bandwidth When describing the information capacity of a network, the amount of information that can be handled at one time.
bridgeAn interface between two local area networks that use the same protocol; the two networks may or may not be of the same physical type.
CCUPComprehensive Computer Upgrade Program. Funds which have been designated for upgrading and enhancing the academic and administrative computer systems on state-funded units of SUNY.
coaxial cable A popular Ethernet (see below) medium composed of an insulated central conducting wire wrapped in another cylindrical conducting wire. Coaxial cable is able to carry large amounts of information and comes in standard (thick, yellow cable) and thin-wire (like television cable) sizes.
database managementA program, or set of programs, which allow a user to manage system data or information. By managing information, a user is able to
store information, update the stored information, and then retrieve that information at a later date.
DECnetA set of protocols developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). They build, transmit, and decode data packets running on the network.
distributed file serverA system by which files residing on disks located throughout a network may be made available to personal computers also located throughout a network.
distributed processingThe process in which the workload of a particular application is shared across a network.
electronic mail A service for the transmission of messages among users of computers and workstations.
end-user The individual who ultimately makes use of our campus computer resources and services provided by the network, databases, application software, and centralized or personal computers.
Ethernet A local area network standard defining a physical medium and its method of placing data on that cable.
fiber opticA data transmission medium consisting of glass fibers that is able to carry enormous quantities of data and provides protection from eavesdropping, electromagnetic interference, and radioactivity.
file serverA device containing files and applications which may be shared by users connected to a local area network. It has rules for allowing access into and out of its files and databases. These rules are enforced through the use of usercodes and passwords similar to what is used on our central campus computer.
gatewayA program or device which resides on two or more dissimilar networks and provides a means for communications among devices on those networks.
hostA computer that provides services to other devices (computers) on a network.
InternetThe national network of computer networks, linking what used to be ARPAnet, various regional networks, NSFnet, and others (but not BITNET). Our campus will also have an "internet" when all departmentally-based LANs are linked together by the campus "backbone" network.
Local Area Network (LAN)A data communications system spanning a limited geographic area which provides communication among computers and peripherals (printers, disk storage, modems, etc.)
MS-DOSThe single-user operating system developed by Microsoft for the IBM Personal Computers and compatibles (e.g., Zenith).
multitaskingRefers to the ability of a computer to execute more than one program simultaneously.
networkA communication system comprised of computers and peripherals that is connected through some physical media.
nodeA point in a network where one or more communicating devices are linked to the network and where information can be sent, received, or forwarded.
Open System Interconnection (OSI)A standard developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) that provides a network design framework which allows equipment from multiple vendors to communicate.
Oracle(TM) A relational database product for which SUNY has a system-wide contract. Applications in Oracle(TM) are easily moved among systems from various vendors, from mainframes to personal computers.
OS/2Developed by IBM (originally with Microsoft Corp.) for IBM computers and compatibles.
platform Computer hardware and its operating system, whether it is a mainframe, minicomputer or personal computer.
protocolA set of rules relating to format and timing of data transmission between two entities on a network and which each device must accept and use in order to understand one another.
Structured Query Language (SQL). Pronounced "sequel," SQL is an industry standard, English-like language consisting of several layers of increasing complexity and capability for relational database management systems.
SICDNSUNY Inter-Campus Data Network. Operated by the research Foundation, connecting all SUNY units except the Community Colleges.
terminal emulation A program which runs in a personal computer or terminal that makes that personal computer look, to both the user and the software, like a specific type of data terminal (e.g., DEC 220 terminal).
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Defines specific networking rules developed by the Department of Defense. TCP and IP are specific protocols within the larger set of Defense Data Network protocols colloquially referred to as "TCP/IP", including IP, TCP, User Datagram Protocol (UDP), TELNET protocol, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). TCP/IP is vendor-independent; its purpose is to connect widely differing computers while providing for data errors, security and line failure.
transparentDescribes the operation of a network such that a use is unaware that a service is being provided by the network; rather, the service appears to be provided by resources local to the personal computer.
twisted pairCabling that consists of two insulated wires wrapped around each other and sometimes surrounded by a shield, jacket, or other insulation, or by similar pairs of wires. Phone wire is the most common type of twisted pair cable.
UNIXAn operating system developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories, UNIX allows a computer to handle multiple users and programs simultaneously. UNIX is available on a large number of computers and is often used as an environment for portable programs.
AIX is IBM's version of UNIX; A/UX is Apple Corporation's version of UNIX; ULTRIX(TM) is Digital Equipment Corporation's version of UNIX
Virtual Memory System (VMS). The operating system developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for its VAX computers. VMS provides some of the features found in UNIX as well as comprehensive file management and database management software, and DECnet networking services.