National Teaching and Learning Change ProgrammeInformation and Communication Technology:
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• prototype
  The construction of a simple version of the program, a prototype, which is used as part of the design process to demonstrate how the system will work. The prototype generally consists of the working user interface but will not actually process any data. The prototype can be reviewed by the user and changes made to the system at the design stage.
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• proxy server
  A proxy server controls the access of authorised users to data and allows the operation of the system to be isolated from control by external users. Proxy servers are often also internet servers. This application receives requests from users, verifies them, accesses the required data and communicates the requested information back to the users. External users cannot run programs on the protected system but rely on the proxy server to access data for them. Instructions to the protected system itself are limited to specific types of requests, the effects of which can be controlled. Proxy servers can provide data for both external and internal users. External users cannot access the main system directly whilst the internal users can be provided with controlled access to external systems, such as the internet.
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• pseudo-code
  A method of describing a program or system design. It uses control structures and keywords similar to those found in programming languages, but without the strict rules of programming languages. It may be presented in a form which looks like a combination of English and a programming language.
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• public domain software
  Public domain software has a licence waiving all rights and allowing free use of the software.
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• public switched telephone network (PSTN)
  The traditional analogue telephone network, which is being replaced by digital services.
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• pull
  In a stack, pull is a term used for taking an item from the stack. Also called pop.
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• pull-down menu
  Pull-down menu is a menu that appears on request after its title has been selected from the menu bar. It gets its name because it usually appears immediately below the menu title.
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• push
  Push is the term used for adding an item to a stack.
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• push
  When information is sent to a client's browser, rather than the client requesting it.