O

[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]

object

A computer programming term describing a software component that contains data or functions accessed through one or more defined interfaces. In Java and C++, an object is an instance of a object class.

octet

A group of eight bits capable of representing 256 different values. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are typically represented in dotted-decimal notation — that is, with the decimal values of each octet of the address separated by periods, for example 138.57.7.27.

operating system

Software responsible for controlling the allocation and usage of computer hardware resources such as memory, CPU time, disk space, and peripheral devices.

opportunistic bandwidth

Bandwidth granted whenever possible during the requested period, as opposed to guaranteed bandwidth, which is actually reserved for a given transmission.

overlay

In video, to superimpose a graphic image generated on a computer over video signals, either live or recorded.