Electronic File
Formats: Define the structure and type of data stored in an electronic
file. Some examples are XML and JPEG. The file format also defines the data type (plain text of binary). Plain text files can
be opened and viewed in a standard text editor, they are also easy to create,
but use up space and lack security. Binary files are quite small and can be compressed;
they are mostly used for storing graphics, audio and video data. There are 2 types of file formats (proprietary and universal). Proprietary
can only be opened by one or more related programs, whereas open/ universal
formats are publicly available and recognized.
E-books: Short
for electronic book. It is a digital publication that can be read on an
electronic device such as a computer, e-reader, etc. an e-book can be a novel,
magazine or any other publication
Synchronization: When
a device (mobile, ipod etc.) is synched, it is done with data on your computer,
typically via a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth connection, e.g. sync songs to
your ipod.
Customized: To
customize is to make changes or specifications to a program or web site to meet
your individual (or your firm’s) needs.
Multimedia: It is
the integration of multiple forms of media. Including text, graphics, audio,
video, etc. i.e. a multimedia presentation would be a presentation containing
audio and video clips.
Interactive: When
the computer/ electronic device accepts input from a human (s). Interactive computer
systems allow users to enter data and commands. Examples are word processors.
Navigate: To
navigate is basically to move from one place to another
Update: Similar
to upgrade, it means to manipulate, modify or change data in order to improve
it.
Reader:
Publisher/ Author:
Cloud:
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Apps: Short for ‘Application’,
which means a software program. The word ‘app’ is mostly used to describe
programs for mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. The word was made
popular by the Apple Company when they creates ‘App Store’. Apps can be
downloaded for free or can be paid for; most apps cost less than $10. An example
of an app is a game known as Temple Run.
E-book File Formats: Some
file formats are open formats (can be read on multiple devices), while others
are proprietary and can only be viewed on a specific device such as an ipad or
kindle. All major formats support text, images, chapters and page markers. Most
also support user annotation (highlights, notes etc.)
E-book Readers: These
are portable hardware devices designed for reading digital publications
(e-books, electronic magazines etc.). They can store thousands of books since not
much space is required. Some examples of e-readers are Amazon Kindle, Noble
Nook and Sony Reader.
Electronic Paper: It
was invented by Xerox. It is a thin piece of transparent plastic containing
millions of small beads. It is electrically writable and erasable and can be
reused. When voltage is applied to the surface of the sheet, the beads rotate
to display either their black sides or white sides. Images of pictures and text
are created when a pattern of voltages are sent to the paper. The image will
remain until the voltage pattern changes.
EPUB Format: EPUB
is short for electronic publication. It is the most widely supported open, free
e-book formats. It is also supported by major e-book readers such as Sony
Reader. It uses the .epub file extension.
MOBI Format:
Page Oriented File
Format: There are 2 basic types of orientation, portrait (vertical) and landscape
(horizontal). The format can be changed.
Platform: A platform
refers to a computer’s operating system. The term platform is often used when
referring to what kind of computer systems a certain software program will run
on. A HP computer using Windows 7 would be said to be using a Windows platform.
Reflowable File
Format:
Self-Publishing:
Smartphone: A smartphone
is a mobile phone that does more than make phone calls and sends texts. Most are
capable of viewing photos and videos and surfing the web, as well as checking
and sending emails. Smartphones use advanced technology and appeal to all kinds
of people. They also have a wide range of functionality. An example of a modern
smartphone is the iphone.
Tablet: This is a
portable device that uses a touchscreen as its main input device. Most are
smaller and weigh less than laptops. Some tablets may also have keyboards.
Widgets: Widgets
are the part of the GUI that allow users to interact with an application or
operating system. Most widgets include: buttons, pop-up windows, icons,
resizable edges etc.
