Technology Tidbits from Jim Phifer

Increase Your Tech Vocabulary

In each issue of Tech Talk you’ll have your chance to test your tech savvy. I’ll pose a multiple-choice question regarding a term used in technology or on the Internet. If you don’t know the answer, I’ll point you to a website that does.

Here’s the answer to #3 (November’s):

What is an “applet”? You might think it's what you would call a small apple, but it’s not.

Actually, it is a small program designed to be executed from within another application. Unlike a full-fledged application, applets cannot be executed directly from the operating system.

Web browsers can interpret applets sent from web servers. Because applets are small in size, cross-platform compatible, and highly secure, they are ideal for small Internet applications accessible from a web browser.

Now, here’s #4!

What is a “cookie”?

1. a popup window used as advertising gimmick
2. something round, sweet, and delicious to eat
3. personal data about you, kept in a file on your computer
4. slang term for a really good website

Don’t know the answer? Try surfing to whatis.com®. It is a “knowledge exploration tool” about information technology, especially about the Internet and computers. Here’s the URL:

http://www.whatis.com