Cyberspace

3 definitions found

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  cyberspace
       n : a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of
           computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols
           to facilitate data transmission and exchange [syn: {Internet},
            {Net}]



From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:

  cyberspace /si:'br-spays`/ n. 1. Notional `information-space' loaded
     with visual cues and navigable with brain-computer interfaces called
     `cyberspace decks'; a characteristic prop of {cyberpunk} SF. Serious
     efforts to construct {virtual reality} interfaces modeled explicitly on
     Gibsonian cyberspace are under way, using more conventional devices such
     as glove sensors and binocular TV headsets. Few hackers are prepared to
     deny outright the possibility of a cyberspace someday evolving out of
     the network (see {the network}). 2. The Internet or {Matrix} (sense #2)
     as a whole, considered as a crude cyberspace (sense 1). Although this
     usage became widely popular in the mainstream press during 1994 when the
     Internet exploded into public awareness, it is strongly deprecated among
     hackers because the Internet does not meet the high, SF-inspired
     standards they have for true cyberspace technology. Thus, this use of
     the term usually tags a {wannabee} or outsider. Oppose {meatspace}. 3.
     Occasionally, the metaphoric location of the mind of a person in {hack
     mode}. Some hackers report experiencing strong eidetic imagery when in
     hack mode; interestingly, independent reports from multiple sources
     suggest that there are common features to the experience. In particular,
     the dominant colors of this subjective `cyberspace' are often gray and
     silver, and the imagery often involves constellations of marching dots,
     elaborate shifting patterns of lines and angles, or moire patterns.
  
  

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  cyberspace
       
           /si:'ber-spays/ 1. (Coined by {William Gibson})
          Notional "information-space" loaded with visual cues and
          navigable with brain-computer interfaces called "cyberspace
          decks"; a characteristic prop of {cyberpunk} SF.  In 1991
          serious efforts to construct {virtual reality} interfaces
          modelled explicitly on Gibsonian cyberspace were already under
          way, using more conventional devices such as glove sensors and
          binocular TV headsets.  Few hackers are prepared to deny
          outright the possibility of a cyberspace someday evolving out
          of the network (see {network, the}).
       
          2. Occasionally, the metaphoric location of the mind of a
          person in {hack mode}.  Some hackers report experiencing
          strong eidetic imagery when in hack mode; interestingly,
          independent reports from multiple sources suggest that there
          are common features to the experience.  In particular, the
          dominant colours of this subjective "cyberspace" are often
          grey and silver, and the imagery often involves constellations
          of marching dots, elaborate shifting patterns of lines and
          angles, or moire patterns.
       
          [{Jargon File}]
       
          (1999-02-01)