ASCII

A standard code used for data exchange between computers. An ASCII (pronounced “as-key “) text file contains only the letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, and certain communications symbols, but no embedded word-processing codes. An ASCII data file (or ASCII delimited file) has the data in fields that are separated by quotation marks or commas and that allows easy transfer into a database or spreadsheet.

Attachment

A memorandum, letter, spreadsheet, or any other electronic document appended to another document or email.

Bates number or Control number

A document identification technique in which every page (or image) of every document in a document collection is assigned a unique, sequential identification number. Bates numbers may be then printed onto the document page before the page is distributed to multiple parties to ensure that each distributed page can be identified and compared to the original.

Bates prefix

A project-specific, client specification in the form of an alphanumeric prefix that precedes a project’s control number (the digital equivalent of a Bates number). Also called "control number prefix."

Bibliographic coding

Extracting information from electronic documents such as date created, author recipient, CC and linking each image to the information in pre-defined objective fields. In direct opposition to Subjective coding where legal interpretations of data in a document are linked to individual documents. Also called objective coding.

Bitmap

Bitmap images, also called raster or paint images, are made of individual dots called pixels (picture elements) that are arranged and colored differently to form a pattern. When you zoom in, you can see the individual squares that make up the total image. Increasing the size of a bitmap has the effect of increasing individual pixels, making lines and shapes appear jagged. Reducing the size distorts the original image because pixels are removed to reduce the overall image size. Because a bitmap is created as a collection of arranged pixels, its parts cannot be manipulated (e.g., moved) individually.

Blowback

Printing electronic files to paper for review or production in hardcopy form.

Boolean search

A search type using Boolean logic operators between search terms that indicate a relationship between them. An "AND" operator between two words or other values (for example, "pear AND apple") means one is searching for documents containing both of the words or values, not just one of them. An "OR" operator between two words or other values (for example, "pear OR apple") means one is searching for documents containing either of the words.

Burn

To record or write data on a CD or DVD.

Cache

A form of high-speed memory used to temporarily store frequently accessed information; once the information is stored, it can be retrieved quickly from memory rather than from the hard drive.

Chain of custody

A process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the handling of electronic evidence. A chain of custody ensures that the data presented is "as originally acquired" and has not been altered prior to admission into evidence. Some providers maintain an electronic chain-of-custody link between all electronic data and its original physical media throughout the production process.