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You've probably come here by
following a glossary 'hotlink' on one of our
pages.
We've put these in an attempt to
explain some of the many, varied and oft over used computer industry terms and
anachronisms (jargon!), that unfortunately even we have to use sometimes.
Hopefully, you won't need to visit this page too often whilst browsing our
site, as we've tried hard to make it as clear as possible.
Use your browser 'back' button to
return to the page that contained the 'hotlinked' word that brought you
here.
Don't forget though, if you'd like
'one to one' answers to any specific questions that you have about Ingenium,
it's product or services, please get in touch with us. See our
contact page for details. |
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A to
C |
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| Administrator |
A
system administrator is a member of staff designated to look after and ensure
the smooth running of a networked computer system. |
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| Backbone |
The
part of a network that acts as the primary path for traffic moving between,
rather than within, networks. |
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| Bandwidth |
The
"data-carrying" capacity of a network connection, used as an indication of
speed. For example, an Ethernet link is capable of moving 10 million bits of
data per second. A Fast Ethernet link can move 100 million bits of data per
second – 10 times more bandwidth. |
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| Bespoke |
Tailor
made; used by computer and software consultants to describe products written or
designed specifically for a particular client and/or application. |
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| Bridge |
A
device that passes packets between multiple network segments using the same
communications protocol. If a packet is destined for a user within the
sender’s own network segment, the bridge keeps the packet local. If the
packet is bound for another segment, the passes the packet onto the network
backbone. |
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| Client |
A
networked PC or terminal that shares "services" with other PCs. These services
are stored on or administered by a server. |
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D to
F |
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| Ethernet |
A
popular LAN technology that uses CSMA/CD (collision detection) to move packets
between workstations and runs over a variety of cable types at 10 Mbps. Also
called 10BaseT. |
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| Extranet |
A
network that provides access to company documents such as price lists,
inventory reports, shipping schedules and more to external users -- such as
your suppliers, independent sales agents and dealers. |
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| Fast Ethernet |
Uses
the same transmission method as 10-Mbps Ethernet (collision detection) but
operates at 100 Mbps – 10 times faster. Fast Ethernet provides a smooth
upgrade path for increasing performance in congested Ethernet networks, because
it uses the same cabling, applications and network management tools. Variations
include 100Base-FX, 100Base-T4 and 100Base-TX. |
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| FTP |
File
Transfer Protocol. A part of the chief Internet protocol "stack" or group
(TCP/IP), used for transferring files from Internet servers to your computer.
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G to
J |
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| Hotlink |
An item
of text or a graphic on a web page which acts as a link to another document by
automatically making your browser move to it, simplifying your navigation
around a site. Text hotlinks are generally differentiated by their text colour
and by being underlined. |
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| HTML |
Hyper
Text Markup Language; the universal computer 'programming' language used by web
site designers to produce the pages you read on the internet, like this one for
example. If you really want to know more and be in with a chance to earn a
limited edition anorak, just click on 'source' in the view menu of your broswer
and groan... fun eh? |
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| HTTP |
Hypertext transmission protocol. Protocol that governs transmission
of formatted documents over the Internet. |
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| Hub |
A
device that interconnects clients and servers, repeating (or amplifying) the
signals between them. Hubs act as wiring "concentrators" in networks based on
star topologies (rather than bus topologies, in which computers are
daisy-chained together). |
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| Ingenium |
noun,
mentality; talent or genius. Ingenious; adjective skilful in invention; of good
natural abilities, especially having great intelligence. In other words: 8
letters which, albeit modestly, perfectly describe why we can help
you... |
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| Internet |
A
massive global network, interconnecting tens of thousands of computers and
networks worldwide and accessible from any computer with a modem or router
connection and the appropriate software. |
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| Intranet |
An
information resource available to users on a networked computer system, much
like the Internet and using the same method of accessing it, but unlike the
Internet, only accessible to users on the local network. |
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| Internet Service Provider / ISP |
If you
have email and/or browse the Internet, you are using an ISP to access it; these
companies provide you with a means of accessing it, by your computer 'dialing
them up', much like you would a friend or colleague. Examples range from
uunet/Pipex and Demon, through to AOL and Compuserve. |
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| ISDN |
Integrated Services Digital Network. Communication protocol offered
by telephone companies that permits high-speed connections between computers
and network in dispersed locations. |
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| IT |
Information Technology; broad and generalised expression to encompass
computer and software technology. |
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K to
N |
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| LAN |
Local
Area Network. Typically, a network or group of network segments confined to one
building or a campus. Compare to WAN. |
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| Modem |
Device
that enables a computer to connect to other computers and networks using
ordinary phone lines. Modems "modulate" the computer’s digital signals
into analog signals for transmission, then "demodulate" those analog signals
back into digital language that the computer on the other end can understand.
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| Network Server |
A
computer designated as the 'hub' or communication centre of a computer network;
there are three main types: file and printer servers, application servers and
web servers. For example, on a network using a file and print server, users run
their applications from their local machines, but their data files are stored
on the server. In addition, the server acts a centralised conduit for one or
more shared devices, such as printers. |
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O to
R |
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| OS |
Operating System; the software required by a computer system to
communicate with the applications it runs and devices (such as printers etc)
connected to it. Examples are Windows, Unix, MacOS etc. |
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| Packet |
A block
of data with a "header" attached that can indicate what the packet contains and
where it is headed. Think of a packet as a "data envelope," with the header
acting as an address. |
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| Peripheral |
Describes devices such as printers and modems, which form part of a
computer or network system, but which are not necessarily central to its
operation. |
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| Remote Access Server |
Device
that handles multiple incoming calls from remote users who need access to
central network resources. A remote access server can allow users to dial into
a network using a single phone number. The server then finds an open channel
and makes a connection without returning a busy signal. |
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| Router |
Device
that moves data between different network segments and can look into a packet
header to determine the best path for the packet to travel. Routers can connect
network segments that use different protocols. They also allow all users in a
network to share a single connection to the Internet or a WAN. |
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S to
V |
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| Server |
A
computer or even a software program that provides services to clients –
such as file storage (file server), programs (application server), printer
sharing (print server), fax (fax server) or modem sharing (modem server). See
also client. |
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| Stuffit |
One of
many technologies used to compress computer data files for ease of
'transportation', which are then uncompressed when required; this particular
technology being used predominantly by Macintosh systems. Two obvious uses of
data compression technology are compressing a file to fit it on to a floppy
disc or to reduce the time it takes to transmit over the Internet. |
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| Switch |
A
device that improves network performance by segmenting the network and reducing
competition for bandwidth. When a switch port receives data packets, it
forwards those packets only to the appropriate port for the intended recipient.
This further reduces competition for bandwidth between the clients, servers or
workgroups connected to each switch port. |
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| Terminal |
Used to
describe a device linked to or operating as a computer. |
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W to
Z |
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| WAN |
Wide
Area Network; a number of computer networks, physically distanced but
interconnected to share data and information. |
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| Workstation |
A
computer connected to a network, designated for use by users (as opposed to
running as a network server), running applications such as word processors and
databases etc. |
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| Zip |
One of
many technologies used to compress computer data files for ease of
'transportation', which are then uncompressed when required; this particular
technology being used predominantly by PC systems. Two obvious uses of data
compression technology are compressing a file to fit it on to a floppy disc or
to reduce the time it takes to transmit over the Internet. |
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