Techy Terms
Peter Packet's Concise & Easy to Understand
Networking Dictionary: Our Techy Terms
Antivirus Software
A software package that is installed to keep computers and servers
from being infected by virus programs. Effective antivirus programs
protect computers from unwanted data and illegal access.
Computer Network
A group of computers connected by cables and/or wireless connections
to other computers.
Encryption Protection
Protects packets from attacks by hackers by making them difficult for
hackers to identify.
Hackers
People who try to steal information such as credit card numbers and
passwords and/or try to get into other people's computers to get information.
Hacker Packets
Hacker Packets are packets sent by hackers that cause congestion and
other problems on the Internet. Hacker packets can cause Denial of
Service attacks, which means that a hacker has flooded a site with
so many packets that nobody can get in.
Interference
Causes problems with wireless communication. Cordless telephones,
radios and microwave ovens can distort wireless communication.
Internet
Computer networks that are connected throughout the world. It is often
called a network of networks, and it's rather like a giant spider web,
which is why sometimes you hear one part of it referred to as the World Wide Web.
Packets
Small pieces of information (email, movies, pictures, music, text, etc.)
that travel through the Internet. We receive packets on our computers
when we look at a web site or get our email. A packet doesn't include all
the information in your email or what is on a web site. Instead your email
or web site data is divided into tiny pieces and sent through the Internet
as packets. When the packets arrive at your computer, they are put back together.
Quality of Service (QOS)
Gives preferential treatment to packets assuring that they will be delivered fast and safely.
Routers
Send packets through the best routes to their destination. They provide
fast and secure paths for the packets, know how to avoid congestion on the
Internet, and can find the shortest routes.
Security Key
Protects information sent through wireless communication. Wireless receivers
turn away packets without security keys.
Security Officer
Software that protects computers from receiving information that is
not accompanied by a security key.
Server
A computer with software that enables it to work with other computers
on a network. Server can handle filing, printing, communication, and
applications. The servers on your school network serve you by allowing
you access to the information stored on them and managed by them.
Viruses
Software that can erase computer files, cause computers not to work as
they should, send out emails from your computer that give other
computers viruses, and cause other nasty problems.
Wireless Communication
Transmits packets through the Internet using wireless access points.
The information travels through the air without wires until a wireless
receiver retrieves it at the destination computer or server.
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