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TCP/IP An acronym for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a protocol developed by the Department of Defense for communications between computers. It is built into the UNIX system and has become the de facto standard for data transmission over networks, including the Internet. text file A file composed of text characters. A text file can be a word-processing file, but generally refers to a "plain" ASCII file encoded in a format practically all computers can use. text-only file Identical to an ASCII text file. time and date The timekeeping and datekeeping functions maintained by the computer's operating system, and used most visibly as a means of "stamping" files with the date and time of creation or last revision. transaction A discrete activity within a computer system, such as an entry of a customer order or an update of an inventory item. Transactions are usually associated with database applications and files. two-digit shortcut A date format that uses only the last two digits of the year, excluding information about the century. For example, "98" is a two-digit shortcut; it does not reveal which century is intended. Interpreting two-digit shortcuts always requires an assumption about the intended century. two-digit year A date format that uses only the last two digits of the year, excluding information about the century. An example of a two-digit year is "98"; it does not reveal which century is intended. Interpreting two-digit years always requires an assumption about the intended century.