Computer Science Glossary

CPU - The CPU is the Central Processing Unit.  It fetches, decodes and executes instructions.  RAM - RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is volatile and stores temporary data from running applications ROM - ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is non-volatile ALU - ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit. It performs logical calculations within the CPU

  Networks: Two or more devices connected together in order to communicate and share resources Node: A device connected to a network Packet: A chunk of data that forms part of a message Hardware: The physical parts of a network LAN: LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is a network that covers a single building or a small site WAN: WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It is a network that covers a large geographical area of at least one mile Router: A device that sends packets between networks. It makes decisions about where to send data and by what route WAP: WAP stands for Wireless Access Point. A device that allows devices to connect to a network using standards such as WiFi             and Bluetooth Switch: Filters and forwards data packets directly to the intended recipient Hub: Filters and forwards data packets to all connected nodes NIC: NIC stands for Network Interface Controller. A computer component that allows a computer to connect to a network MAC Address: A unique number assigned to each NIC. Identifies any device on a network IP Address: A unique number that identifies a device on the internet Client Server Network: Most common way to organize a LAN. One or more computers are designated servers. A server typically looks after Login and security; File Handling; Printing and Internet Access Peer to Peer: All computers are considered equal. Functionality can be divided amongst nodes. Each computer can act as a server.