Domain
In a networked computer environment, a collection of computers
that share a common domain database and security policy. A domain
is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, and each
domain has a unique name.
Domain name
An address of a network connection that identifies the owner
of that address in a hierarchical format: server.organization.type. For
example, www.whitehouse.gov identifies the Web server at the White
House, which is part of the U.S. government.
Drive
An area of storage that is formatted with a file system and has a drive
letter. The storage can be a floppy disk (which is often represented by
drive A), a hard disk (usually drive C), a CD-ROM (usually drive D), or
another type of disk. You can view the contents of a drive by clicking
the drive’s icon in Windows Explorer or My Computer. Drive C (also
known as the hard disk), contains the computer’s operating system and
the programs that have been installed on the computer. It also has the
capacity to store many of the files and folders that you create.
Driver
Within a networking context, a device that mediates communication
between a computer and a network adapter installed on that computer.
DSL
Acronym for
Digital Subscriber Line
. A constant, high-speed digital con-
nection to the Internet that uses standard copper telephone wires.
DSL modem
A device that enables a broadband connection to access the In-
ternet. DSL modems rely on telephone lines that operate at DSL speeds.
Duplex
A mode of connection. Full-duplex transmission allows for the si-
multaneous transfer of information between the sender and the receiver.
Half-duplex transmission allows for the transfer of information in only
one direction at a time.
Dynamic IP address
The IP address assigned (using the DHCP protocol) to a
device that requires it. A dynamic IP address can also be assigned to a
gateway or router by an ISP.
Edge computer
The computer on a network that connects the network to the
Internet. Other devices on the network connect to this computer. The
computer running the most current, reliable operating system is the best
choice to designate as the edge computer.
Ethernet
A networking standard that uses cables to provide network access.
Ethernet is the most widely-installed technology to connect computers
together.
Ethernet cable
A type of cable that facilitates network communications. An
Ethernet cable comes in a couple of flavors. there is twisted pair, and coax
Ethernet cables. Each of these allow data to travel at 10Mbit per second.
Firewall
A security system that helps protect a network from external threats,
such as hacker attacks, originating outside the network. A hardware Fire-
wall is a connection routing device that has specific data checking settings
and that helps protect all of the devices connected to it.
Firmware
Software information stored in nonvolatile memory on a device.
195