Computer Network Terms

Node
A node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.

Client
A client is an application that runs on a personal computer or workstation and relies on a server to perform some operations. For example, an e-mail client is an application that enables you to send and receive e-mail.

Server
A server is an application running on a computer that delivers a service. For example, a web server will deliver web pages when requested by a browser (called client in this context).

Hub
It is a central connection for all the computers in a network, which is usually Ethernet-based. Information sent to the hub can flow to any other computer on the network. If you need to connect more than two computers together, a hub will allow you to do so.

Host Computer
Main or controlling computer connected to other computers or terminals to which it provides data or computing services via a network.

Network Interface Cards
A network interface card (NIC) is a computer circuit board or card that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a network.

Network Administrator
Network administrator is a modern profession responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprises a computer network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network equipment.

Network Operating System (NOS)
NOS is the software that allows multiple computers to communicate, share files and hardware devices with one another. Some examples of network operating systems include Novell NetWare, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000 etc.

Distributed processing
Distributed processing is used to describe the distribution of multiple computers throughout an organization in contrast to a centralized system.

Network manager
NetworkManager is a software utility aimed at simplifying the use of computer networks on Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.

Input and Output

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

MICR, is a character recognition technology used primarily by the banking industry to facilitate the processing of cheques. The technology allows computers to read information (such as account numbers) off of printed documents.

Optical-character Recognition (OCR)

OCR, is the mechanical or electronic translation of images of handwritten, typewritten or printed text (usually captured by a scanner) into machine-editable text. An OCR system enables you to take a book or a magazine article, feed it directly into an electronic computer file, and then edit the file using a word processor.

Optical-mark Recognition (OMR)

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) is the technology of electronically extracting intended data from marked fields, such as checkboxes and fill-in fields, on printed forms. It is generally distinguished from OCR by the fact that a recognition engine is not required. This requires the image to have high contrast and an easily-recognizable or irrelevant shape.

Dot Matrix Printer

Dot Matrix Printer is a type of printer that produces characters and illustrations by striking pins against an ink ribbon to print closely spaced dots in the appropriate shape. Dot-matrix printers are relatively expensive and do not produce high-quality output. However, they can print to multi-page forms (that is, carbon copies), something laser and ink-jet printers cannot do.

Plotters

A device that draws pictures on paper based on commands from a computer. Plotters differ from printers in that they draw lines using a pen. As a result, they can produce continuous lines, whereas printers can only simulate lines by printing a closely spaced series of dots. Multicolor plotters use different-colored pens to draw different colors. It can be used to create layouts, diagrams, specs, and banners.

Photo Printer

A photo printer is a printer (usually an inkjet printer) that is specifically designed to print high quality digital photos on photo paper. These printers usually have a very high number of nozzles and are capable of printing droplets as small as 1 picoliter.

Portable Printer

Portable printer gives you the freedom to print from nearly anywhere. You can print high-quality documents and photos from your laptop PC, or any number of portable devices, such as PDAs, digital cameras, camera phones, and memory cards.

Fax Machine

a device that can send or receive pictures and text over a telephone line. Fax machines work by digitizing an image -- dividing it into a grid of dots. Each dot is either on or off, depending on whether it is black or white. Electronically, each dot is represented by a bit that has a value of either 0 (off) or 1 (on). In this way, the fax machine translates a picture into a series of zeros and ones (called a bit map) that can be transmitted like normal computer data.



Multifunctional Devices

Multifunctional devices have evolved from photocopiers and have many areas of functionality, predominantly printing, faxing, scanning and integration with other applications.

Internet Telephones
Technology that converts analog speech signals into digital signals and routes them through packet-switched networks of the internet. These signals bypass the traditional circuit-switched networks used for telephone calls and thus escape the long-distance phone charges.

Telephony

Telephony is the technology associated with the electronic transmission of voice, fax, or other information between distant parties using systems historically associated with the telephone, a handheld device containing both a speaker or transmitter and a receiver.