Metadata Definition
Metadata describes other data. It provides information about a certain item's content. For example, an image may include metadata that describes how large the picture is, the color depth, the image resolution, when the image was created, and other data. A text document's metadata may contain information about how long the document is, who the author is, when the document was written, and a short summary of the document.
Web pages often include metadata in the form of meta ta...
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Datagram Definition
Datagram Definition
Datagram is a combination of the words data and telegram. Therefore, it is a message containing data that is sent from location to another. A datagram is similar to a packet, but does not require confirmation that it has been received. This makes datagrams ideal for streaming services, where the constant flow of data is more important than 100% accuracy.
Datagrams are also called "IP datagrams" since they are used by the Internet protocol (IP). This protocol defines how info...
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Packet Definition
Packet Definition
A packet is a small amount of data sent over a network, such as a LAN or the Internet. Similar to a real-life package, each packet includes a source and destination as well as the content (or data) being transferred. When the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into a single file or other contiguous block of data.
While the exact structure of a packet varies between protocols, a typical packet includes two sections — a header and payload. Information about th...
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Telnet Definition
Telnet Definition
This is a program that allows you log in to a Unix computer via a text-based interface. If you have an account on a Telnet server, you can access certain resources on the system such your home directory, your e-mail account, FTP files, etc. The downside of Telnet is that, to use it, you need to use Unix commands, which can be a challenge.
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Port Definition
Port Definition
In the computer world, the term "port" has three different meanings. It may refer to 1) a hardware port, 2) an Internet port number, or 3) the process of porting a software program from one platform to another.
1. Hardware Port
A hardware port is a physical connection on a computer or another electronic device. Common ports on modern desktop computers include USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and DisplayPort. Previous generations of computers used different ports, such a serial ports, ...
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Computer Definition
Computer Definition
Technically, a computer is a programmable machine. This means it can execute a programmed list of instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given. Today, however, the term is most often used to refer to the desktop and laptop computers that most people use. When referring to a desktop model, the term "computer" technically only refers to the computer itself -- not the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Still, it is acceptable to refer to everything together as the co...
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VLAN Definition
VLAN Definition
Stands for "Virtual Local Area Network," or "Virtual LAN." A VLAN is a custom network created from one or more existing LANs. It enables groups of devices from multiple networks (both wired and wireless) to be combined into a single logical network. The result is a virtual LAN that can be administered like a physical local area network.
In order to create a virtual LAN, the network equipment, such as routers and switches must support VLAN configuration. The hardware is typically...
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DSL Definition
DSL Definition
Stands for "Digital Subscriber Line." DSL is a communications medium used to transfer digital signals over standard telephone lines. Along with cable Internet, DSL is one of the most popular ways ISPs provide broadband Internet access.
When you make a telephone call using a landline, the voice signal is transmitted using low frequencies from 0 Hz to 4 kHz. This range, called the "voiceband," only uses a small part of the frequency range supported by copper phone lines. Therefore,...
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Bluetooth Definition
Bluetooth Definition
This wireless technology enables communication between Bluetooth-compatible devices. It is used for short-range connections between desktop and laptop computers, PDAs (like the Palm Pilot or Handspring Visor), digital cameras, scanners, cellular phones, and printers.
Infrared once served the same purpose as Bluetooth, but it had a number of drawbacks. For example, if there was an object placed between the two communicating devices, the transmission would be interrupted. (Yo...
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Access Point Definition
Access Point Definition
An access point is a device, such as a wireless router, that allows wireless devices to connect to a network. Most access points have built-in routers, while others must be connected to a router in order to provide network access. In either case, access points are typically hardwired to other devices, such as network switches or broadband modems.
Access points can be found in many places, including houses, businesses, and public locations. In most houses, the access poin...
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