Points to Remember
ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION
– Delayed communication, such as that used for newsgroups and mailing lists, where the sender and the recipients don't have to be logged in at the same time.
ATTACHMENTS
– A way to send formatted word processor documents, pictures, and other multimedia files via email.
BANDWIDTH
– The quantity of information that can be transmitted through a communication medium in a given amount of time.
Baud rate
– The data transfer rate, measured in bits per second-BPS.
BLUETOOTH
– A type of wireless technology that enables mobile phones, handheld computers, and PCs to communicate with each other regardless of operating system.
BOUNCE
– The automatic return of an undeliverable email message to its sender.
BRIDGES
– Bridge is a device that allows two similar LANs using the same protocol to be interconnected. No modification is made to either the contents or format of the data passing through the device. Bridge usually only has two ports.
CHAT ROOM
– Public real-time teleconference.
CLIENT/SERVER MODEL
– For a local-area network, a hierarchical model in which one or more computers act as dedicated servers and all the remaining computers act as clients. The server fills requests from clients for data and other resources.
COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE
– Software that enables computers to interact with each other over a phone line or other network.
DIGITAL SIGNAL
– A stream of bits.
DIRECT CONNECTION
– A dedicated, direct connection to the Internet through a LAN, with the computer having its own IP address.
DOWNLOAD
– To copy software from an online source to a local computer.
ELECTRONIC MAIL (EMAIL)
– Allows Internet users to send mail messages, data files, and software programs to other Internet users and to users of most commercial networks and online services.
FIBER-OPTIC CABLE
– High-capacity cable that uses light waves to carry information at blinding speeds.
GATEWAYS
– Computers connected to two networks that translate communication protocols and transfer information between the two.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
– A Defense Department system with 24 satellites that can pinpoint any location on the Earth.
HOST SYSTEM
– A computer that provides services to multiple users.
HUB
– A HUB is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.
– A HUB does not manage any of the data traffic through it.
INSTANT MESSAGING
– A technology that enables users to create buddy lists, check for buddies who are logged in, and exchange typed messages and files with those who are.
INTERNET TELEPHONY (IP TELEPHONY)
– A combination of software and hardware technology that enables the Internet to, in effect, serves as a telephone network. Internet telephony systems can use standard telephones, computers, or both to send and receive voice messages.
LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
– Multiple personal computers connected on a network in a limited geographical area.
MAILING LISTS
– Email discussion groups on special-interest topics. All subscribers receive messages sent to the group's mailing address.
MODEM
– Modulator/demodulator. A hardware device that connects a computer to a telephone line. It converts analog signals into digital signals and vice-versa.
NETIQUETTE
– Rules of etiquette that apply to Internet communication.
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC)
– Card that adds an additional serial port to a computer. The port is especially designed for a direct network connection.
NETWORK LICENSE
– License for multiple copies or removing restrictions on software copying and use at a network site.
NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM (NOS)
– Server operating system software for a local-area network.
NEWSGROUPS
– Ongoing public discussions on a particular subject consisting of notes written to a central Internet site and redistributed through a worldwide newsgroup network called Usenet. You can check into and out of them whenever you want; all messages are posted on virtual bulletin boards for anyone to read anytime.
PORT
– Socket that allows information to pass in and out.
PROTOCOL
– Protocol is format-rules and regulations, for transmitting data between two devices.
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION
– Internet communication that enables you to communicate with other users who are logged on at the same time.
REMOTE ACCESS
– Network access via phone line, TV cable system, or wireless link.
ROUTERS
– A device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect.
SERVER
– A server is a computer that provides resources or services that are shared on the network. A LAN can have more than one server. Each server has a unique name on the network.
– Dedicated Server- is a server that functions only as a storage area for data and software. In addition, it allows access to hardware resources.
– File Server- Stores files that LAN computers can access. It also decides on the rights and restrictions that they users need to have while accessing files on the LAN.
– Printer Server- takes care of the printing requirements of a number of computers. The printer server typically stores the files to be printed on its disk and then executes these requests on a first-in-first-out basis.
– Modem Server- allows LAN users to share modem.
– A Proxy Server can allow networked computers to connect to the internet. It can be a major component of a firewall.
SWITCH
– A switch forwards data packets to computers and printers.
TELECOMMUNICATION
– Long-distance electronic communication in a variety of forms.
TELEPHONY
– Technology that enables computers to serve as speakerphones, answering machines, and complete voice mail systems.
UPLOAD
– To post software or documents to an online source so they're available for others.
VIDEO TELECONFERENCE
– Face-to-face communication over long distances using video and computer technology.
– Components required for VTC system include- video camera or webcam, microphones, speakers, computer monitor, television or projector
VOICEMAIL
– A telephone-based messaging system with many of the features of an email system.
