Filter
Top Products
Glossary
3-7
Appendix
3
Glossary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gateway Address
The default address of a network or Web site. It provides a single domain name and point
of entry to the site.