HP D6030A - NetServer - E50 Installation Manual page 42

B Glossary
HP NetServer Navigator CD-ROM A repository of software support products
including setup and installation programs for HP AutoPilot.
I/O An acronym for Input/Output. I/O refers to the sending and receiving of data in
reference to a computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU). Peripheral devices such as
disk drives and keyboards are managed via the CPU's I/O channel.
LAN An acronym for Local Area Network. LANs interconnect servers, clients, and
other peripheral devices such as printers. The result is shared data communications in
which any computer can interact with any other interconnected device in the group.
LAN devices are distributed over a relatively limited area--usually within the same
building.
LAN adapter A hardware interface circuit board that either plugs into a slot, or is
built in to the computer's main circuit board (may also be called a "mother board").
The LAN adapter provides hardware interfacing that allows a computer to
communicate to a Local Area Network. (See NIC and LAN)
LAN adapter driver Specialized software or firmware between a LAN adapter and
communications software that enables interfacing across a Local Area Network.
NetWare Loadable Modules (NLM) Customized servers are built from pieces or
tools called NetWare Loadable Modules. An NLM is a program that can be loaded or
unloaded from the server while the server continues to run.
network A group of computers and other peripheral devices connected so that they
can communicate with one another. Most networks are setup to transmit data, usually
over telephone lines.
NIC An acronym for Network Interface Card. A NIC is a hardware interface circuit
board designed to plug into a slot usually provided on a computer's main circuit board.
The NIC provides a hardware interface that allows a computer to communicate with
other networked devices. (See LAN adapter)
node A computer, file server, or peripheral device connected to a LAN that is used to
create receive or repeat a message or stream of data. Generally, a node refers to a
client or workstation. (See client and workstation)
packet A unit of information typically sent across a network from one device to
another. Usually the packet has a pre-defined maximum and minimum size that also
includes an identification number as well as information about its origin and
destination.
peripheral A device, such as a printer or modem, attached to a computer. A
peripheral typically serves some input/output function.
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