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ZyAIR 100 Wireless PC Card
Glossary I
MAC On a local area network (LAN) or other network, the MAC (Media Access Control) address is
your computer’s unique hardware number. (On an Ethernet LAN, it is the same as your
Ethernet address.) The MAC layer frames data for transmission over the network, then passes
the frame to the physical layer interface where it is transmitted as a stream of bits.
Megahertz
(MHz)
One million cycles per second. A unit of measure for frequency.
Modulation Any of several techniques for combining user information with a transmitter's carrier signal.
Network
Any time you connect 2 or more computers together so that they can share resources, you
have a computer network. Connect 2 or more networks together and you have an internet.
NIC
Network Interface Card. A board that provides network communication capabilities to and
from a computer system. Also called an adapter.
Node Any single computer connected to a network.
Packet A basic message unit for communication across a network. A packet usually includes routing
information, data and (sometimes) error detection information.
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association which develops standards for PC
cards, formerly known as PCMCIA cards. They are available in three types that are about the
same length and width as credit cards but range in thickness from 3.3 mm (Type I) to 5.0 mm
(Type II) to 10.5 mm (Type III). These cards provide many functions, including memory
storage and acting as landline modems and as wireless LAN.
Personal
Communication
Systems
PCS networks in the U.S. provide narrowband digital communications in the 900 MHz band
for paging and broadband digital communications in the 1,900 MHz band for cellular
telephone service. In the U.S., PCS 1,900 is the same as Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) 1,900.
Personal Digital
Communication
PDC is used only in Japan and is rapidly being replaced with CDMA to alleviate
overcrowding of PDC bandwidth.
Phreaking
Breaking into phone or other communication systems. Phreaking sites on the Internet are
popular among crackers and other criminals.
Pirate Someone who steals or distributes software without paying the legitimate owner for it. This
category of computer criminal includes several different types of illegal activities. Making
copies of software for others to use. Distributing pirated software over the Internet or a
Bulletin Board System. Receiving or downloading illegal copies of software in any form.
Pirated
Software
Software that has been illegally copied, or that is being used in violation of the software’s
licensing agreement. Pirated software is often distributed through pirate bulletin boards or on
the Internet. In the internet underground it is known as Warez.
Plain Text The opposite of Cipher Text, Plain Text is readable by anyone.
POP Post Office Protocol. This is a common protocol used for sending, receiving and delivering
mail messages.
Port (H/W) An interface on a computer for connecting peripherals or devices to the computer. A printer
port, for example, is an interface that is designed to have a printer connected to it. Ports can be
defined by specific hardware (such as a keyboard port) or through software.