3-5
Appen
dix
3
Glossary
B
BOOTP
BOOTstrap Protocol. A protocol that enables a client machine to automatically obtain network setup
information from a server over a TCP/IP network. BOOTP enables a client to automatically locate such
information as the host name, domain name, and IP address, so that it is not necessary to create these items
manually.
Buffer size
The size of a data area, or buffer, shared by devices or programs working at different speeds or with different
priorities. The buffer is designed to prevent one device or process from being held up by another. For this to
be possible, the buffer must be set up correctly.
C
Cookie
A file left on a user’s computer when the user visits a web site. A cookie allows the web site to recognize the
user on subsequent visits. Cookies are generally used to enable a user to automatically sign on to certain
web sites and to customize the features offered by such sites.
D
Daemon
A process that runs in the background and performs a specified operation, at predefined times or in response
to certain events. Typical daemons include print spoolers and automated network information system
protocols.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol that automatically specifies the network settings of a client
on a TCP/IP network. Many of the settings required to set up TCP/IP, which is the standard protocol of the
Internet, can be made automatically.
E
Ethernet
An industry-standard local area network (LAN) system for connecting together multiple computers. Data is
sent from one computer to another by breaking it into packets, and a packet reaches its destination smoothly
without any collision with other packets.
F
File server
A personal computer or workstation to which two or more users on client personal computers can gain
access via a local area network (LAN) in order to share and use its hard disk drive.
G
Gateway Address
The default address of a network or Web site. It provides a single domain name and point of entry to the site.