DNS & Jargon

Ok.................... I'll ask what I'm sure a few of you want to know, I admit that I am not very computer literate , so what does DNS stand for? Maybe I could suggest that we have a section with all the technical jargon in it along with the abbreviations eg PDF--- portable document format, then us poor non computer literate members can refer to it when the need arises . Thanks

 

Literally Domain Name Server and you can find out more here domain name server I like your idea for a section defining technical jargon, my computer magazine does just that in one place in every issue. Over time it really does sink in. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks Bob, very interesting, I think that has sunk in now, although I won't place any bets on how long it will remain there !!

 

Thanks Alexander, that's a really good way to explain it, you see you have killed your argument, as I now understand what DNS is from your explanation more than from any answer that Google could give, but I do take your point.

 

Well done Heather. I have previously suggested a glossary of acronyms would be appreciated....(not just IT terms)

 

Yes agreed, as sadly acronyms are the refuge of the Nerds amongst us (myself included if my wife is to be believed when she encounters me using them she says, 'English please Robert, English'). If you think IT is bad try reading an American crime novel!

I have sympathy with IT professionals (such as Alexander) as they are used to communicating amongst themselves. Genealogists (amateur or otherwise) are just the same but some struggle with IT short-form terminology, just as newcomers to a family history Forum do with genealogical equivalents.

Google is of course the life saver that Alexander suggests but I still believe a "Jargon Buster" Glossary has its place, just as my Computer Magazine realised long ago. I wonder what prompted them to provide same?

 

Not to forget that fount of all jargon, the Armed Services, where exactly the criteria Alexander has outlined have always existed in spades.

 

Okay points noted...DNS (Do Not Smirk)

 

I support the suggestion for (at least) spelling in out in full what an abbreviation stands for, even without a full explanation. (I haven't got the hang of what LOL means) As emjay humorously indicates, one abbreviation can stand more than one full phrase. and you need to have some idea before googling it. And those of us who don't know may be abashed at asking an 'obvious' question.

And 'jargon' isn't actually a perjorative term - it merely refers to "the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group." Although a line manager of mine once put as a criticism on my annual appraisal that I had complained that the company was full of jargon - I thought I was 'just' explaining how difficult I found it to pick things up when I didn't understand the terminology, but she took umbrage, and marked my appraisal accordingly...

 

So what do you put if you DO mean 'Lots of love'?

 

Actually as someone fairly well versed in family history research 'OPR' was an unfamiliar term so I resorted to Google. I found a definition with the annotation 'UK genealogy' standing for Old Parochial Register . I'm glad I spotted the ('uk genealogy') clue as there were 54 other definitions listed and -perish the thought - another 122 available in their 'Acronym Attic'.

I would refer to such as Parish Registers (or Records) and then, if needing to repeat the same words show (PR) in brackets as an aid to later understanding. Acronyms are self defeating when they go over the heads of people and I suggest should be sparingly used.

 

'OPC' also Bob, Online Parish Clerks . 'BMD' or 'bmds' is an acronym that I must admit to using - always.

Alex, I certainly had to lol at your little mother to daughter example earlier.

 

I thought DNS was Did Not Start! As in athletics - shows how my mind thinks!