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bit
(page 1)
A bit is a binary digit, a one or a zero, represented in a computer using electrical, magnetic and optical
technology.
broadband network
(page 6)
Broadband networks are high speed networks that have special hardware allowing data to move across
the network more quickly.
byte
(page 2)
A byte is an 8-bit word. The term was coined to refer to the word length for early computers, which were
mostly 8-bit machines.
byte-addressable memory
(page 2)
The size of a computer’s memory is measured in bytes, even though 8-bit computers are no longer
commonly used. This system, known as byte-addressable memory, keeps the size of a computer’s
memory and the memory addresses used by software independent from the computer’s word length. It
also makes it easier to compare the size of computer memories for systems that have different word
lengths.
communications protocol
(page 3)
A communications protocol is a set of rules defining a data communications method, including the
electronic signals to be used, how fast the data should be sent, and so on.
data bus
(page 2)
A data bus is a set of wires used for data communication, connecting the various parts of the computer,
such as the Random Access Memory (RAM) and the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
data communication
(page 2)
Data communication is the movement of bits of information from one place to another, both inside a
computer and between computers and other digital devices, such as printers, cameras, or other computers
on a network.
data communication standards
Data communication standards include the communications protocol, along with equipment
specifications, such as the type of connectors and cables to be used.
driver
(page 3)
(page 5)
A driver is a computer program that manages a device or a connection between devices. USB
connections are simple and do not need drivers, but sometimes the device connected to the computer
needs a driver so that it will work properly.
Electronics Industries Alliance (EIA)
(page 3)
The Electronics Industries Alliance (EIA), formerly known as the Electronics Industries Association, is
an organization of computer and electronic equipment manufacturers.
CIS 103 Applied Computer Technology
Using Database Management Systems
page 2
Ethernet
(page 11)
Ethernet, defined by IEEE standard 802.3, is a networking standard defining cables, connections and
protocols for low cost local area networks.
Ethernet broadband modem
(page 11)
An Ethernet broadband modem is a device that changes the high speed signals used on a broadband
network to Ethernet signals compatible with data communication hardware for home computers.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
(page 3)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a federal government agency in the U.S.
responsible for regulating electronic communications.
Firewire
(page 4)
Firewire is a serial communication standard first developed by Apple Computers and approved as IEEE
standard 1394 in 1995. Sony’s version of Firewire is called iLInk and Texas Instruments calls their
version Lynx
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
(page 3)
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is a UN sponsored organization that works with
governments to standardize international data communications.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
(page 3)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association whose
members specialize in electronic engineering, computer science, and related fields.
IP address
(page 3)
An IP address is an Internet Protocol networking address. It is like a numerical equivalent of a URL.
URL’s like www.ccp.edu are actually turned into IP addresses.
MAC address (Media Access Control address)
(page 18)
A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is like a serial number that is built into the hardware of
each network adapter. The number is usually printed somewhere on the adapter, or on the device if the
adapter is built-in. Each individual device has a unique MAC address.
mobile computing devices
(page 3)
Standalone devices, such as cell phones and iPods, that can work independently, but which are often
connected to a computer to download data, share content, and so on, are often called mobile computing
devices.
parallel data communication
(page 2)
Parallel data communication is the movement of the bits of data in a word at the same time over several
parallel wires.
peripheral device
(page 2)
A peripheral device, or simply a peripheral, is a device that is not part of a computer, but that attaches to
a computer. An external hard drive is an example of a peripheral device. A camera is an example of a
standalone device that can also be connected to a computer as a peripheral.
CIS 103 Applied Computer Technology
RJ-45
Using Database Management Systems
page 3
(page 12)
Technically, RJ-45 is a particular wiring standard defining how connectors with 8 positions and 8
contacts should be wired for a telephone system. The same connectors are used in Ethernet technology,
but wired differently than the RJ-45 telephone wiring standard. Yet, they are commonly called RJ-45
connectors rather than 8P8C connectors because they are exactly the same connectors used in RJ-45
telephone jacks.
RS-232c
(page 3)
RS-232c is a data communication standard created by the EIA in 1969 for terminals connected to old
mainframe computers. It became the standard for connecting devices like printers and telephone modems
to the first personal computers in the 1970’s and 80’s, but today it is not used much.
router
(page 11)
A router is an electronic device that routes data moving across a network and between two networks. The
router in a home network is the electronic gateway between the Internet service provider’s network and
your home network.
serial data communication
(page 2)
Serial data communication is the movement of bits of data one at a time over a single wire. Actually,
serial communication often uses two wires – one in each direction, but the bits of each word are still
moved one at a time as a series of signals over a single wire.
SSID (Service Set IDentifier)
(page 18)
SSID (Service Set IDentifier) is the name of a network, or more precisely, the name of the router
controlling a network.
Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum (USB-IF)
(page 4)
the Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is an organization formed in the 1990’s by a
group of computer companies, including Intel, Compaq, Microsoft, Digital, IBM, and Northern Telecom,
to develop a faster and less expensive data communication standard for connecting peripheral and mobile
computing devices to personal computers.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
(page 4)
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) data communication standard is currently the most widely used data
communication standard for connecting devices to personal computers. Commonly used flash ROM
drives, are USB devices, as are most newer printers, digital cameras, and cell phones.
wireless network adapter
(page 12)
A wireless network adapter is a device with the electronic components needed to transmit and receive
data over a wireless network. In essence, it is a specialized digital radio. New laptop computers usually
have built-in wireless adapters.
wireless router
A wireless router moves data between a wired network and a wireless broadcast network.
word
(page 11)
(page 1)
A group of bits is called a word.
word length
(page 1)
The number of bits that a particular computer works with at one time is called the computer’s word
length.. Most modern computers have a 32-bit word length, which means that the computer’s central
processing unit works with 32-bit groups of words. Some new computers have a 64-bit word length.