Glossary

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Glossary of Terms


2Wire Home Portal	2Wire’s comprehensive router which acts as a Portal to your Home network

2Wire PC Port	PC Port Phone line USB Adapter used in conjunction with 2Wire Home Portal to provide home networking

4 miniDIN Female	Used as the keyboard and mouse port on Macintosh computers.

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AC Adapter	Electrical Power adapter that converts AC Power and converts it to DC power. This type of power adapter is frequently used on a laptop computer when it is not running off of its internal battery

Application	A software program or program package that makes calls to the operating system and manipulates data and/or files, thus allowing a user to perform a specific job (such as accounting or word processing).

ASCII	American Standard Code for Information Interchange is a data transmission method in which each character is represented by a distinct 8 bit code (example: A=65, B=66, C=67, etc.). Some ASCII characters are not "printable" characters and are used to control communications between devices and/or computers.

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Bandwidth	Carrying capacity of a circuit, usually measured in bits per second for digital circuits, hertz (cycles) for analog circuits.fff

Binary	Numbering system using only zeros and ones that all digital computers are based on.

BIOS	(Basic Input/Output System) Contains the basic instructions for the PC to handle devices.

Bit	A unit of data representing either a one or a zero. Combined, 8 bits make up a byte, which is the common unit of measure for storage in a computer.

Broadband	Characteristic of any network that multiplexes multiple, independent network carriers on a single cable. Traffic from one network does not interfere with traffic from another network because they communicate on different frequencies (similar to TV channels and radio stations).

Buffer	A temporary holding place for data while it is being transferred between two or more devices and/or computers.

Byte	8 bits of data. The byte is the most common unit of measure for storage in a computer system. Each character (see ASCII) takes up one byte of storage. Mass storage is usually measured by powers of 2 in KB (KiloBytes, 1KB = 1,024 bytes), MB (MegaBytes, 1MB = 1,048,576 bytes), GB (GigaBytes, 1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), TB (TeraBytes, 1TB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes). These mass storage amounts are typycally rounded to thousands

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Cache	High speed memory that holds blocks of data that is currently being worked on, designed to minimize the amount of time that is used to access data from a slower device. CPU's use cache to minimize the time spent accessing the much slower RAM. Hard disks use cache memory to minimize the time that it takes to access frequently used (and much slower) hard disk data.

CD-R	CD-R stands for Compact Disk Recordable. CD-R's allow you to record onto compact disks (CD-R type).

CD-ROM	Optical storage medium used to hold up to 800MB of data.

CD-RW	CD-RW stands for Compact Disk ReWritable. CD-RW's allow you to record onto and overwrite compact disks (CD-RW type).

Character	Group of 8 bits operated on as a unit. Also called a byte or octet.

Circuit	Any path that can carry an electrical current.

CMOS	(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Commonly refers to the chip that is the official record of components installed. CMOS is a type of low power usage memory that retains data when the power is turned off, as long the battery supplying electricity is connected and charged.

Compression	Method of compacting data into a smaller number of bits for more efficient transmission or storage.

CPU	Central Processing Unit - The chip at the heart of every PC. This is where all calculations are performed.

CRT	Cathode Ray Tube is the standard technology for computer monitors. A CRT fires 3 scanning beams of electrons (red, green and blue) at the front of the glass screen, which is covered with a phosphorus compound, causing it to light text and images.

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Decryption	Unscrambling encrypted data. Requires a "key" or "code" to unlock the data and present it in a readable form.

Dial-Up	Dial-up connections are used by traditional modems to connect your computer to other computers or the download speeds up to 56Kbps (56,000 bits per second), and upload speeds up to 33Kbps.

Download	Downloading is the process where files are transferred to your computer from a host computer (typically over the Internet.

Driver	(Device Driver) A block of code tailored to control a specific hardware peripheral (i.e. video card, sound card)

DSL	Digital Subscriber Lines are used for high speed (up to 1.2Mbit per second) Internet connections. DSL lines are typically 2 to over 20 times faster than conventional dial-up connections.

DVD	DVD's are similar to compact disks, with the exception that they are double sided, unlike traditional CD's. They also store data at a much higher density.

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Encryption	Scrambling data into a format that is undecipherable to anyone that does not possess the decryption key.

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Floppy	Typically a 3.5" micro diskette with 1.44MB storage capacity.

FTP	File Transfer Protocol is typically used to move files between computers over the Internet.

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Hard Disk	Non-volatile storage for programs and data.

Home Network	A group or network of computers within your home sharing devices (Printers) or documents (Disk Drives). These may be connected by a physical wire (Phone line) or by a wireless network.

Home Portal	2Wire’s comprehensive router which acts as a Portal to your Home network

HPNA	Home Portal Network Adaptor also none as a 2Wire PC Port.The HPNA, in combination with 2Wires family of HomePortal residential gateways, represents a complete solution for high-speed internet sharing. Using the PC Port with a 2Wire HomePortal allows you to share Internet access throughout your home via your phone line.

HTTP	HyperText Transfer Protocol is the most common way information is transferred and displayed over the Internet.

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Install	Installing is a means of adding something to your computer. Installation is the process you must take to move a program from its host (usually a CD or floppy disk) to your computer.

Internet	Often referred to as the "World Wide Web", the internet connects millions of computers together, allowing you to chat with fellow users, download software, do research, read news and entertainment and more.

ISP	Internet Service Providers allow you the link to access to the Internet through dial-up, DSL, cable or satellite connections.

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Joystick	Joysticks are typically used as interfaces that allow you to interact with games more effectively than with a keyboard (flying, moving, aiming, etc.).

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Kernel	The core of an operating system that is responsible for managing system resources.

Keyboard	A keyboard is what you use to type information. It is similar to the typewriter. Shortkeys on your keyboard help to speed you through programs and your operating system with tremendous ease. Standard keyboards have 104 keys. Some keyboards come with added features and buttons, and many are designed ergonomically for comfort.

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LAN	A Local Area Network is a system that links computers together to form a network, usually with a wire-based cabling scheme. LAN's connect personal computers and electronic office equipment, enabling users to communicate, share resources such as data storage and printers, and access remote hosts or other networks.

Laptop Computer	A portable personal computer also referred to as a notebook computer. Usually is easily able to be used on your lap and does not require an electrical connection.

LCD	Liquid Crystal Display uses a high-density matrix of small squares in a very thin layer to display information. It is usually the monitor for a laptop.

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MBps	Megabits (Million Bits) per second. A measurement of data transfer rate measuring how fast the data can move in one second. For example, 12 Mbps would be a transfer rate of 12 million bits in each second.

Modem	The sole purpose of a modem (MOdulator/DEModulator) is to connect your computer to the outside world. A Modem is hooked up through your phone line and is capable of dialing another computer, connecting to the Internet or making phone calls. A modem is a bridge between digital (computer type) and analog (phone type) signals. More advanced modems are used for DSL, cable and satellite connections. Modems may be internal (inside the computer) or external.

Monitor	Monitors look like small TV screens, although monitors typically are of much higher resolution, and provide a viewing space. Some monitors (such as in laptops) are based on LCD displays instead of using a CRT.

Motherboard	Main system board. Typically contains slots for peripheral devices, CPU, RAM, video.

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Non-Volatile	Storage (hard disk, cd-rom, tape, floppy, etc.) that does not change when the power is turned off, unlike volatile storage that is erased when the power is off.

Notebook Computer	See Laptop Computer

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Operating System	Your operating system is the overall program that your machine uses to function, catalog information and connect you to programs, fonts, and system resources.

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PCI	Peripheral Component Interconnects give you high-speed connections between your CPU and its devices. PCI slots can be 32 or 64 bits wide and can transfer data up to 133MB per second.

Portal	An entry point. With a home network this is the connecting point for all related hardware. On the World Wide Web (WWW) this often refers to search programs.

Printer	Printers are used to transfer information (text, graphics, etc.) from within your computer to paper, transparencies, slides, etc.

Processor	See CPU.

Protocol	The set of rules that allow computers to connect with one another, specifying the format, timing, sequencing and error checking for data transmission.

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Query	The process of extracting data from a database and presenting it for use.

Queue	A line or list formed by items waiting for service, such as documents waiting to be printed, tasks waiting to be performed, stations waiting for connection or messages waiting for transmission.

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RAM	Random Access Memory - The temporary scratchpad area used by the CPU to perform calculations.

Router	A device which forwards/routes data flow between and within a network.

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Scanner	A device used to take a "picture" of a document or photo and convert it to a graphic image file inside your computer.

SCSI	Small Computer Systems Interface is a means to connect components to your computer. Often called "scuzzy", these are ports that allow you to add internal devices (hard disks, CD-ROM's, etc.) and external devices (scanners, printers, etc.).

Serial Port	Serial ports are used for non-demanding communications between your computer and other external devices (example: modems, printers, digital cameras, etc.). Serial ports operate at speeds up to 115Kbps (115,000 bits per second).

Software	Software is a portable medium that you can install on your machine. Software is transported by floppy disk, compact disk and is downloadable from the Internet. Once installed, the program will typically run independently of the disk or CD.

Sound Card	Sound cards allow you to hear sounds associated with programs and play music (CD's, MP3's, MIDI files). Typically, sound cards also allow you to record music and plug in game devices (example: joysticks).

Storage	Storage is where computers keep your files and data. Storage is usually classified as volatile (example: memory or RAM) or more typically non-volatile (example: hard disk).

Surge Protection	The process to reduce voltage surges that may occur as a result of lighting or a power supply surge which can produce more than twice the voltage normally expected from the power source.

Surge Protector	A device between your computer and the power source which controls power surges.

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Tape	Sequential mass storage device.

Trojan Horse	A computer program that carries within itself a means to allow the program's creator access to the system using it. A Trojan normally will not do any damage by itself.

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Upload	Uploading is the process where files are transferred from your computer to a host computer (typically over the Internet.

URL	Universal Resource Locators are the addresses you use to find sites on the Internet. A URL typically is made up of the protocol (example: http, ftp, etc.), a prefix (example: www, support, etc.), and a domain name (example: yahoo.com). Some URL's also contain page names and other parameters after the domain name (example: index.htm).

USB	Universal Serial Bus ports are similar to standard serial ports, except that they are faster and take up less memory to operate. It is a standard bus type for all kinds of devices including mice, scanners, digital cameras, printers, and others. It supports 12 Mbps transfer rate. It is also a "Hot swappable" device, which can be connected and disconnected while computer is on.

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Video	Source of video signal for the monitor, may be an add-on board, or built right into the motherboard.

Virus	A program that, when loaded, infects, alters or destroys other programs and/or data. Some virus programs cause major problems, while others are nothing more than an annoyance.

Volatile	Storage (cache, RAM, etc.) that is erased when the power is turned off.

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WAP	Wireless Access Point is a device which allows the connection of laptop and other computers on a network over radio waves.

Wireless networking	A computer network connected by radio instead of a physical connection.

Worm	A computer program which replicates itself and is self-propagating. Worms, as opposed to viruses, are meant to spawn in network environments. Worms are usually designed to slow down a network, or even crash it.

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Y-Adapter	Connecting plug to connect two network or telephone wires to one wire.

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Zip Drive	A Zip® drive (by Iomega) is a removable media that stores data (similar to a floppy disk). As of this printing, Zip drives come in 100MB and 250MB capacities.

Zip File	A Zip file contains one or more files in a highly compressed format. An "unzip" program (example: WINZIP®) is required to use the file(s) that the zip file contains.