(1) Short for channel access method, a protocol for how data is transmitted in the bottom two layers of the OSI model. CAMs describe how networking systems put data on the network media, how low-level errors are dealt with, and how the network polices itself. Polling, contention and token passing are three examples of CAMs.
(2) Acronym for computer-aided manufacturing, a type of computer application that helps automate a factory. For example, the following are types of CAM systems
All these systems are concerned with automatically directing the manufacture and inventory of parts.
(3) Slang term to describe a bootleg copy of a movie that was recorded in the
movie theater with a digital video camera. It's usually poor quality and the
sound in a CAM is recorded by the cameras microphone, meaning it will capture
theater sounds and laughter and such from the attending movie-goers.
