueType fonts
Scalable fonts, developed by Apple and MicroSoft, designed to provide cleaner characters at all point sizes.
truncate
The removal of the end of a file or a part of the end of a file, often caused by write errors, incomplete writes, or a sudden loss of communication between the source and the destination.
turnkey system
A computer system designed with all of the software required to be used by the consumer, including any specialized requirements such as touch screens or bar code readers.
tutorial
A video tape or manuscript that demonstrates or explains how to use software or hardware in a real world situation.
typeface
A style of printing characters, allowing all characters to share a common set of traits. These include weights, serifs, and point sizes.
· Topaz is the default typeface used by the Workbench.
typestyle
A method of displaying text by modifying its weight or posture, such as making it bold, underlines, or italics.