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INDEX
OF
TERMS
Backbone
The part of a network that carries the majority of data traffic and connects smaller
networks, or nodes, together to create larger ones. Backbones usually transmit data at
higher speeds than the rest of the network. On large networks, such as the Internet, there
may be more than one backbone, all of which span long distances. On smaller networks, the
backbone is sometimes called the bus.
Bandwidth
The rate at which you can send or receive information through your connection to the
Internet.
Baud
A communications transfer rate, similar to bits per second at lower speeds. Baud is the
number of voltage or frequency changes made per second on a communications line, usually a
phone line.
BBS
(Bulletin Board System) Areas within the Internet where you can post messages and
announcements.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
This is the interface between the hardware and software of a computer system. Also known
as firmware, BIOS lets the operating system communicate with all input/output devices
(such as video and sound cards, serial and parallel ports) and controls critical
information for computer startup.
Browser
An application that lets users view World Wide Web Pages. Examples are Netscape Navigator
or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Buffer
A temporary storage area where incoming data is kept until it is formatted and verified.
Client/server network. A network arrangement with a server and one or more clients. Both
the server and the clients are complete, standalone computers. The server provides
resources such as data management and lets clients share information with each other.
Client
Software that allows you to retrieve information from the Internet and the Web.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The "brain" of the computer. The type of CPU, or microprocessor, that a computer
has determines what type of system it is. The 80386, 80486, and Pentium are all processor
chips, or CPUs.
Dialog Box
A text box that provides information and explains possible options available to you.
Ethernet
A widely used local-area network (LAN) protocol. Ethernet is the original carrier sense
multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CD) LAN that lets PCs listen for pauses before
they "speak." Early models used coaxial cable, and a new implementation, called
10Base-T, lets Ethernet networks use wiring similar to that in telephone systems.
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) Canned answers to questions everyone asks.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol) Methods of transferring files to and from remote computers.
GB (Gigabyte)
A common measurement of computer storage equaling about 1 billion bytes, or 1,000
megabytes.
GIF
(Graphics Interchange Format ) A visual image file.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
The programming language that most World Wide Web pages are written in.
Hyperlink
Highlighted text in a World Wide Web page that loads another site in your browser when
it's clicked.
IRC
(Internet Relay Chat) A computerized way for people to congregate and chat together
JPEG
(Joint Photographic Expert Group) A method of storing an image
LAN (Local-area Network)
A group of computers, usually in one building or office, that are physically connected in
a manner that lets them communicate and interact with each other. Networks can be
connected using many different combinations of topologies, protocols, software, and
hardware.
MB (Megabyte)
A common measurement of computer storage equaling approximately 1 million bytes.
MHz (Megahertz)
Used to measure a CPU's speed, one megahertz is equal to about 1 million cycles per
second.
Peer-to-peer Network
A network setup where every computer acts on its own by storing files and accessing
peripherals (such as printers) and can see every other computer on the network, with the
proper access privileges. This formation is used primarily in smaller networks of less
than 12 computers.
Print Queue
Lists the available printers and all files that have been sent to the printers.
PPP
(Point to Point Protocol) A regular phone line that connects to the Internet.
Protocol
A set of rules and procedures for exchanging data between computers on a network or
through the Internet. The protocol usually includes information on error checking, data
compression, and sending and receiving messages.
RAM (Random-access Memory)
The temporary memory storage area used to load program instructions and store
files currently in use. Unless a file is permanently stored on a hard drive, diskette, or
other storage medium, changes to information in RAM will be lost when the computer is
turned off.
Real-time
The normal passage of time. Communications such as online chat sessions are said to be
real-time if they are fast enough to be perceived by the user as a conversation instead of
a series of messages with significant waits between them.
Reboot
To restart the computer and operating system. This term comes from the word bootstrap, as
in "To pull yourself up by your bootstraps."
Server
The control computer on a local-area network (LAN). The server controls the software,
access to printers, and other parts of the network. A network may have more than one
server.
Shareware
Software that you can download for free from the Internet. If you decide to keep the
program, you then pay a fee for it.
SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)
A slender circuit board that contains the RAM chips. These circuit boards are attached to
the motherboard via a SIMM socket.
Streaming Audio
Audio data that arrives in real-time as opposed to data that must be downloaded and stored
on a hard drive before being accessed.
Surge Protector
A plug-in device that protects electronics from high-voltage surges or spikes in
electrical current. Surge protectors aren't, however, a guarantee against electrical
problems. Users should still power down and unplug computer equipment during an electronic
storm.
T-1
A connection to the Internet capable of carrying 1,544,000 bits-per-second.
TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The communications protocol that
connects your computer to the Internet.
URL
(Uniform Resource Locator) Indicates the address of a specific source of information.
Usually a Web Site.
WWW
(World Wide Web) A hyper-text based system that allows you to retrieve information from
around the globe. |