Peter Packet's Concise & Easy to Understand Networking Dictionary
Antivirus Software
A software package that is installed to keep computers and servers from being infected
by virus programs. Effective antivirus programs protect computers from unwanted data
and illegal access.
Computer Network
A group of computers connected by cables and/or wireless connections.
Encryption Protection
Protects packets from attacks by making them difficult for hackers to identify.
Hackers
People who try to steal information such as credit card numbers and passwords and/or try
to get into other people's computers to get information.
Hacker Packets
Hacker Packets are packets sent by hackers that cause congestion and other problems on
the Internet. Hacker packets can cause Denial of Service attacks, which means that a
hacker has flooded a site with so many packets that nobody can get in.
Interference
Causes problems with wireless communications. Cordless telephones, radios and
microwave ovens are possible sources of interference.
Internet
Computer networks that are connected throughout the world. It is often called a network
of networks, and it's like a giant spider web, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as
the World Wide Web.
Packets
Small pieces of information such as email, movies, pictures, music, and text that travel
through the Internet. We receive packets on our computers when we look at a website or
get our email. A packet doesn't include all the information in an email or on a website.
Instead, the email or website data is divided into tiny pieces and sent through the Internet
as packets. When the packets arrive at your computer, they are put back together.
Quality of Service (QOS)
Gives preferential treatment to packets to ensure that they will be delivered fast and
safely.
Routers
Sends packets through the best routes to their destinations. Routers provide fast and
secure paths for the packets, know how to avoid congestion on the Internet, and can find
the shortest routes.
Security Key
Protects information sent through wireless communications. Wireless receivers turn away
packets without security keys.
Security Officer
Software that protects computers from receiving information that is not accompanied by
a security key.
Server
A computer with software that enables it to work with other computers on a network. A
server can handle filing, printing, communication, and applications. The servers on your
school network allow you access to the information stored on them and managed by
them.
Viruses
Software that can erase computer files, cause computers not to work as they should, send
emails from your computer that give other computers viruses, and cause other problems.
Wireless Communication
Transmits packets through the Internet using wireless access points. The information
travels through the air without wires until a wireless receiver retrieves it at the destination
computer or server.
