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AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port. A high-speed, high-performance
video standard supported by a dedicated connector on the
system board. The connector allows the connection of an AGP
board to the system board's AGP bus. AGP boards feature
64- or 128-bit graphics acceleration with an integrated digital
video engine and accelerated 3-D graphics, texture mapping,
and shading functions. Fast refresh rates, high resolution, and
color depth allow for incredible graphics suitable for
multimedia and graphic intensive applications.
algorithm
Any set of instructions to be followed in order.
anti-aliasing
Making jagged edges look smoother by filling in the jags with
an intermediate color. Usually used in reference to the edges of
shapes, especially letters, on a computer screen.
API
Application Programming Interface. An API is a series of
functions that programs can use to make the operating system
do routine or repetitive tasks. Using Windows APIs, for
example, a program can open windows, files, and message
boxes (as well as perform more complicated tasks) by passing
a single instruction. Windows has several classes of APIs that
deal with telephony, messaging, and other issues.
APM
Advanced Power Management. An API developed by Intel and
Microsoft that allows developers to include power
management in the BIOS. APM defines a layer between the
hardware and the operating system that effectively shields the
programmer from hardware details.
2 Glossary
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