Java

Java A programming language developed by Sun Microsystems to support widespread software distribution, particularly over the Web. It is a slimmed down and more secure version of the C++ programming language. Originally developed for use with set-top boxes (which see in the hard copy dictionary), Java runs on Web servers and downloads small application programs, called applets (which see), to Web browsers on an as needed basis. Because of strict built-in controls over software distribution the Java design protects against the delivery of incompatible software or viruses. (See Hot Java. See virus in the hard copy dictionary.)
JavaBeans A software component model associated with the Java programming language. A JavaBean component is an object which can be used repeatedly by visually manipulating it into larger solutions. JavaBeans can range from low-level components, such as a scroll bar, to complete products like Corel's Office for Java.
JavaScript A cross-platform, Web-based scripting language that will allow a lay person to author HTML pages that use Java applets, objects, and classes without having to know how to program in Java. It can also be used to build stand-alone applications that can run on either clients or servers. JavaScript is being developed by Netscape and Sun Microsystems and is supported by approximately twenty-five other companies in competition with Microsoft's OLE and OCX's optimized for the Internet. See Java, applet, OLE, OCX and Blackbird. See Web, HTML, and application in the hard copy dictionary.
JDBC Java Database Connectivity. A Java-enabled version of the Open Database Connectivity data-access specification. (See OBDC in the hard copy dictionary.) JDBC provides an API for developing data-access applets (which see). The applets can then be downloaded from a Web browser to any database server with a JDBC driver. The specification was developed by Sun Microsystems and is supported by Oracle, Sybase, and Informix.
JTAPI Java Telephony API A set of application programming interfaces (which see in the hard copy dictionary) that support interoperation between telephone switching equipment and a computer. JTAPI's principal advantage over TAPI developed by Microsoft is that JTAPI runs on a wide variety of processors.


key library A set of encrypted keys that belong to one person or that can be shared by a defined group of people. Access to a key library requires a separate key. (See key and key management in the hard copy dictionary.)
key recovery While sometimes simply the process by which a key is retrieved from key escrow (which see in the hard copy dictionary) key recovery also refers to a substitute for the failed Clipper chip/Capstone initiative (which see in the hard copy dictionary). In this scheme a copy of the key, in a separately encrypted key recovery field, is always sent along with the data which it encrypts. A predetermined private sector "Key Recover Center" can decrypt the key recovery field when requested by an authorized party (e.g. a government agency with a court order). A new cryptography export policy which took effect in late 1996 allows companies in the United States to export cryptographic algorithms using up to 56 bit keys if they agree to add a method for key recovery within their product within the next two years. Also see recovery key and TACDFIPSFKMI.


L2F See Layer-2 Forwarding.
L2PT See Layer Two Tunneling Protocol.
L2PT Access Concentrator (LAC) A device connected to one or more Public Switched Telephone Network or ISDN lines that supports both the PPP protocol and the L2PT protocol. It may tunnel any protocol carried within PPP and communicate with one or more L2PT Network Servers. (See ISDN and PPP in the hard copy dictionary.)
L2PT Network Server (LNS) A device that communicates with one or more L2PT Access Concentrators using the L2PT protocol and with only one LAN or WAN.
LAC See L2PT Access Concentrator.
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2PT) A protocol that enables the tunneling of the data link layer of Point-to-Point Protocol between a remote access server that interfaces with dialup or ISDN circuits and a network access server that interfaces with a LAN or WAN. The L2PT protocol makes it possible to provide virtual dialup or support single user Virtual Private Networks over the Internet. L2PT does not provide encryption but will often be used in conjunction with encryption. (See protocol, Point-to-Point Protocol, dialup, ISDN, LAN, WAN, Internet, and encryption in the hard copy dictionary.)
Layer-2 Forwarding (L2F) A capability developed by Cisco which is used in combination with the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol to provide the Layer-2 Tunneling Protocol. (See Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol in the hard copy dictionary.)
LEC local exchange carrier. A company which provides local telephone service to homes and businesses within a given area (e.g. a Regional Bell Operating Company such as Pacific Bell).
LMDS See Local Multipoint Distribution Service.
loading The transfer of funds from a demand deposit account in a bank to an online account (e.g. a CyberCash demand deposit account) so that the funds can be sent over the net to another company or individual.
Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) A broadband wireless network that uses high frequencies (28 to 38 gigaherz) to transmit video and data to residences at less than a few miles distance. See broadband, network, and Multichannel MultiPoint Distribution System (MMDS) in the hard copy dictionary.