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Glossary
We have compiled a list of essential computing terms together with an explanation of each.
To search for a term, simply click on the letter and select from the list.
If you would like us to add a particular computing term, please use our call back form.
There are 141 entries in this glossary.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1000BaseTX |
Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 1 Gbps(gigabits per second) with a distance limitation of 220 meters per segment. |
| 100BaseT |
Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 100 Mbps(megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment. |
| 10BaseT |
Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cable (category 3, 4, or 5), transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment. |
| Access Point |
Wireless connection device that acts as a bridge from the wireless devices to wired devices. Access points do not have any routing ability or the ability to assign DHCP addresses, and would require a router or DHCP server to assign that information. |
| ADSL |
(asymmetric digital subscriber line) - typical form of xDSL telephone companies offer to residences |
| API |
(application programming interface) gives programmers a formal set of routines to call on to use underlying network services |
| Architecture |
how a system is designed; includes how the components are connected to and operate with each other |
| ASCII |
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) relates a number from 0 to 255 in the binary(base 2) form to keyboard characters |
| Backbone |
Cable to which multiple nodes or workstations are attached. |
| Bandwidth |
expressed in a range of frequencies using hertz as the unit of measurement; also called analog capacity |
| BIOS |
(basic input/output system) the firmware code run by an IBM-compatible PC when first powered on, known as "booting up"; primary function is to prepare the machine so other software programs can load, execute, and assume control of the PC |
| Bit |
Binary digit in the binary numbering system. Value can be 0 or 1, in an 8-bit character scheme, it takes 8 bits to make a byte(character) of data. |
| Bluetooth |
specification that allows mobile phones, computers, and PDAs to be connected wirelessly over short ranges |
| Bps |
bits per second |
| BRI |
(basic rate interface) an integrated services digital network configuration, usually intended for the home and small enterprise(see also PRI) |