W

[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]

WDM

See Windows Driver Model.

WebTV for Windows

See Microsoft WebTV for Windows.

wide area network

(WAN) A communications network that connects geographically separated areas. See also local area network.

WDM streaming

An extension of the Microsoft® DirectShow™ application programming interface (API) based on the Windows Driver Model (WDM). WDM streaming provides the kernel connection and streaming services used by the WDM stream class driver and by components of the Microsoft® Windows NT® and Microsoft Windows® 98 operating systems. In these operating systems, WDM streaming provides low-level services in Ring 0 for the lowest latency streaming. DirectShow provides higher-level features and control.

Windows Driver Model

(WDM) A Microsoft 32-bit driver model based on the driver model within the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system. WDM provides a common architecture of input/output (I/O) services and device drivers for specific driver classes. Both Windows NT and the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system support WDM.

Windows Sockets

(WinSock) An application programming interface that provides access to multiple transport protocols, including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the Internet standard. WinSock provides a network abstraction layer that allows applications to receive and send network data without requiring information about the network involved. WinSock also supports networking capabilities such as real-time multimedia communications.

World Wide Web

(the Web) A hypertext-based, distributed information system created in Switzerland and used for exploring the Internet. Users may create, edit, or browse hypertext documents on the Web.

wrapper

A function that provides an interface to another function.