National Teaching and Learning Change ProgrammeInformation and Communication Technology:
Dictionary

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• line spacing
  The amount of space (blank lines) that appears between the lines of text in a document. Most word processors allow the user to adjust the line spacing in their document. Common line spacing includes single, 1.5 and double.
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• link
  A graphic or piece of text which, when clicked, opens the page to which it is linked, either on the same website or another site. Also known as a hyperlink.
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• linked list
  A list where each item contains the data together with a pointer to the next item. There may be an additional pointer to the previous item. This means the items can be accessed in order even if they are not stored in order; they do not have to be stored in memory locations next to each other.
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• Linux
  An operating system.
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• liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
  Used on digital cameras, camcorders and PC notebooks, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) allow displays to be considerably thinner than a cathode ray tube and use little power. This is because they work on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it. An LCD can be either a passive or an active matrix. Active matrix technology is superior to passive.
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• list
  A column of data, e.g. a one-dimensional array.
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• list box
  A list box is a type of dialogue box where the user has to select one option from a limited number of options. List boxes usually drop down to show several options.
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• list server
  An automated electronic mail distribution system. This is a program which runs on a computer connected to the internet. The list server can receive requests from people to join (or leave) the mailing list. The requests are processed automatically. A user on a mailing list can send an email to the list server which will copy it to all users currently on the mailing list. This is a useful way of distributing information to a group of users who have a common interest.
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• literal
  A value of a particular type, for example, a string literal could be "Janis" as opposed to a string variable, which represents a string, rather than being a string itself.
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• load
  To load a program is to transfer it from backing store into main memory, prior to running it.
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• local
  Implies something not remote, for example, the computer on which you are currently working, as opposed to another computer to which your computer is connected electronically.
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• local area network (LAN) (1)
  A number of computers linked together, within a small area, such as a building.
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• local area network (LAN) (2)
  A number of computers linked together, within a small area, such as a building.
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• local variable
  Local variables are defined only for use in one part of the program (normally a function or procedure).
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• location
  In memory, the place where a particular piece of data is stored.
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• log
  A record of something which has happened, e.g. anti-virus software may keep a log of any viruses found on a computer.
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• log file
  The file in which a log, a record of activity, is stored.
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• log off
  The procedure to be followed when ending a session on a computer system. Also known as logging off, logging out, log out.
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• log on
  The procedure needed for a user to gain access to a computer system. It might provide access to a computer network, a multi-access computer system, a specially set-up standalone workstation or just a specific application program. Logging on is a part of the security procedures to prevent unauthorised access. Also known as log in, logging on, logging in.
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• logic
  In programming, this is the sequence of instructions within a program.