Fluid's definitions

Catch 22

Also known as a vicious cycle - two or more conditions require the other conditions to be fulfilled, but these other conditions also require the original condition to be fulfilled. In simple terms, this means neither can get fulfilled without the other. A needs B needs A.

So I need a key to open this door, and the key is beyond that same door? Damn, this is one big Catch 22.

by Fluid August 27, 2003

ad lib

Short for ad libitum. Means spontaneously, without prior practice or just unrestrained. Often refers to artists improvising, also known as "ad libbing", in other words playing from the top of their heads.

After the song was done they kinda started ad libbing into what seemed to be a whole new track, but was really just the guitarist fooling around.

by Fluid December 26, 2003

pedantic

A state of mind which is about caring a lot about formalities, often more than necessary. One may be called pedantic when he/she points out corrections in unimportant details.

Okay okay, so there were five people there instead of four, no need to be pedantic. Now anyway...

by Fluid February 5, 2004

fud

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. Also known as scare tactics, either accomplished by threat or making the opponent doubt his standpoint. Not only used in lawsuits, but also in politics and military propaganda.

The company's FUD spreading caused many supporters to abandon their cause, except for the few that could see through its scaremongering propaganda.

by Fluid July 14, 2003

phlogiston

A widely-researched phenomenon in the Middle Ages, phlogiston was thought to be an inherent substance in all things that could burn. When something was burned, phlogiston was visible in the form of flame, and was released into the air. In turn, people thought something would not burn without air because the air was already "full of phlogiston" and no more could be released into the air. In short, phlogiston was believed to be the substance that fire was made of.

These days, under influence of modern science, the concept of phlogiston is usually regarded as superstition.

by Fluid March 30, 2004

WHQL

Windows Hardware Quality Labs, Microsoft's division where they test software (often drivers) on various hardware to see if it works properly.

I'm not downloading those drivers, I'll wait for the WHQL certified version in case they screw up.

by Fluid August 16, 2003

vcore

Core voltage of a computer system, sometimes raised for overclocking (can get too hot) or lowered for cooling (can cause system to receive insufficient power). The vcore is the base voltage value to which the voltage of the separate connections are added: 3.3V, 5V or 12V. All these things together provide the system's power.

Don't set your vcore too low, the system might not even boot up.

by Fluid September 10, 2004