INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING REVIEWER Computer Network- The communications

media, devices, and software needed to

Internet- large network that connects smaller
connect two or more computer systems and/or
networks.
devices.
World Wide Web- introduced in 1992 at CERN
Types of Telecommunication Media
Access Providers- common way to access the
Twisted Pair Wire Cable- Insulated pairs of
Internet.
wires historically used in telephone service and
Browser Basic- Programs that provide access to to connect computer devices.
Web resources.
Coaxial Cable- consists of an inner conductor
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) wire surrounded by insulation, called the
dielectric.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
Fiber-optic Cable- Many extremely thin strands
E-Mail- Transmission of electronic messages of glass or plastic bound together in a sheathing
over the internet. which transmits signals with light beams.
Search Engines- Specialized programs to assist Microwave Communications- Line-of-sight
in locating information. devices which must be placed in relatively high
Five Parts of an Information System locations.

1. People Microwave Usage- Information is converted to a

2. Procedures microwave signal, sent through the air to a
3. Software receiver, and recovered.
4. Hardware
5. Data Satellite Communication- Communications
satellites are relay stations that receive signals
Communications- The message (data and from one earth station and rebroadcast them to
information) is communicated via the signal. another.
Numeric Control- A type of programmable Cellular Transmission- Signals from cells are
control system, directed by mathematical data, transmitted to a receiver and integrated into the
which uses microcomputers to carry out various regular network.
machining operations; such as a mill or lathe.
Infrared Transmission- Involves sending signals
Telecommunications- The electronic through the air via light waves.
transmission of signals for communications,
including such means as: Telephone, Radio, Telecommunication Devices- Relay signals
Television. between computer systems and transmission
media.
Data Communications- A specialized subset of
telecommunications that refers to the electronic MODEM (Modulator Demodulator)- Modulates
collection, processing, and distribution of data -- a digital signal into an analog signal for
typically between computer system hardware transmission via analog medium, then
devices. demodulates the signal into digital for receiving.
Multiplexer- Allows several telecommunications OSI 7-Layers Model- Serves as a standard model
signals to be transmitted over a single for network architectures and is endorsed by
communications medium at the same time. the International Standards Committee.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/

Technology that uses existing common-carrier Internet Protocol)- Standard originally
lines to simultaneously transmit voice, video, developed by the U.S. government to link
and image data in digital form. defense research agencies; it is the primary
communication protocol of the Internet.
Centralized Processing- Data processing that
occurs in a single location or facility. Electronic Software Distribution- Involves
installing software on a file server for users to
Distributed Processing- Data processing that
share by signing onto the network and
occurs when computers are placed at remote
requesting that the software be downloaded
locations but are connected to each other via
onto their computers over a network.
telecommunications devices.
Electronic Document Distribution-Transporting
Topology- A model that describes how
documents -- such as sales reports, policy
computers are connected.
manuals, and advertising brochures -- over
LAN (Local Area Network)- Connects computer communications lines and networks.
systems and devices in the same geographic
VOIP (Voice-Over-IP)- Technology that enables
area (can be Ring, Bus, Hierarchical, Star,
network managers to route phone calls and fax
Hybrid).
transmissions over the same network they use
WAN (Wide Area Network)- Ties together large for data.
geographic regions using microwave and
VPN (Virtual Private Network)- A secure
satellite transmission or telephone lines.
connection between two points across the
Communication Software-Provides error Internet.
checking, message formatting, communications
Tunneling- The process by which VPNs transfer
logs, data security and privacy, and translation
information by encapsulating traffic in IP
capabilities for networks.
packets and sending the packets over the
NOS (Network Operating System)- Systems Internet.
software that controls the computer systems
and devices on a network and allows them to
communicate with each other.

Network Management Software- Enables a

manager on a networked desktop to monitor
the use of individual computers and shared
hardware, scan for viruses, and ensure
compliance with software licenses.

Protocol- Rules that ensure communications

among computers of different types and from
different manufacturers.