Networks and Communications Flashcards
File Server
A networked computer that provides large amounts of shared storage, it can be accessed by workstations on the same network.
Firewall
An application that prevents unauthorised connections to and from the Internet.
Hack
Gaining unauthorised access to a computer.
Switch
A device for connecting computers and other network capable devices together to form a network.
Workstation
A computer connected to a network.
.uk
The internet country code for the United Kingdom.
Analogue
Continuous data, eg the second hand on an analogue watch displays each second and the space in between.
Blog
An online publication written by an individual or a group of individuals that covers a subject of their choosing, a contraction of the term ‘web log’.
Broadband
A high-speed internet connection.
Digital
Information stored as discrete values usually represented as numbers. This contrasts with analogue data which is represented by continuous data, usually in waves.
Domain
An area of control or management, eg bbc.co.uk is controlled by the BBC.
Fibre Optic Cable
Cable that carries data transmitted as light.
Forum
Also known as a message board, a platform for exchanging written messages with other users, a place for discussion.
ISP
Internet Service Provider - needed in order to access the internet. They also provide services such as web space and email.
Router
A device for connecting computers and other network capable devices together to form a network.
Server
A computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. A web server stores and shares websites.
Social Networking
The act of building or furthering existing friendships and relationships.
Streaming
Data that is sent in pieces. Each piece is viewed as it arrives, eg a streaming video is watched as it downloads.
Telephone Exchange
A system of electronic components that connects telephone calls and has been adapted and expanded to facilitate connections to the internet too.
Web Space
The amount of storage given to a website.
Web-based Applications
An application that runs within a web browser.
Chat Room
Accessed on the internet, users can meet to chat in real-time, messages are typed out but voice chat rooms exist too.
Dial-up
An outdated and slow method of connecting to the internet using a telephone line.
Fax
Technology used to digitise hard copies of documents, transfer them across the telephone network, and print them on receipt.
Identity theft
When the identity of an individual is assumed by someone else in order to profit, financially or otherwise.
Mailbox
Where all email sent to and from the associated email address is stored.
Spam
unsolicited (junk) email
Voicemail
A message left as a recording that can be listened to later by the recipient.
