Jargon Buster

VB Script

Visual basic Script is a scripting language and a light version of Microsoft's programming language Visual Basic

Vector

Vector graphics are described (eg 'a line from x to y') rather than being made up of a finite number of dots. Because they are rendered as smooth lines, they can be enlarged to any scale without a loss of quality, unlike bitmapped images which will become jaggy when blown up.

VGA

Video Graphics Array. A very basic standard for graphics output, specifying that the monitor and graphics card should be able to display 16 different colours at a resolution of 640x480 pixels.

Video memory

Memory installed on your PC's graphics card and used to generate the on-screen image. The more memory on the card, the higher the possible graphics resolution and the more colours that can be displayed. 16Mb should be considered the minimum standard today, with 32Mb or even 64Mb common in high-end gaming systems.

Virtual reality

An artificial environment created using a computer. Virtual realities are usually 'explored' using such things as 3D goggles to give the impression that the user is 'inside' the virtual world.

Virus

is a file or program used to harm or destroy a computer system

VLE

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a software system designed to facilitate teachers in the management of educational courses for their students, especially by helping teachers and learners with course administration. The system can often track the learners' progress, which can be monitored by both teachers and learners. While often thought of as primarily tools for distance education, they are most often used to supplement the face-to-face classroom.

These systems usually run on servers, using one or more databases and a programming, i.e. Java/J2EE, or scripting language such as PHP to serve the course to students as internet pages.

Components of these systems usually include templates for content pages, discussion forums, chat, quizzes and exercises such as multiple-choice, true/false and one-word-answer. Teachers fill in these templates and then release them for learners to use. New features in these systems include blogs and RSS. Services generally provided include access control, provision of e-learning content, communication tools, and administration of the user groups.

Voice recognition

Software which can recognise spoken words. It may be able to interpret these as commands which it can obey (voice control), or turn them into text to save you typing (voice recognition).

VPN

Virtual Private Network is a point-to-point connection between the user’s computer and the company’s server that allows private data by mobile employees, telecommuters, business partners and remote sites to be sent securely over a shared or public network, such as the Internet