| L1 cache |
A level 1 (L1) cache is a memory cache that is built into the CPU chip. A fast transfer speed for a memory bus, the conduit between the CPU and main memory (DRAM), is 66MHz. The L1 cache is a small, fast memory area that works together with the L2 cache to provide the CPU much quicker access to important and frequently-used data than searching the main memory.
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| L2 cache |
A level 2 cache (L2) is a collection of memory chips on the motherboard. The L2 cache is a static RAM secondary memory area which is slower than the L1 cache but faster than main memory. An L2 cache is typically 256KB or 512KB. Increasing a level 2 cache may speed up some applications and have no effect on others. The L1 cache and L2 cache are used together.
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| LaborNet |
A network sponsored by the Institute for Global Communications for the purpose of improving worldwide communication on labor issues and gaining fair conditions for workers.
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| lambda-calculus |
A system of mathematical logic Alonzo Church originated in the1930s, which concerns the application of functions to their arguments. Lambda-calculus and its variations have been important in the development of computer programming languages.
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| LAN |
Local Area Network. A network that connects computers that are close to each other, usually in the same building, linked by a cable.
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| LAN emulation |
A technology that uses asynchronous transfer mode to connect Ethernet and Token Ring networks together.
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| LAN Manager |
Microsoft's network operating system for DOS, Windows, and OS/2.
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| LAN manager |
The person who manages a local area network.
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| LAN station |
A workstation in a local area network.
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| landing zone |
An area on a hard disk where the read/write head lands when the disk stops rotating. No data is recorded in the landing zone.
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| landline |
Traditional wired telephone service, rather than wireless service.
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| Landmark rating |
A benchmark for PCs that measures CPU and coprocessor speed and video performance.
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| landscape |
A way of positioning a page so it is wider than it is high, as in landscape painting. A computer printer usually gives the user a choice between landscape and portrait orientations.
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| language |
A set of symbols that are used to communicate information, including rules for how the symbols are used.
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| language based editor |
A computer program which is designed to help the user write and edit programs in a particular programming language. The editor has the rules of the language built into it, and can check for mistakes as programs are written or edited.
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| language processor |
Software that performs language translation.
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| language-sensitive editor |
A computer program which is designed to help the user write and edit programs in a particular programming language. The editor has the rules of the language built into it, and can check for mistakes as programs are written or edited.
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| LANtastic |
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| LapLink |
A program from Traveling Software, Inc., that transfers data between laptops and desktop computers.
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| laptop |
A portable personal computer that is small enough to fit in a person's lap. and weighs less than eight pounds. Laptops usually have a flat screen and LCD display, and are powered by a rechargeable battery. They can be connected to a larger monitor or other peripherals when back at the office.
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| laptop computer |
A portable personal computer that is small enough to fit in a person's lap. and weighs less than eight pounds. Laptop computers usually have a flat screen and LCD display, and are powered by a rechargeable battery. They can be connected to a larger monitor or other peripherals when back at the office.
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| large-scale integration |
(LSI). The use of integrated circuits with more than 100 logic gates. Fourth-generation computers have large-scale integration.
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| laser |
light amplification through stimulated emissions of radiation
A device that uses the oscillation of atoms or molecules between energy levels to generate a narrow, finely focused beam of light. The light has a single wavelength or narrow spectrum of wavelengths and is matched in phase and frequency. Lasers are used in fiber-optics, laser printers, CD-ROM players, and scanners.
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| laser beam |
The beam of light produced by a laser, which can be precisely focused and can travel great distances without much loss of power.
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| laser beam printer |
A high-speed, non-impact printer that uses a laser beam to form images on a page. Laser beam printers produce high-resolution, high-quality printouts.
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