Digitize Definition
To digitize something means to convert it from analog to digital. For example, an analog audio signal received by a microphone is digitized when it is recorded by a computer. Computers must digitize analog input because they are digital devices and cannot process analog information.
Digital recordings are created by taking samples of analog data, typically at the rate of several thousand per second. For example, CD audio is digitized using a sample rate of 44.1 kilohertz ...
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Digital Definition
Digital information is stored using a series of ones and zeros. Computers are digital machines because they can only read information as on or off -- 1 or 0. This method of computation, also known as the binary system, may seem rather simplistic, but can be used to represent incredible amounts of data. CDs and DVDs can be used to store and play back high-quality sound and video even though they consist entirely of ones and zeros.
Unlike computers, humans perceive information in analog. We cap...
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Hub Definition
Hub Definition
There are two primary types of hubs in the computing world: 1) network hubs and 2) USB hubs.
1. Network hub
A network hub is a device that allows multiple computers to communicate with each other over a network. It has several Ethernet ports that are used to connect two or more network devices together. Each computer or device connected to the hub can communicate with any other device connected to one of the hub's Ethernet ports.
Hubs are similar to switches, but are not as ...
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Internet Definition
Internet Definition
The Internet is a global wide area network that connects computer systems across the world. It includes several high-bandwidth data lines that comprise the Internet "backbone." These lines are connected to major Internet hubs that distribute data to other locations, such as web servers and ISPs.
In order to connect to the Internet, you must have access to an Internet service provider (ISP), which acts the middleman between you and the Internet. Most ISPs offer broadba...
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Wireless Definition
Wireless Definition
In the computing world , the term "wireless" can be rather ambiguous, since it may refer to several different wireless technologies. The two most common types of wireless capabilities computers have are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi is the technology used for wireless networking. If your computer has a wireless card, it is most likely Wi-Fi compatible. The wireless card transmits to a wireless router, which is also based on the Wi-Fi standard. Wireless routers are often ...
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Wired Definition
Wired Definition
In computing terminology, the term "wired" is used to differentiate between wireless connections and those that involve cables. While wireless devices communicate over the air, a wired setup uses physical cables to transfer data between different devices and computer systems.
A wired network is a common type of wired configuration. Most wired networks use Ethernet cables to transfer data between connected PCs. In a small wired network, a single router may be used to connect ...
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Network Definition
Network Definition
Network Definition: A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics.
Many types of networks exist, but they fall under two primary categories: LANs and WANs.
LAN (Local Area Network)...
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SNMP Definition
SNMP Definition
Stands for "Simple Network Management Protocol." SNMP is used for exchanging management information between network devices. For example, SNMP may be used to configure a router or simply check its status. There are four types of SNMP commands used to control and monitor managed devices: 1) read, 2) write, 3) trap, and 4) traversal operations.
The read command is used to monitor devices, while the write command is used to configure devices and change device settings. The t...
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RFID Definition
RFID Definition
Stands for "Radio-Frequency Identification." RFID is a system used to track objects, people, or animals using tags that respond to radio waves. RFID tags are integrated circuits that include a small antenna. The are typically small enough that they are not easily noticeable and therefore can be placed on many types of objects.
Like UPC labels, RFID tags are often used to uniquely identify the object they are attached to. However, unlike UPCs, RFID tags don't need to be sc...
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Bounce Definition
Bounce Definition
The term "bounce" has several different IT related meanings, yet none of them include bouncy balls. The most common definition of bounce used in the computer world refers to e-mail messages.
1. Returning E-mail
When you send an e-mail message to another person, the mail server processes the message and delivers it to the appropriate user's mailbox. For example, if you send a message to "mrman@mail.com," the mail.com server looks for a user named "mrman" to deliver the message t...
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