media glossary - L

L2 Cache (L2 Cache)
A method of improving hardware performance by using a memory buffer, or temporary storage, located between the microprocessor and the main memory. (Level 1 cache is a memory area located on the microprocessor itself)

LoC
Letter or Credit. A document from a bank stating that funds to pay for a purchase are available.

LAN
Local-area network, a group of computers that are connected by cable and share data, software and storage devices. LANs are needed to practice client-server computing. (See WAN)

LAN

Local Area Network; Software which allows several or many personal computers to communicate with each other, usually in a company or building.

landscaping
Causes a laser printer to print horizontally rather than vertically on 8 1/2” by 11” paper.

laser printer
A fast, high-quality printer that uses a laser beam to print images on paper.

latency
The time you sit around waiting for something to happen. On a network, it could be the time it takes for a file or a program to arrive. PC users on a crowded Ethernet network get a vivid demonstration of latency; in a broadcast storm, they might have to wait until the repairman comes.

launch
The development and publication of a new magazine.

layout
Any sketch or other indication that specifies the appearance and
arrangement of elements on a printed page.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display: A portable computer screen technology that uses electrically activated liquid crystal sealed between two pieces of glass.

leading
Space between lines of typeset copy.

liability
Legal obligation of a business for debts owed to its creditors.

limited
A British term for a corporation. (See LTD)

line art
Indicates (solid) material that can be reproduced without tints or halftones.

liquid assets
Any assets readily convertible into cash. Such assets will include cash, accounts receivables, securities or bonds readily exchangeable for cash.

liquidate
To pay off or settle a current obligation; to sell off or convert assets into cash; to dissolve a business in order to raise cash for payment of its debts. Bankruptcy

list broker
A specialist who makes all necessary arrangements for one company to make use of the lists of another company. A broker's services may include most or all of the following; research, selection, recommendation and subsequent evaluation.

list cleaning
The process of correcting and/or removing a name and address from a mailing list because it is no longer correct. Addresses may be corrected as a result of information furnished by the postal service or the individual. Removal may be effected as a result of the return of a mailing piece by the postal service.

list compiler
One who develops lists of names and addresses from directories, newspapers, public records, sales slips, trade show registrations, etc., thus identifying groups of people or companies with something in common.

list manager
One who, as an employee of a list owner or as an outside agent, is responsible for the use, by others, of specific mailing lists. The list manager provides the following services to the list owner; list maintenance, list promotion and marketing, list clearance and record keeping, collecting for use of the list by others.

list rental
An arrangement in which a list owner furnishes names to a mailer and the privilege of using the list on a one-time basis only (unless otherwise specified in advance). For this privilege, the list owner is paid by the mailer.

list selection
Characteristics used to define smaller groups within a list (essentially, lists within a list). Small, select groups may be very desirable and may substantially improve response.

listserve
A program that manages mailing lists by responding automatically to e-mail requests and distributing new messages.

load
See launch.

lock box
A regional bank depository used by large corporations to obtain early receipt of customer payments rather than having checks sent to one central office.

locked disk
See write-protected disk.

locked file
A file that can be viewed, but cannot be written to or deleted. Also referred to as read-only.

lofting
Tendency of a saddle-stitched magazine to seem thicker at the fold than at the margins.

logo
A trademark, unique to a particular company

ltd.
Abbreviation for Limited, a British term for a corporation. (See Limited)

lurkers
Someone who reads newsgroup entries, but never posts any entries, thus remaining anonymous. It is often a good idea to be a lurker when first visiting a newsgroup, just to get an idea of what is going on.

lwc
Abbreviation for lightweight coated; a thin paper stock used for magazines and catalogs.

lynx
A (one-time) popular text- based Web browser.