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Computer Glossary
- Applet
A small Java application that is downloaded
by an ActiveX or Java-enabled web browser. Once it has been
downloaded, the applet will run on the user's computer. Common
applets include financial calculators and web drawing programs.
- Application
Computer software that performs a task
or set of tasks, such as word processing or drawing. Applications
are also referred to as programs.
- ASCII
American Standard Code for Information
Interchange, an encoding system for converting keyboard characters
and instructions into the binary number code that the computer
understands.
- Bandwidth
The capacity of a networked connection.
Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent along the networked
wires. Bandwidth is particularly important for Internet connections,
since greater bandwidth also means faster downloads.
- Binary code
The most basic language a computer
understands, it is composed of a series of 0s and 1s. The computer
interprets the code to form numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and
symbols.
- Bit
The smallest piece of computer information,
either the number 0 or 1. In short ther are called binary digits.
- Boot
To start up a computer. Cold boot.restarting
computer after having turned off the power. Warm boot.restarting
computer without having turned off the power.
- Browser
Software used to navigate the Internet.
Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are today's most
popular browsers for accessing the World Wide Web.
- Bug
A malfunction due to an error in the program or
a defect in the equipment.
- Byte
Most computers use combinations of eight bits,
called bytes, to represent one character of data or instructions.
For example, the word .cat. has three characters, and it would be
represented by three bytes.
- Cache
A small data-memory storage area that a
computer can use to instantly re-access data instead of re-reading
the data from the original source, such as a hard drive. Browsers
use a cache to store web pages so that the user may view them again
without reconnecting to the Web.
- CAD-CAM
Computer Aided Drawing-Computer Aided
Manufacturing. The instructions stored in a computer that will be
translated to very precise operating instructions to a robot, such
as for assembling cars or laser-cutting signage.
- CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. An optically
read disc designed to hold information such as music, reference
materials, or computer software. A single CD-ROM can hold around 640
megabytes of data, enough for several encyclopedias. Most software
programs are now delivered on CD-ROMs.
- CGI
Common Gateway Interface. A programming
standard that allows visitors to fill out form fields on a Web page
and have that information interact with a database, possibly coming
back to the user as another Web page. CGI may also refer to
Computer-Generated Imaging, the process in which sophisticated
computer programs create still and animated graphics, such as
special effects for movies.
- Chat
Typing text into a message box on a screen to
engage in dialog with one or more people via the Internet or other
network.
- Chip
A tiny wafer of silicon containing miniature
electric circuits that can store millions of bits of information.
- Client
A single user of a network application that
is operated from a server. A client/server architecture allows many
people to use the same data simultaneously. The program's main
component (the data) resides on a centralized server, with smaller
components (user interface) on each client.
- Cookie
A text file sent by a Web server that is
stored on the hard drive of a computer and relays back to the Web
server things about the user, his or her computer, and/or his or her
computer activities.
- CPU
Central Processing Unit. The brain of the
computer.
- Cracker
A person who .breaks in. to a computer
through a network, without authorization and with mischievous or
destructive intent.
- Crash
A hardware or software problem that causes
information to be lost or the computer to malfunction. Sometimes a
crash can cause permanent damage to a computer.
- Cursor
A moving position-indicator displayed on a
computer monitor that shows a computer operator where the next
action or operation will take place.
- Cyberspace
Slang for internet ie. An international
conglomeration of interconnected computer networks. Begun in the
late 1960s, it was developed in the 1970s to allow government and
university researchers to share information. The Internet is not
controlled by any single group or organization. Its original focus
was research and communications, but it continues to expand,
offering a wide array of resources for business and home users.
- Database
A collection of similar information stored
in a file, such as a database of addresses. This information may be
created and stored in a database management system (DBMS).
- Debug
Slang. To find and correct equipment defects
or program malfunctions.
- Default
The pre-defined configuration of a system
or an application. In most programs, the defaults can be changed to
reflect personal preferences.
- Desktop
The main directory of the user interface.
Desktops usually contain icons that represent links to the hard
drive, a network (if there is one), and a trash or recycling can for
files to be deleted. It can also display icons of frequently used
applications, as requested by the user.
- Desktop publishing
The production of
publication-quality documents using a personal computer in
combination with text, graphics, and page layout programs.
- Directory
A repository where all files are kept on
computer.
- Disk
Two distinct types. The names refer to the
media inside the container:
A hard disc stores vast amounts
of data. It is usually inside the computer but can be a separate
peripheral on the outside. Hard discs are made up of several rigid
coated metal discs. Currently, hard discs can store 15 to 30 Gb
(gigabytes)
A floppy disc, 3.5" square, usually inserted
into the computer and can store about 1.4 megabytes of data. The
3.5" square .floppies. have a very thin, flexible disc inside.
There is also an intermediate-sized floppy disc, trademarked Zip
discs, which can store 250 megabytes of data.
- Disk drive
The equipment that operates a hard or
floppy disc.
- Domain
Represents an IP (Internet Protocol) address
or set of IP addresses that comprise a domain. The domain name
appears in URLs to identify web pages or in email addresses. For
example, the email address for the First Lady is
first.lady@whitehouse.gov, .whitehouse.gov. being the domain name.
Each domain name ends with a suffix that indicates what .top level
domain. it belongs to. These are: ..com. for commercial, ..gov. for
government, ..org. for organization, ..edu. for educational
institution, ..biz. for business, ..info. for information, ..tv. for
television, ..ws. for website. Domain suffixes may also indicate the
country in which the domain is registered. No two parties can ever
hold the same domain name.
- Domain name
The name of a network or computer
linked to the Internet. Domains are defined by a common IP address
or set of similar IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
- Download
The process of transferring information
from a web site (or other remote location on a network) to the
computer. It is possible to .download a file. or .view a download.
- DOS
Disk Operating System. An operating system
designed for early IBM-compatible PCs.
- Drop-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically
on-screen to display context-related options. Also called pop-up
menu or pull-down menu.
- DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. A method of connecting
to the Internet via a phone line. A DSL connection uses copper
telephone lines but is able to relay data at much higher speeds than
modems and does not interfere with telephone use.
- DVD
Digital Video Disc.Similar to a CD-ROM, it
stores and plays both audio and video.
- E-book
An electronic (usually hand-held) reading
device that allows a person to view digitally stored reading
materials.
- Email
Electronic mail; messages, including memos or
letters, sent electronically between networked computers that may be
across the office or around the world.
- Emoticon
A text-based expression of emotion created
from ASCII characters that mimics a facial expression when viewed
with your head tilted to the left. Here are some examples:
:-)
Smiling
:-( Frowning
;-) Winking
:_( Crying
- Encryption
The process of transmitting scrambled
data so that only authorized recipients can unscramble it. For
instance, encryption is used to scramble credit card information
when purchases are made over the Internet.
- Ethernet
A type of network.
- Ethernet card
A board inside a computer to which a
network cable can be attached.
- File
A set of data that is stored in the computer.
- Firewall
A set of security programs that protect a
computer from outside interference or access via the Internet.
- Folder
A structure for containing electronic files.
In some operating systems, it is called a .directory.
- Fonts
Sets of typefaces (or characters) that come
in different styles and sizes.
- Freeware
Software created by people who are willing
to give it away for the satisfaction of sharing or knowing they
helped to simplify other people's lives. It may be freestanding
software, or it may add functionality to existing software.
- FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A format and set of
rules for transferring files from a host to a remote computer.
- Gigabyte (GB)
1024 megabytes. Also called gig.
- Glitch
The cause of an unexpected malfunction.
- Gopher
An Internet search tool that allows users to
access textual information through a series of menus, or if using
FTP, through downloads.
- GUI
Graphical User Interface. A system that
simplifies selecting computer commands by enabling the user to point
to symbols or illustrations (called icons) on the computer screen
with a mouse.
- Groupware
Software that allows networked
individuals to form groups and collaborate on documents, programs,
or databases.
- Hacker
A person with technical expertise who
experiments with computer systems to determine how to develop
additional features. Hackers are occasionally requested by system
administrators to try and .break into. systems via a network to test
security. The term hacker is sometimes incorrectly used
interchangeably with cracker. A hacker is called a .white hat. and a
cracker a .black hat.
- Hard copy
A paper printout of what you have
prepared on the computer.
- Hard drive
Another name for the hard disc that
stores information information in a computer.
- Hardware
The physical and mechanical components of
a computer system, such as the electronic circuitry, chips, monitor,
disks, disk drives, keyboard, modem, and printer.
- Home page
The main page of a Web site used to greet
visitors, provide information about the site, or to direct the
viewer to other pages on the site.
- HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standard of text
markup conventions used for documents on the World Wide Web.
Browsers interpret the codes to give the text structure and
formatting (such as bold, blue, or italic).
- HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A common system
used to request and send HTML documents on the World Wide Web. It is
the first portion of all URL addresses on the World Wide Web
- HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Often
used in intracompany internet sites. Passwords are required to gain
access.
- Hyperlink
Text or an image that is connected by
hypertext coding to a different location. By selecting the text or
image with a mouse, the computer .jumps to. (or displays) the linked
text.
- Hypermedia
Integrates audio, graphics, and/or video
through links embedded in the main program.
- Hypertext
A system for organizing text through
links, as opposed to a menu-driven hierarchy such as Gopher. Most
Web pages include hypertext links to other pages at that site, or to
other sites on the World Wide Web.
- Icons
Symbols or illustrations appearing on the
computer screen that indicate program files or other computer
functions.
- Input
Data that goes into a computer device.
- Input device
A device, such as a keyboard, stylus
and tablet, mouse, puck, or microphone, that allows input of
information (letters, numbers, sound, video) to a computer.
- Instant messenging (IM)
A chat application that
allows two or more people to communicate over the Internet via
real-time keyed-in messages.
- Interface
The interconnections that allow a device,
a program, or a person to interact. Hardware interfaces are the
cables that connect the device to its power source and to other
devices. Software interfaces allow the program to communicate with
other programs (such as the operating system), and user interfaces
allow the user to communicate with the program (e.g., via mouse,
menu commands, icons, voice commands, etc.).
- Internet
An international conglomeration of
interconnected computer networks. Begun in the late 1960s, it was
developed in the 1970s to allow government and university
researchers to share information. The Internet is not controlled by
any single group or organization. Its original focus was research
and communications, but it continues to expand, offering a wide
array of resources for business and home users.
- IP (Internet Protocol) address
An Internet Protocol
address is a unique set of numbers used to locate another computer
on a network. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit string of four
numbers separated by periods. Each number can be from 0 to 255
(i.e., 1.154.10.266). Within a closed network IP addresses may be
assigned at random, however, IP addresses of web servers must be
registered to avoid duplicates.
- Java
An object-oriented programming language
designed specifically for programs (particularly multimedia) to be
used over the Internet. Java allows programmers to create small
programs or applications (applets) to enhance Web sites.
- Javascript/ECMA script
A programming language used
almost exclusively to manipulate content on a web page. Common
Javascript functions include validating forms on a web page,
creating dynamic page navigation menus, and image rollovers.
- kilobyte (K or KB)
Equal to 1,024 bytes.
- Linux
A UNIX.-like, open-source operating system
developed primarily by Linus Torvalds. Linux is free and runs on
many platforms, including both PCs and Macintoshes. Linux is an
open-source operating system, meaning that the source code of the
operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may
redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect
royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more
programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
- Laptop and notebook
Small, lightweight, portable
battery-powered computers that can fit onto your lap. They each have
a thin, flat, liquid crystal display screen.
- Macro
A script that operates a series of commands
to perform a function. It is set up to automate repetitive tasks.
- Mac OS
An operating system with a graphical user
interface, developed by Apple. for Macintosh. computers. Current
System .X.1. (10) combines the traditional Mac interface with a
strong underlying UNIX. operating system for increased performance
and stability.
- Megabyte (MB)
Equal to 1,048,576 bytes, usually
rounded off to one million bytes (also called a .meg.).
- Memory
Temporary storage for information, including
applications and documents. The information must be stored to a
permanent device, such as a hard disc or CD-ROM before the power is
turned off, or the information will be lost. Computer memory is
measured in terms of the amount of information it can store,
commonly in megabytes or gigabytes.
- Menu
A context-related list of options that users
can choose from.
- Menu bar
The horizontal strip across the top of an
application's window. Each word on the strip has a context sensitive
drop-down menu containing features and actions that are available
for the application in use.
- Merge
To combine two or more files into a single
file.
- MHz
An abbreviation for Megahertz, or one million
hertz. One MHz represents one million clock cycles per second and is
the measure of a computer microprocessor's speed. For example, a
microprocessor that runs at 300 MHz executes 300 million cycles per
second. Each instruction a computer receives takes a fixed number of
clock cycles to carry out, therefore the more cycles a computer can
execute per second, the faster its programs run. Megahertz is also a
unit of measure for bandwidth.
- Microprocessor
A complete central processing unit
(CPU) contained on a single silicon chip.
- Minimize
A term used in a GUI operating system that
uses windows. It refers to reducing a window to an icon, or a label
at the bottom of the screen, allowing another window to be viewed.
- Modem
A device that connects two computers together
over a telephone or cable line by converting the computer's data
into an audio signal. Modem is a contraction for the process it
performs: modulate-demodulate.
- Monitor
A video display terminal.
- Mouse
A small hand-held device, similar to a
trackball, used to control the position of the cursor on the video
display; movements of the mouse on a desktop correspond to movements
of the cursor on the screen.
- MP3
Compact audio and video file format. The small
size of the files makes them easy to download and e-mail. Format
used in portable playback devices.
- Multimedia
Software programs that combine text and
graphics with sound, video, and animation. A multimedia PC contains
the hardware to support these capabilities.
- MS-DOS
An early operating system developed by
Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Disc Operating System).
- Network
A system of interconnected computers.
- Open source
Computer programs whose original source
code was revealed to the general public so that it could be
developed openly. Software licensed as open source can be freely
changed or adapted to new uses, meaning that the source code of the
operating system is freely available to the public. Programmers may
redistribute and modify the code, as long as they don't collect
royalties on their work or deny access to their code. Since
development is not restricted to a single corporation more
programmers can debug and improve the source code faster.
- Operating system
A set of instructions that tell a
computer on how to operate when it is turned on. It sets up a filing
system to store files and tells the computer how to display
information on a video display. Most PC operating systems are DOS
(disc operated system) systems, meaning the instructions are stored
on a disc (as opposed to being originally stored in the
microprocessors of the computer). Other well-known operating systems
include UNIX, Linux, Macintosh, and Windows.
- Output
Data that come out of a computer device. For
example, information displayed on the monitor, sound from the
speakers, and information printed to paper.
- Palm
A hand-held computer.
- PC
Personal computer. Generally refers to computers
running Windows with a Pentium processor.
- PC board
Printed Circuit board. A board printed or
etched with a circuit and processors. Power supplies, information
storage devices, or changers are attached.
- PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A hand-held
computer that can store daily appointments, phone numbers,
addresses, and other important information. Most PDAs link to a
desktop or laptop computer to download or upload information.
- PDF
Portable Document Format. A format presented by
Adobe Acrobat that allows documents to be shared over a variety of
operating systems. Documents can contain words and pictures and be
formatted to have electronic links to other parts of the document or
to places on the web.
- Pentium chip
Intel's fifth generation of
sophisticated high-speed microprocessors. Pentium means .the fifth
element..
- Peripheral
Any external device attached to a
computer to enhance operation. Examples include external hard drive,
scanner, printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse, trackball, stylus and
tablet, and joystick.
- Personal computer (PC)
A single-user computer
containing a central processing unit (CPU) and one or more memory
circuits.
- Petabyte
A measure of memory or storage capacity
and is approximately a thousand terabytes.
- Petaflop
A theoretical measure of a computer's
speed and can be expressed as a thousand-trillion floating-point
operations per second.
- Platform
The operating system, such as UNIX.,
Macintosh., Windows., on which a computer is based.
- Plug and play
Computer hardware or peripherals that
come set up with necessary software so that when attached to a
computer, they are .recognized. by the computer and are ready to
use.
- Pop-up menu
A menu window that opens vertically or
horizontally on-screen to display context-related options. Also
called drop-down menu or pull-down menu.
- Power PC
A competitor of the Pentium chip. It is a
new generation of powerful sophisticated microprocessors produced
from an Apple-IBM-Motorola alliance.
- Printer
A mechanical device for printing a
computer's output on paper. There are three major types of printers:
Dot matrix: creates individual letters, made up of a series of tiny
ink dots, by punching a ribbon with the ends of tiny wires. (This
type of printer is most often used in industrial settings, such as
direct mail for labeling.)
Ink jet: sprays tiny droplets
of ink particles onto paper.
Laser: uses a beam of light
to reproduce the image of each page using a magnetic charge that
attracts dry toner that is transferred to paper and sealed with
heat.
- Program
A precise series of instructions written in
a computer language that tells the computer what to do and how to do
it. Programs are also called .software. or .applications.
- Programming language
A series of instructions
written by a programmer according to a given set of rules or
conventions (.syntax.). High-level programming languages are
independent of the device on which the application (or program) will
eventually run; low-level languages are specific to each program or
platform. Programming language instructions are converted into
programs in language specific to a particular machine or operating
system (.machine language.) so that the computer can interpret and
carry out the instructions. Some common programming languages are
BASIC, C, C++, dBASE, FORTRAN, and Perl.
- Puck
An input device, like a mouse. It has a
magnifying glass with crosshairs on the front of it that allows the
operator to position it precisely when tracing a drawing for use
with CAD-CAM software.
- Pull-down menu
A menu window that opens vertically
on-screen to display context-related options. Also called drop-down
menu or pop-up menu.
- Push technology
Internet tool that delivers
specific information directly to a user's desktop, eliminating the
need to surf for it. PointCast, which delivers news in user-defined
categories, is a popular example of this technology.
- QuickTime.
Audio-visual software that allows
movie-delivery via the Internet and e-mail. QuickTime mages are
viewed on a monitor.
- RAID
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. A method
of spreading information across several disks set up to act as a
unit, using two different techniques:
Disk striping: storing a
bit of information across several discs (instead of storing it all
on one disc and hoping that the disc doesn't crash).
Disk
mirroring: simultaneously storing a copy of information on another
disc so that the information can be recovered if the main disc
crashes.
- RAM
Random Access Memory. One of two basic types of
memory. Portions of programs are stored in RAM when the program is
launched so that the program will run faster. Though a PC has a
fixed amount of RAM, only portions of it will be accessed by the
computer at any given time. Also called memory.
- Right-click
Using the right mouse button to open
context-sensitive drop-down menus.
- ROM
Read-Only Memory. One of two basic types of
memory. ROM contains only permanent information put there by the
manufacturer. Information in ROM cannot be altered, nor can the
memory be dynamically allocated by the computer or its operator.
- Scanner
An electronic device that uses
light-sensing equipment to scan paper images such as text, photos,
and illustrations and translate the images into signals that the
computer can then store, modify, or distribute.
- Search engine
Software that makes it possible to
look for and retrieve material on the Internet, particularly the
Web. Some popular search engines are Alta Vista, Google, HotBot,
Yahoo!, Web Crawler, and Lycos.
- Server
A computer that shares its resources and
information with other computers, called clients, on a network.
- Shareware
Software created by people who are
willing to sell it at low cost or no cost for the gratification of
sharing. It may be freestanding software, or it may add
functionality to existing software.
- Software
Computer programs; also called
.applications.
- Spider
A process search engines use to investigate
new pages on a web site and collect the information that needs to be
put in their indices.
- Spreadsheet
Software that allows one to calculate
numbers in a format that is similar to pages in a conventional
ledger.
- Storage
Devices used to store massive amounts of
information so that it can be readily retrieved. Devices include
RAIDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs
- Streaming
Taking packets of information (sound or
visual) from the Internet and storing it in temporary files to allow
it to play in continuous flow.
- Stylus and tablet
A input device similar to a
mouse. The stylus is pen shaped. It is used to .draw. on a tablet
(like drawing on paper) and the tablet transfers the information to
the computer. The tablet responds to pressure.the firmer the
pressure used to draw, the thicker the line appears.
- Surfing
Exploring the Internet.
- Surge protector
A controller to protect the
computer and make up for variances in voltage.
- Telnet
A way to communicate with a remote computer
over a network.
- Trackball
Input device that controls the position
of the cursor on the screen; the unit is mounted near the keyboard,
and movement is controlled by moving a ball.
- Terabytes (TB)
A thousand gigabytes.
- Teraflop
A measure of a computer's speed. It can be
expressed as a trillion floating-point operations per second.
- Trojan Horse
See virus.
- UNIX.
A very powerful operating system used as the
basis of many high-end computer applications.
- Upload
The process of transferring information from
a computer to a web site (or other remote location on a network). v.
To transfer information from a computer to a web site (or other
remote location on a network).
- URL
Uniform Resource Locator.
1. The protocol
for identifying a document on the Web.
2. A Web address (e.g.,
www.tutorialspoint.com). A URL is unique to each user. See also
domain.
- UPS
Universal Power Supply or Uninterruptible Power
Supply. An electrical power supply that includes a battery to
provide enough power to a computer during an outage to back-up data
and properly shut down.
- USB
A multiple-socket USB connecter that allows
several USB-compatible devices to be connected to a computer.
- USENET
A large unmoderated and unedited bulletin
board on the Internet that offers thousands of forums, called
newsgroups. These range from newsgroups exchanging information on
scientific advances to celebrity fan clubs.
- User friendly
A program or device whose use is
intuitive to people with a nontechnical background.
- Video teleconferencing
A remote "face-to-face
chat," when two or more people using a webcam and an Internet
telephone connection chat online. The webcam enables both live voice
and video.
- Virtual reality (VR)
A technology that allows one
to experience and interact with images in a simulated
three-dimensional environment. For example, you could design a room
in a house on your computer and actually feel that you are walking
around in it even though it was never built. (The Holodeck in the
science-fiction TV series Star Trek: Voyager would be the ultimate
virtual reality.) Current technology requires the user to wear a
special helmet, viewing goggles, gloves, and other equipment that
transmits and receives information from the computer.
- Virus
An unauthorized piece of computer code
attached to a computer program or portions of a computer system that
secretly copies itself from one computer to another by shared discs
and over telephone and cable lines. It can destroy information
stored on the computer, and in extreme cases, can destroy
operability. Computers can be protected from viruses if the operator
utilizes good virus prevention software and keeps the virus
definitions up to date. Most viruses are not programmed to spread
themselves. They have to be sent to another computer by e-mail,
sharing, or applications. The worm is an exception, because it is
programmed to replicate itself by sending copies to other computers
listed in the e-mail address book in the computer. There are many
kinds of viruses, for example:
Boot viruses place some of their
code in the start-up disk sector to automatically execute when
booting. Therefore, when an infected machine boots, the virus loads
and runs.
File viruses attached to program files (files with the
extension ..exe.). When you run the infected program, the virus code
executes.
Macro viruses copy their macros to templates and/or
other application document files.
Trojan Horse is a malicious,
security-breaking program that is disguised as something benign such
as a screen saver or game.
Worm launches an application that
destroys information on your hard drive. It also sends a copy of the
virus to everyone in the computer's e-mail address book.
- WAV
A sound format (pronounced .wave.) used to
reproduce sounds on a computer.
- Webcam
A video camera/computer setup that takes
live images and sends them to a Web browser.
- Window
A portion of a computer display used in a
graphical interface that enables users to select commands by
pointing to illustrations or symbols with a mouse. "Windows"
is also the name Microsoft adopted for its popular operating system.
- World Wide Web ("WWW" or "the Web")
A
network of servers on the Internet that use hypertext-linked
databases and files. It was developed in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, a
British computer scientist, and is now the primary platform of the
Internet. The feature that distinguishes the Web from other Internet
applications is its ability to display graphics in addition to text.
- Word processor
A computer system or program for
setting, editing, revising, correcting, storing, and printing text.
- Worm
See virus.
- WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. When using
most word processors, page layout programs (See desktop publishing),
and web page design programs, words and images will be displayed on
the monitor as they will look on the printed page or web page.
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