An easy-to-understand guide to often-confusing computer/Internet jargon! Internet and Personal Computing Fads is an A-to-Z reference book written in a straightforward style that's informative enough for library use but informal enough for general reading. This essential guide takes a practical look at the most often-seen computer and Internet terms and describes them in easy-to-understand language. From Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to Hypertext to Y2K, more than 100 entries are included, featuring historical backgrounds, popular and practical uses, interesting fun facts, and bibliographies. Detailed enough for reference use by academics, the book has a natural tone that will appeal to students, casual computer users, and those who are intrigued by the chaotic, fascinating, but often frustrating and daunting morass of information known today as the World Wide Web. A perfect introduction to the world of computers and the Internet, this book presents brief, jargon-free explanations of terms representing a variety of fields of interest, including general computer use, business, entertainment, multimedia development, and education. You'll learn about: artificial intelligence the history of computer hardware the Mac vs. PC debate Internet domains such as .com, .edu, .gov, and others the meanings of commonly used e-mail abbreviations, including BTW, FYI, LOL, and more distance learning the origin and meaning of the word cyberspace and a great deal more! In clear and concise entries, Internet and Personal Computing Fads will help you understand the meaning of terms including: bandwidth biometrics bookmarks CAD (computer-assisted design) chat rooms clip art cookies cybercaf digital audio, video, imaging, and cameras dot com e-mail, e-books and e-zines electronic publishing emoticons filtering freeware (shareware) gaming Global Positioning Systems (GPS) instant messaging Internet advertising Linux MIDI mp3 Spam (Internet junk mail) URL usenet and many, many more! An everyday guide for enthusiasts and a perfect place to start for newcomers, Internet and Personal Computing Fads is an easy-to-use handbook with wide-ranging appeal. It combines the comprehensive information you'd expect from a reference book with a casual and colorful look at the histories and backgrounds of popular computer/Internet terms and concepts. As a vital resource or an occasional reference, this book is an exceptional value.