Compaq CP-2E manual Glossary

Glossary

NDIS (network driver interface specification). A Windows device driver interface that enables a single network interface card to support multiple network protocols.

NetBEUI (NetBIOS enhanced user interface). An enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol used by network operating systems such as LAN Manager, LAN Server, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, and Windows NT.

NIC (network interface controller). The circuit board or other form of computer hardware that serves as the interface between a computer (or other form of data terminal equipment) and the communications network. In DSL, a common NIC is an Ethernet NIC, which serves as the interface to the DSL modem from the computer.

Node. A processing location such as a computer or other device. Every node has a unique network address.

OS (operating system). The interface that permits a person and a computer to “talk” to one another. Microsoft Windows, the most popular operating system, displays icons, menus, and dialog boxes to find out what you want. You use a mouse and keyboard to reply. See Microsoft Windows.

Packet. A sub-unit of a data stream.

Packet switched network. A network that transmits data in units called packets in a connectionless manner. Data streams are broken into packets at the front end of a transmission, sent over the best available network connection, and then reassembled in their original order at the destination endpoint.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). The organization responsible for developing the standard for small, credit card-sized devices, called PC Cards.

PDF (portable document format). A file format that has captured all the elements of a printed document as an electronic image, which you can view, navigate, print, or forward to someone else. PDF files are created using Adobe Acrobat, Acrobat Capture, or similar products. To open the files, you need the free Acrobat Reader, which you can easily download. Once you have downloaded the reader, it starts automatically whenever you want to open a PDF file.

Router. A device used to connect other devices on a network. A router provides intelligent paths for data to flow between devices and provides identification for these devices through IP addresses.

Server. A fast, high-power computer that is used as the repository and distributor of data, and to control various applications. Servers can be used for a variety of applications including hosting websites, email databases, and other types of database applications.

SPX (sequenced packet exchange). A transport layer protocol used in Novell Netware networks to provide connection-oriented services between two nodes on the network. Used primarily by client/server applications.

G–4 iPAQ Connection Point CP-2E User Guide