Marotta The Digital Dictionary 2ed 1986

This document is the "The Digital Dictionary, Second Edition," published in 1986 by Digital Press (Digital Equipment Corporation), with Robert E. Marotta as its editor.

Purpose: The primary purpose of the dictionary is to serve as a comprehensive reference tool for understanding the technical terminology associated with Digital Equipment Corporation's computer systems, hardware, and software products. It aims to foster a common understanding of these terms among Digital employees, customers, students, and technical writers, thereby improving communication about the company's products and services.

Content and Structure: The dictionary is organized into two main sections and two appendices:

1. Section I: Glossary of Technical Terms

   • Provides definitions for technical terms, categorizing them as:
     • DIGITAL-specific: Terms defined or used consistently across four or more Digital product or system areas, with a meaning distinct from general industry use.
     • Product-specific: Terms defined or used differently within specific Digital product, system, group, or language areas, also distinct from general industry use.
     • Generic: Terms commonly used and defined the same way throughout the computer industry.
   • The definitions are based on how terms are actually used in Digital's publications, rather than prescribing specific usage.

2. Section II: Abbreviations, Acronyms, Mnemonics, and Expansions

   • Offers a handy reference list of these condensed technical terms used in Digital publications, along with their full expansions.

3. Appendix A: Readability/Translatability

   • Presents guidelines for writing easily readable and translatable technical text. It includes rules of grammar and syntax, and checklists for writing, editing, and translating technical communication, emphasizing that readability directly correlates with translatability.

4. Appendix B: Recommended Common English Terms

   • Lists short, commonly understood English terms ("DEC English") recommended for use in technical writing to enhance clarity and conciseness, thereby aiding translation efforts.

Key Features: This second edition is significantly revised and expanded, adding approximately 4,500 more entries than its first edition. Terms and definitions originating from previously published Digital glossaries have been verified for technical accuracy and completeness. The document also invites user feedback for future improvements.