upward compatible
Refers to software that runs not only on the computer for which it was designed, but also on newer and more powerful models. For example, a program designed to run on an Intel 386 microprocessor, which also runs on a Pentium, is upward compatible. Upward compatibility is important because it means you can move to a newer, larger, and more sophisticated computer without converting your data.
In contrast to upward compatibility, downward (backward) compatible means that a program runs not only on the computer for which it was designed, but also on smaller and older models. For example, a program designed to run under MS-DOS 6.0, which also works under MS-DOS 5.0, is downward compatible.
Upward compatibility is sometimes called forward compatibility.
Read Also:
- upstream
(adj.) A transmission from an end user to a server. An upstream transmission can be in the form of a signal being transmitted from a workstation to a server across a network, such as a LAN, or a signal being sent from a customer to a cable service provider. A transmission from a server to […]
- Uppercase
Uppercase characters are capital letters; lowercase characters are small letters. For example, box is in lowercase while BOX is in uppercase. The term is a vestige of the days when typesetters kept capital letters in a box above the lowercase letters. A program that distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase is said to be case sensitive.
- upload
To transmit data from a computer to a bulletin board service, mainframe, or network. For example, if you use a personal computer to log on to a network and you want to send files across the network, you must upload the files from your PC to the network.
- uplink port
Another name for MDI port.
- uplink
In satellite communications, uplink is the establishment of a communications link from a ground station up to the orbiting satellite. Contrast with downlink.