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Terms and Definitions

  • 802.11a/g/n/ac - Wifi standards that support a range of wireless transfer rates. 
  • Bandwidth - Capacity or amount of data that is transmitted over a network.
  • BIOS - Basic Input Output System, Firmware interface.
  • Cookie - Small amount of data created when you visit a website.Normally used to store passwords for quicker log-in but in some cases may track information relating to browsing history.
  • Disk Formatting - Process of erasing all data from a disk.
  • DVD+-RW drive - DVD drive capable of reading & writing onto disks.
  • Ethernet - A LAN cable-and-access protocol, allows communication between devices.
  • External hard drive - Enclosed Hard drive which connects via USB, e-SATA or Ethernet. Used to store information and back-up data.
  • Firewall - Hardware or software used to protect your computer by limiting the data that can pass through your computer.
  • Flash Drive (Jump drive, Thumb drive, USB drive) - Small data storage device which uses flash memory and has a built-in USB connection.
  • GB (Gigabyte) - Measure of data. 1024 megabytes. Most common prefix of measure for Hard drives.
  • Hard Drive - Hard disk drive which stores all of your data. 
  • LAN (Local Area Network) - Computer network limited to a relatively small area such as buildings & offices.
  • Memory (RAM) - Random access memory.The memory available for programs to use while running, RAM is upgradable and will help your computer run more smoothly. 4 Gigabytes of RAM is required as a minimum.
  • NIC - Network Interface Controller.Card that allows your computer to access networks (Internet).
  • PID - Virginia Tech Personal Identifier.
  • Processor (CPU) - Central Processing Unit. Analogous to the brain in the computer. Intel Core-i5 (or faster) required.
  • VGA (Video Graphics Array) - Standard monitor or display interface used in most PCs.
  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) - Used to access certain parts of Virginia Tech’s network when you are off campus.