1

Review - Computing Basics Key points:

Computer Hardware and Software. Binary Number System Networking Terminology

Networking LANs WANs

Bandwidth and Throughput

2

What are the major components of the PC? CPU and Memory (RAM, ROM, CD ROM, Hard

Disk). Data in a computer flows through the

________? Bus.

What are some additional expansion cards typically found in a PC? NIC (LAN adapter), Video card, sound card,

serial and parallel ports (for printer or other devices), mouse port.

Boot system programs will be found in _____? ROM.

3

What provides the network communications capabilites? NIC.

The type of NIC you use will depend on ____? Type of network, type of media, type of system

bus. What slots or cards for a laptop are referred to

as __________? PCMCIA.

Where do you change the IP address in a Windows 95/98 PC? Control Panel, Network option.

4

What language do browsers interpret? HTML.

What’s a hyperlink? Commands that point to another location.

What are plug-ins? Special purpose software that used to display

special or proprietary files in the browser.

5

What are networking protocols? A formal set of rules and conventions that

govern how devices communicate on the network.

In order for two devices to communicate, what must they use? The same protocols.

What is networking media? The physical material that carries the signals

(the cabling).

6

What are examples of different networking media? UTP, STP. Coax, Fiber.

What problems does networking address? Avoiding duplication of equipment and resources;

How to communicate efficiently; Network setup and management.

What was a major problem in the early development of networking? Manufacturers developed their own

specifications, leading to problems with compatibility with other manufacturers hardware and software.

7

What are properties of LANs? Limited geographic area; High bandwidth media;

Under a common administration; Full-time connectivity to local resources; Connects physically adjacent devices.

What are difference between a LAN and WAN? WAN covers large geographic areas; Uses slower

serial connections than LAN; Provides full-time or part-time connectivity.

What are some WAN technologies? ISDN, DSL, Frame Relay, ATM, T1, E1, T3, E3,

SONET.

8

What is a bit? A binary character (digit), a 1 or 0.

How are the 1 and 0 typically represented? 1: +5v (voltage); 0: 0v (no voltage).

What is bandwidth? A measure of how much information can flow from

one place to another in a given amount of time. What is bandwidth measured in?

Bits per second. What factors limit bandwidth?

Technology used; Laws of physics; Type of media; Type of service.

9

What’s the difference between bandwidth and throughput? Bandwidth represent the theoretical limit on speed;

throughput is the actual speed you get.

The End