| A | B |
|---|
| analog signal | A continuous wave. |
| 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. |
| bits per second (bps) | The standard unit of measure for modem speed. |
| Bluetooth | A type of wireless technology that enables mobile phones, handheld computers, and PCs to communicate with each other regardless of operating system. |
| bridges | Hardware devices that can pass messages between networks. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Ethernet | A popular networking architecture developed in 1976 at Xerox. |
| fiber-optic cable | High-capacity cable that uses light waves to carry information at blinding speeds. |
| file server | In a LAN, a computer used as a storehouse for software and data that are shared by several users. |
| 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. |
| 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, serve 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 | Programs or devices that decide how to route Internet transmissions. . |
| server | A computer especially designed to provide software and other resources to other computers over a network. |
| site license | License for multiple copies or removing restrictions on software copying and use at a network site. |
| spam | Internet junk mail. |
| telecommunication | Long-distance electronic communication in a variety of forms. |
| 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. |
| voicemail | A telephone-based messaging system with many of the features of an email system. |
| wide area network (WAN) | A network that extends over a long distance. Each network site is a node on the network. |
| Wi-Fi | A popular wireless LAN technology that allows multiple computers to connect to a LAN through a base station up to 150 feet away. Often referred to as 802.11b. |
| wireless network | A network in which a node has a tiny radio or infrared transmitter connected to its network port so it can send and receive data through the air rather than through cables. |
