Term | Definition |
hardware | (physical equipment that you can touch |
software | programs installed on the computer |
Computer Networks | allow users to connect over distances, file sharing, software sharing, and instant communication |
workstations | also known as desktop computers |
Servers | Servers can look like desktop computers; however, most do not look like your “normal” computer. Servers do not really need monitors, graphics, and sound cards. What they really need is hard drives |
Modems | device that enables computers to interpret data they receive from a network or send data in the proper form along a network |
Hub | Every computer that has that section of network (like a radio station) can hear everything that is being transmitted |
Switches | It works a lot like a two-way radio. It keeps track of which computers are where, and when something comes in, it sends it only to that specific computer, not every computer on that section of the network. |
Router | Each computer is given its own unique number by the router. When information comes into the router, it is then sent along to the correct number, or in this case, computer. |
Peer-to-Peer Network | all the computers run the same networking software and file systems for sharing. Printers, scanners, and other external devices are shared by the machine |
Ethernet | Ethernet is a type of connection between computers that forms the basis of most LANs. It also serves as one of the main methods for connecting a computer or network to an Internet hub. |
LAN | Local Area Network, group of computers that are linked together that share internet access, file access, applications, storage, and allow connected computers to share printers and scanners. |
WAN | Wide Area Networks, a collection of regular local area networks that are all interconnected to form one giant network. Oftentimes, schools and even large companies will operate a WAN |
Client/Server Operating Systems | allows the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more file server, ex: Macintosh OSX , Microsoft Windows Server, Novell, UNIX |
Hacker | someone who finds access in a computer’s security system to break into another machine. |
Spam | unwanted commercial e-mail |
Viruses | cause your computer to slow down or even destroy your hard drive |
Adware/Malware | software that gets installed on the computer. It can cause annoying pop-ups or even steal information |
Information Threats | Hackers steal important information: client information, back account numbers, etc |