environment
(1) The state of a computer, usually determined by which programs are running and basic hardware and software characteristics. For example, when one speaks of running a program in a UNIX environment, it means running a program on a computer that has the UNIX operating system.
One ingredient of an environment, therefore, is the operating system. But operating systems include a number of different parameters. For example, many operating systems allow you to choose your command prompt or a default command path. All these parameters taken together constitute the environment.
Another term for environment in this sense is platform.
(2) In DOS systems, the environment is an area in memory that the operating system and other programs use to store various types of miscellaneous information. For example, your word processor may use the environment area to store the location of backup files. You can view or modify the environment with the SET command.
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- equal error rate
(ē´kw&l er´&r rāt) (n.) Abbreviated as EER. A biometric security system predetermines the threshold values for its false acceptance rate and its false rejection rate, and when the rates are equal, the common value is referred to as the equal error rate. The value indicates that the proportion of false acceptances is equal to the […]
- equalization
Abbreviated as EQ, in audio processing, equalization is the process of modifying the frequency of a sound. Equalization is most commonly used to correct signals that sound unnatural. For example, if a sound was recorded in a room that accentuates high frequencies, an equalizer can reduce those frequencies to a more normal level.
- equipment footprint
In data center terminology, the equipment footprint refers to the physical area that is occupied only by data center equipment. It would not include areas such as aisles between racks and any space left at end of equipment rows.
- erasable optical disk
A type of optical disk that can be erased and loaded with new data. In contrast, most optical disks, called CD-ROMs, are read-only.
- ergonomic mouse
A type of mouse that has been designed to reduce muscle strain and decrease discomfort (while using the mouse) associated with a injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendonitis. Compared to other mice, an ergonomic mouse is designed to fit a more natural hand position when being used.