client

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A computer that asks a server to do something.

Example
A client asks the server for information and the server responds to the request, sending information back to the client.

dedicated line

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A high-speed line reserved for communication on a WAN.

Example
Our company uses a dedicated line for the WAN so we can connect easily to our branch offices in other cities.

file server

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A computer that stores files for other computers, sending the files when requested.

Example
The students save all their projects on the file server. They can now open their projects on any computer in the lab.

gateway

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A machine that translates information and passes it between two networks that use different protocols.

Example
You need a gateway to translate and pass information between two networks.

intranet

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A private network that uses the same technologies as the public Internet.

Example
Many small businesses use an intranet to communicate with employees.

local area network (LAN)

phrase

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A network in which all the nodes are in the same building or otherwise close together.

Example
Many companies will have their own local network, which allows them to share information easily. This type of network is called a local area network or a LAN for short.

network

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A group of two or more computers that can share messages or files.

Example
A network connects two or more computers so that people using those computers can share information such as messages or files.

network interface

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
The place where a cable or radio antenna plugs into the computer.

Example
You will need a network interface in order to use a cable or radio antenna on your computer.

network licence

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
Permission from a software company to let computers run the company’s software over a network.

Example
If a business wants to use a specific type of software over the network, it must get a network licence from the software company.

node

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A point along a network, such as a computer, a peripheral, or a router.

Example
A node can be any point along a network, such as a computer.

server

noun

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A computer that answers the requests of other computers. Usually a fast computer.

Example
The server handles thousands of requests a day.

stand-alone computer

phrase

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A computer that is not part of any network.

Example
If you have a stand-alone computer, it is not connected to a specific network or to the Internet.

twisted pair

phrase

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A common type of cable, used in most offices, made of two copper wires wrapped together.

Example
A computer may have either twisted pair or coaxial cables.

wide area network (WAN)

phrase

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A network in which some nodes are in different cities or otherwise far apart.

Example
Some businesses use a wide area network (WAN) to connect to branch offices.

wireless

adjective

Unit 8 — IT Lesson

Definition
A type of network connection in which signals are sent by radio waves rather than over cables.

Example
My friend has a wireless connection on his computer, which means he does not have to use the telephone line in order to connect to the Internet.