uninstall
To remove software
completely from a system, including the elimination of files
and components residing in system locations such as the
Registry in Windows 95/98 or Windows NT. Some applications
have built-in uninstall utilities, and in other cases a
separate uninstall program can be used.
UNIX
A multi-user, multitasking operating system originally
developed at AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1969 for use on
minicomputers. UNIX is available in several related forms,
including AIX« (a version of UNIX adapted by IBM to
run on RISC-based workstations), A/UX« (a graphical
version of UNIX for the Apple Macintosh), and
HU-UX« (a version of UNIX adapted by HP).
unzip
To uncompress a file that has been compressed by a program
such as PKZIP.
update
A new release of an existing
software product that is generally free. A software update
usually adds relatively minor new features to a product or
addresses issues found after the program was released. Updates
can be indicated by small changes in the software version
numbers, such as the change from version 4.0 to version 4.0b.
upgrade
The new or enhanced version
of a software product that is considered to have major
enhancements or improvement to its features or functionality,
and which is generally available at a fee. Software upgrades
are typically indicated by a significant (integer) change in
the version number, such as from version 4.0 to version 5.0.
UPS
Acronym for Uninterruptible Power Supply. A device,
connected between a computer (or other electronic equipment)
and a power source (usually an outlet receptacle), that
ensures that electrical flow to the computer is not
interrupted because of a blackout and, in most cases, protects
the computer against potentially damaging events, such as
power surges and brownouts. All UPS units are equipped with a
battery and a loss-of-power sensor; if the sensor detects a
loss of power, it switches over to the battery so that the
user has time to save his or her work and shut off the
computer.
username
The name by which a user is
identified to a computer system or network. During the logon
process, the user must enter the username and the correct
password. If the system or network is connected to the
Internet, the username generally corresponds to the leftmost
part of the user's e-mail address.
