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Appendix C
Internet
A global network connecting millions computers. As of 1998, the Internet
has more than 100 million users worldwide, and that number is growing
rapidly. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and
opinions.
IP Address
An identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks
using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP address of the des-
tination. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as
four numbers separated by periods. Each number's range is from 0 to 255. For
example, 1.160.10.240 could be a legal IP address.
ISDN
Abbreviation of integrated services digital network, an international com-
munications standard for sending voice, video, and data over digital telephone
lines. ISDN requires special metal wires and supports data transfer rates up to
64 Kbps (64,000 bits per second).
ISP
Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the
Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software pack-
age, username, password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem,
you can then log on to the Internet and browse the World Wide Web and
USENET, and send and receive e-mail.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are
confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can
be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio
waves. A system of LANs connected in this way is called a wide-area net-
work (WAN)
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