Technology

Encarta: Microsoft's multimedia encyclopedia and its evolution Encarta Encarta was Microsoft's multimedia encyclopedia product, offered on CD/DVD and later online. This article outlines its features, history, formats, educational use, decline and lega…

Encryption: Principles, Types, History, and Uses Encryption Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable form to protect confidentiality, integrity, and authentication across communications and storage.

ENIAC — Early Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer ENIAC ENIAC was one of the first large-scale electronic general-purpose computers (built 1943–1946). It used vacuum tubes, plugboard programming, and influenced later computer designs an…

Enigma machine: rotor cipher device and its role in World War II Enigma machine Electro-mechanical rotor cipher machine used by Germany and others; famous for its wartime use, the Allied cryptanalysis effort (including Polish and British breakthroughs), and it…

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) EPROM Non-volatile memory chip that can be programmed and later erased by ultraviolet light; historically used for firmware storage and now largely superseded by electrically erasable me…

Ergonomic keyboard: design, benefits, history and common types Ergonomic keyboard An ergonomic keyboard is shaped and arranged to reduce muscle strain and improve comfort. This article explains common designs, features, history, benefits, and factors to consider…

eSTREAM: ECRYPT’s Project to Evaluate and Promote Stream Ciphers ESTREAM eSTREAM was a coordinated, multi-year evaluation (2004–2008) that sought secure, efficient stream ciphers for software and hardware use. It produced a final portfolio and fostered…

Ethernet: local network technology, design, evolution, and uses Ethernet Ethernet is a family of wired networking technologies widely used for local area networks (LANs). This article explains how Ethernet works, its development, common variants, and pr…

Ethernet hub A network device that connects Ethernet nodes at the physical layer by repeating signals to all ports. Simple and inexpensive, hubs have been largely replaced by switches but remai…

Ethernet switch: function, types, features, and network roles Ethernet switch An Ethernet switch forwards Ethernet frames between devices on a wired network. This article explains how switches work, common types, features (VLANs, PoE, QoS), uses, history, an…

European Article Number (EAN) European Article Number Numeric product identifiers used in retail and supply chains, typically EAN-8 or EAN-13 barcodes; part of the GTIN family and administered through GS1 numbering schemes.

Event-driven programming A programming paradigm in which execution is determined by events—user actions, sensor inputs, messages, or timers—commonly used for GUIs, servers, embedded systems, and reactive a…

Everything as a Service (EaaS): concept, models, uses and challenges Everything as a service Overview of the 'Everything as a Service' approach: its core models, history, typical uses and practical advantages and limitations in cloud-based IT delivery.

EVO Smart Console Hybrid media PC and niche seventh-generation console by Envizions (2006–2008). Linux-based (Fedora-derived), 120 GB HDD, 2 GB RAM, HD output, Internet features; shipped with SuperT…

Evolution Strategy: a class of evolutionary optimization algorithms Evolution strategy Evolution strategies are population-based, derivative-free optimization methods inspired by natural evolution, using mutation, recombination and selection with self-adaptive strate…

Evolutionary algorithm Population-based optimization methods inspired by natural selection, using selection, recombination and mutation to evolve solutions for complex, multimodal, or discrete problems a…

Exbibyte (EiB): Binary unit of digital information Exbibyte An exbibyte (EiB) is a binary unit of digital information equal to 2^60 bytes (1,152,921,504,606,846,976 bytes). It is part of the IEC binary prefix system and differs from the dec…

Exception handling (computing) Exception handling An overview of exceptions in software: what they are, how they propagate, safety levels, common mechanisms, language differences, and practical best practices for robust programs.

Executable (computer program file) Executable An executable is a file that a computer can load and run. This article explains how executables are produced, common formats, how they run, and key security and portability conside…

exit (system call) — process termination in operating systems exit (system call) System call and operation that terminates a process or program: semantics, cleanup, exit status, zombies, thread vs process exit, POSIX and platform differences, and best practices…

Expansion pack (video game add-on) Expansion pack An expansion pack is additional content or hardware for a video game that enlarges its content, features, or performance. It may require the original game, but some expansions are…

Expert system A computer program that captures specialist knowledge and applies rules to solve problems or advise users; common in diagnostics, configuration, and decision support within AI.

F1 key (function key) F1 The F1 key is a standard keyboard function key most often used to open help for an application. Its behavior varies by operating system and hardware and can be remapped or act as a…

Face detection: overview, methods, history, uses, and issues Face detection Face detection locates human faces in images or video. This article explains common techniques, history, applications, limitations, and how it differs from recognition and landmark…

FaceTime — Apple's video and audio calling service FaceTime FaceTime is Apple's built‑in video and audio calling app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It supports high‑definition video, audio calls, group conferencing and end‑to‑end encryption acro…

Falcon 9 — SpaceX two‑stage reusable orbital launch vehicle Falcon 9 Falcon 9 is a two-stage, partially reusable orbital rocket built by SpaceX. It delivers satellites, cargo and crew to orbit and is notable for its reusable first stage and multiple…

Family Computer Disk System (Famicom Disk System) Family Computer Disk System A 1980s Nintendo add-on for the Japanese Famicom that used proprietary floppy-style disks to enable rewritable games, onboard saves and expanded audio; notable for unique releases…

Feather duster: design, uses, care, and notable facts Feather duster A feather duster is a simple cleaning tool with a handle and a tuft of natural or synthetic feathers used to remove dust and small particles, often relying on static attraction for…

Feather Linux — a compact Knoppix-based live distribution Feather Linux Feather Linux was a small Knoppix-based live Linux distribution (≤128 MB) that booted from CD or USB into a Fluxbox desktop, could run entirely in RAM, and provided lightweight GTK…

Feature phone A feature phone is a mobile device focused on calls and messages with limited app support. It prioritizes battery life, durability and simplicity and remains common as a low-cost o…

Fedora Linux: community-driven, cutting-edge open-source distribution Fedora (operating system) Fedora Linux is a community-driven, open-source distribution sponsored by Red Hat, focused on rapid integration of cutting-edge technologies and strong security for developers, org…

Feistel cipher (Feistel network): structure, history, and applications Feistel cipher A Feistel cipher is a symmetric block cipher design that splits data into halves and iterates a round function. Widely used (e.g., DES), it permits simple decryption and many pract…

Fiat Idea — compact family MPV Fiat Idea The Fiat Idea is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by Fiat from 2003 to 2012. It combined a short exterior footprint with a tall, flexible interior aimed at small fami…

Fibre Channel — high‑speed network technology for storage area networks Fibre Channel Fibre Channel (FC) is a set of standards and protocols for high‑performance, loss‑controlled networks that connect servers and storage devices in Storage Area Networks (SANs).

Fidget spinner Small handheld toy with a central bearing that spins between the fingers. Popularized in the mid-2010s and marketed for stress relief and focus, it generated mixed reactions from e…

Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) Field-programmable gate array A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable integrated circuit used to implement custom digital logic. This article explains architecture, configuration, development…

File (tool) A hand tool with a roughened surface used to remove small amounts of material for shaping, smoothing, or fitting parts; comes in many shapes, cuts and materials for metal, wood and…

File Allocation Table (FAT): structure, variants and common uses File allocation table A File Allocation Table (FAT) is a simple, widely supported file system used to locate files on storage media. This article describes its structure, variants, history, and typical…

File system (computing): organization, operation, and types File system A file system is the software structure that organizes and manages how data is stored, named, accessed and protected on storage devices, networked servers, and virtual memory.

FileZilla — open-source FTP/SFTP client and server FileZilla FileZilla is a free, open-source file transfer application providing FTP, FTPS and SFTP support. It includes a cross-platform client and a Windows server, with a GUI, transfer queu…

Photographic Negative Film Film negative Light-sensitive film that records inverted tones and, for color negatives, complementary colors; developed negatives are used to make prints or scans and are valued for exposure la…

Photographic film processing Film processing Overview of the chemical and practical steps that convert exposed photographic film into visible negatives or positives; covers types (B/W, color negative, reversal), workflow, his…

Filter (device and process) Filter A filter is a device or operation that separates, removes, or modifies unwanted components from gas, liquid, light, data, or other media. Types, principles, history, and common app…

Fingerprint scanner Fingerprint scanners are biometric sensors that read the pattern of ridges on a fingertip to identify or verify a person. Used in law enforcement, access control, and consumer devi…

Finnix — Debian-based Live CD for system administrators Finnix Finnix is a lightweight Debian-based live Linux distribution that provides a compact (~100 MiB) rescue and maintenance environment for filesystem recovery, network diagnostics, and…

Firework: history, types, chemistry, uses and safety Firework A comprehensive overview of fireworks: what they are, how they work, historical origins, common types and uses, and safety, regulation, and environmental concerns.

Firmware: embedded software that controls hardware Firmware Firmware is low-level software programmed into hardware devices to control operation, stored in non-volatile memory and updated by flashing or OTA. This article explains types, his…

Fishing rod: design, types, history, and practical use Fishing rod Comprehensive overview of the fishing rod: parts, materials, major types, history, selection, maintenance, safety and environmental considerations for recreational and small-scale…