CIS 105 Survey of Computer Information Systems

CIS 105Survey of Computer Information Systems Essential Concepts and Terminology Study Unit 10

Synergism. • The simultaneous action of separate agencies which, together, have a greater total effect than their separate effects.

Computer Network. • A collection of computers and related devices, connected in a way that allows them to share data, hardware, and software.

Terminal. • A device with a keyboard and a monitor, used for input and output, but not for processing.

Local Area Network (LAN). • An interconnected group of computers and peripherals located within a relatively limited area, such as building or a campus.

Network Version Software. • Applications designed for installation on a file server and made available to more than one user at a time.

Groupware. • Software that provides ways for multiple users to collaborate on a project, usually through a pool of data that can be shared by members of the workgroup.

Circuit Switching. • The method of establishing an end-to-end connect between computers for the duration of a data transmission.

Packet Switching. • A technology employed by data communications networks, such as the Internet, whereby a message is divided into smaller transmission units called packets.

Router. • A computer at an intersection on a packet-switching network that examines IP addresses and forwards the data towards its destination on the least congested path.

Protocol. • In data communication and networking, a specifying standard governing data format and transmission rules.

Protocol Suite. • The total collection of protocols that define how a specific network's functions. Networks can employ dozens of protocols.

Protocol Stack. • A network architecture concept that describes the sequence of data handling, between the user and the physical media, by a series of protocols.

Network Interface Card (NIC) . • A circuit board that enables sending and receiving data on a network.

Workstation. • A computer connected to a local area network.

Node. • Each device on a network, including workstations, servers, printers, and other peripherals.

Client/Server Network. • A network with workstations (clients) and one or more the servers.

File Server. • In client/server computing, a high-capacity, high-speed computer dedicated to making files and programs available to client workstations and nodes.

Clients. • In network computing, all the workstations that connect to and send requests to a server.

Topology. • The physical layout of a network. The pattern of communications pathways, such as star, bus, and ring.

Collision. • A disruption of communication that occurs when two packets are sent at the same time. Corruption of data caused by simultaneous transmission.

Ethernet. • A LAN standard in which network nodes are connected by coaxial cable or twisted-pair wire. The most popular network architecture, capable of transmitting data at 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). • A set of business-to-business standards to facilitate paperless financial transactions.

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CIS 105 Survey of Computer Information Systems