Glossary

Autorun

AutoRun causes a certain file to open or a certain program/file to run automatically as soon as a Pen Drive is inserted into the USB port. The action taken is determined by a file called AUTORUN.INF. If the file to be opened is a music or multimedia file, the feature is called AutoPlay.
In Macintosh computers, Auto Run is called Auto Start.

CAT5

Short for category 5, this is cabling that consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by connectors. CAT5 cabling supports speeds up to 1000Mbps. The cable is rubber-coated which protects the wire from damage or bending. CAT5 is commonly used for home and office networking.

Crossover Cable

A cable designed for connecting two computers directly.

Digital Media Storage Device

This is an electronic unit which stores information for use in computing. Such devices are also known as memory cards or flash cards. Types include CF, MC, SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, SM, XD, MS DUO, MS PRO DUO, Mini SD, RS-MMC, T-Flash Cards, etc.

Embossing/Debossing

Embossing is a process in which a raised surface design is created on a product. Embossing involves pressing the product between two surfaces to create the design, whereas debossing presses from the front side only. Debossing creates a pressed in look, while embossing appears raised.

Ethernet

A networking technology used for high-speed connections, mostly local area networks.

Flash Disk/Drive/Memory

A portable device containing a computer chip that store files. Flash disks vary in the amount of memory they contain. Popular configurations include 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, etc. The flash disk replaces older file storage media such as the floppy and CD-ROM due to its convenience and portability. A 16MB flash disk is equivalent to 14 floppy disks.

Foil Stamping

A process which enables a metallic design to be pressed into the product, similar to debossing.

Hub

A device which connects several other devices together, allowing the devices to communicate with one another. When a USB hub is plugged into the USB port on your computer, you gain extra USB ports. A networking hub connects many workstations to the same network.

Laser engraving

A process in which an image is etched into the surface of a product. Laser engraving is intricately controlled by a computer to achieve proper positioning, depth, and detail of an image. Laser engraving, oxidation and black oxidation are available on select products. Please consult your sales representative for details concerning these types of laser engraving.

MP3

A digitally compressed music file that can be played on computers and other portable music devices. The MP3 format offers a good balance between music quality and file size. MP3 files are small enough to easily transfer across the Internet.

Megabyte (MB)

A unit of measurement for computer storage (1 MB ~ 1024 KB). The number of megabytes determines how much information a device can hold.

Pad Printing

A method in which a pad, ink, and plate are used in conjunction to transfer an imprint onto a product. The pad, usually silicone rubber, presses against the plate which is etched with the design. After touching the ink-filled plate, the pad then presses the target, transferring the desired design.

PS2

An older standard for connecting input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.) to computers. In modern computer systems, the PS2 interface has been replaced by USB connections.

Plug and Play

This describes the standard ability to add and remove devices while the computer is running, with automatic recognition from the operating system.

Raster Artwork

Raster artwork consists of pixel information, where every pixel is assigned an RGB or CYMK value. This can create smoother and more detailed images for photos and paintings, but if the image is scaled, the program must create new information resulting in a distorted look. Raster-friendly programs include Adobe Photoshop, MS Paint, Fireworks, etc. remove devices while the computer is running, with automatic recognition from the operating system.

Ready-boost

A technology supported by Microsoft Windows Vista, which enhances the speed and ease of disk caching. This has the capability to boost system performance.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a stenciling technique that, unlike pad printing, uses screens with the positive image for the creation of the image on the product. Screen printing requires that separate plates be created for every color or imprint.

SIM Card

Short for subscriber identity module, it is the smart card (small electronic device containing memory) inside a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) that encrypts voice and data transmissions and stores data about the specific user that can be identified. A SIM card can be transferred from one cell phone to another, and different SIM cards can be used with the same cell phone.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

An interface for communications between computers and external hardware. USB is intended to replace existing serial ports, keyboard, and monitor connectors. USB 1.1 has file transmission capabilities of 12Mbps while the newer 2.0 can transfer files up to 480Mbps.

Vector Artwork

Vector art consists of creating paths and points in a program such as Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, Corel Draw, and various other illustration programs. The program keeps track of the relationships between these points and paths. Vector drawings are any sale-able objects that keep their proportions and quality when sized up or down. They are defined as solid objects and can be moved around in full, or group together with other objects. Vectors can be defined by mathematical and numeric data.

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity)

A standard for wireless networks, it enables a person with a wireless-enabled computer to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point or hot spot.