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here are some definitions to word and terms used in this web-site that you may not recognize. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Broadband - High-speed transmission. The term is commonly used to refer to communications lines or services at T1 rates (1.544 Mbps) and above. The speed threshold of broadband is subjective, however, In every case, it implies transmitting at higher speeds than what was common before. Broadband often refers to Internet access using cable modems and DSL, both of which deliver speeds above and below T1. ciphertext - Data that has been coded (enciphered, encrypted, encoded) for security purposes. Contrast with plaintext. See cryptography.computer virus - rogue computer program, typically a short program designed to disperse copies of itself to other computers and disrupt those computers' normal operations. Although some viruses are merely disruptive, others can destroy or corrupt data or cause an operating system or applications program to malfunction. Computer viruses are spread via floppy disks, networks, or on-line services. Several thousand computer viruses are known, and on average three to five new strains are discovered every day. cryptography - The conversion of data into a secret code for transmission over a public network. The original text, or "plaintext," is converted into a coded equivalent called "ciphertext" via an encryption algorithm. The ciphertext is decoded (decrypted) at the receiving end and turned back into plaintext.domain - stands for: Distributed Operating Multi-Access Interactive Network. In a LAN, a sub network comprised of a group of clients and servers under the control of one security database. Dividing LANs into domains improves performance and security. In a communications network, all resources under the control of a single computer system. firewall - A method for keeping a network secure from intruders. Firewalls are widely used to give users secure access to the Internet. hacker - the term has become synonymous with "cracker," a person who performs an illegal act Since it takes an experienced hacker to gain unauthorized entrance into a secure computer to extract information and/or perform some prank or mischief at the site. help desk - A source of technical support for hardware or software. hot fix - Microsoft's term for a bug fix, which is accomplished by replacing one or more existing files in the operating system or software application with revised versions. hub - A central connecting device in a network that joins communications lines together in a star configuration. Passive hubs are just connecting units that add nothing to the data passing through them. Active hubs, also sometimes called "multiport repeaters," regenerate the data bits in order to maintain a strong signal, and intelligent hubs provide added functionality. Internet - An interconnected system of networks that connects computers around the world via the TCP/IP protocol. local area network - (LAN) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. It is made up of servers, workstations, a network operating system and a communications link.Small LANs can allow certain workstations to function as a server, allowing users access to data on another user's machine. These peer-to-peer networks are often simpler to install and manage, but dedicated servers provide better performance and can handle higher transaction volume. Multiple servers are used in large networks.patch - A temporary or quick fix to a program. Too many patches in a program make it difficult to maintain. peer-to-peer network - A communications environment that allows all desktop and laptop computers in the network to act as servers and share their files with all other users on the network. Peer-to-peer networks are quite common in small offices that do not use a dedicated file server. In such cases, only specific folders are generally made sharable in each machine, not the entire hard disk. plaintext - Normal text that has not been encrypted and is readable by text editors and word processors. Contrast with ciphertext. router - A device that forwards data packets from one local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to another. Based on routing tables and routing protocols, routers read the network address in each transmitted frame and make a decision on how to send it based on the most expedient route (traffic load, line costs, speed, bad lines, etc.). security - (as related to computing) - The process of preventing and detecting unauthorized use of a computer system service pack - A software patch that is applied to an installed application. It is either downloaded from the vendor's Web site or distributed via CD-ROM. When executed, it modifies the application in place.switch - A mechanical or electronic device that directs the flow of electrical or optical signals from one side to the other. Switches with more than two ports, such as a LAN switch or PBX, are able to route traffic. vulnerability - A security exposure in an operating system or other system software or application software component. Security firms maintain databases of vulnerabilities based on version number of the software. Each vulnerability can potentially compromise the system or network if exploited. wide area network - (WAN) A communications network that covers a wide geographic area, such as state or country. A LAN (local area network) is contained within a building or complex, and a MAN (metropolitan area network) generally covers a city or suburb.
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