Glossary E-7
NIC (Network
Interface Card)
A card that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a network. The
NIC manages the flow of network information to and from the computer.
PCMCIA (Personal
Computer Memory
Card International
Association)
An industry group organized in 1989 to promote standards for a card-size memory
or I/O device that would fit into a personal computer.
PCMCIA Card A card-size memory or I/O device that connects to a personal computer. The
PCMCIA card has a 68-pin connector that connects into a slot in the computer.
PING (Packet
Internet Groper)
An Internet program used to determine whether a specific IP address is accessible.
It works by sending a packet to the specified address and waiting for a reply. PING
is used primarily to troubleshoot network connections.
Preamble A preamble is a signal, in the form of series of pulses, used in network
communication to synchronize the transmission timing between two or more
systems. There are two options, Short and Long. The Short option improves
throughput performance.
Protocol A set of agreed-upon rules for transmitting data between two devices. A user’s
computer must support the right protocols for the computer to communicate with
other computers.
Reboot When a computer is shut down and restarted, it is rebooting.
RJ-11 A connector/socket for two pairs (four wires) of twisted pair cables that are used
primarily to connect telephone equipment in the United States.