BKGLTLTM.RVW   990611

"Telecommunications: Glossary of Telecommunication Terms", National
Communications System, 1996, FED-STD-1037C
%A   National Communications System Technology and Standards Division
%C   470 East L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 8100, Washington, DC   20407
%D   1996
%G   FED-STD-1037C
%I   General Services Administration Information Technology Section
%O   202-755-0325
%T   "Telecommunications: Glossary of Telecommunication Terms"

This is, of course, the standard.  Or, one of the standards, anyway. 
Government issue, definition by committee, no frills.

As opposed to works oriented to business or the general public, frills
would seem to include computer terms.  Other than those strictly
related to data communications or networking, computer hardware and
software is noticeable by its absence.  There is a solid presence for
radio technology, and telephony gets good coverage as well.  Military
jargon spawns a number of entries, including some initially surprising
expressions like "air portable."  There is fair representation from
the engineering and scientific side of things.

The definitions are generally sound, although not necessarily easy. 
It's very hard to find outright errors, although awkward constructions
are common.  This is more of a reference for professionals than a
guide for newcomers: if you didn't know what the technology meant
coming in, the definitions here aren't likely to give you much help.

(The listing for virus isn't great, but it isn't too bad.)

This glossary does share one great advantage with Shnier's "Computer
Dictionary" (cf. BKCMPDCT.RVW): it's available online at
http://ntia.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/.  The user interface is a bit
idiosyncratic, but it does work.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1999   BKGLTLTM.RVW   990611