ITECH CH 4

Define an Operating System

1. A computer platform is commonly referred to as an operating system or OS. 2. The platform of a computer controls all of the functions of a computer. 3. The platform determines which applications can be used on a device.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

1. Communication standards for business transaction 2. Allows for the exchange of data for making purchase orders and invoices 3. Nearly all businesses that participate in e-commerce use EDI 4. Used internationally as well as in the U.S.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

1. Technical term for electronic or online banking 2. EFT uses computers and various technologies in place of checks and other paper transactions to transfer funds 3. Governed by the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFT Act)

Describe the most popular computer platforms

1. Windows OS 2. Mac OS 3. Android OS 4. IOS

Client/Server relationship

A client is a computer that requests resources such as a web page, spreadsheet, image file, or services from another computer on a network. A server is a computer that provides resources and services to client computers that request them. When you visit a web page, your computer and web browser act as clients because the computer is requesting Internet access from your ISP and the web browser is requesting the web pages from the web server that hosts the web site.

Firewall

A firewall is a security system separating 2 networks or even computers on the same network. Firewalls protect internal networks and computers from intrusions, malware such as viruses or Trojans, and undesired Internet traffic such as spam.

LAN

A local area network (LAN) is a collection of computers that are connected in a small geographic area such as an office, college campus, or in your home. A LAN consists of at least two computers and can include up to several hundred devices, computers, and servers. A home network LAN can consist of two computers, your TV, video game system, and a shared printer. Ethernet is the most popular networking standard for LANs.

Network

A network is a group of two or more devices/computers connected together to allow for the exchange and information and for the sharing of resources such as printers. Networks range in size from small home networks to the Internet which is the world's largest network.

VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure connection between 2 computers. VPNs allow for encrypted communications using the Internet as the pathway for data transmission and communication. VPNs are used by organizations whose employees need to access the company network remotely. VPNs utilize a VPN server to receive incoming connections. People within the organization use VPN software to login to the VPN.

Cell Phone providers

All called wireless service providers or mobile network operators. They sell cellular service to subscribers. Need physical capability (antennas, BTSs, and MSSs), plus a spectrum of radio frequencies. U.S. market controlled by Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Other companies compete for smaller markets.

Fiber optic (cont.)

Because light waves and not electricity carry the signal, there's minimal electromagnetic interference. Fiber-optic cables are even used to connect continents through the use of cables running across the ocean's floor.

Cellular

Cellular internet service is the fastest growing ISP as more people access the Internet with their phones than with any other device. Most smartphones can also convert cellular signals into WiFi signals, creating a WiFi hotspot for laptops or other devices.

Testing your Internet speed

Checking your Internet connection speed is relatively simple and quick. Navigate to one of several free speed check sites such as speedtest.net or testmy.net and follow the site's instructions Be careful, because these are free sites they include many advertising hyperlinks.

Explain client/server

Client/server networks are also referred to as server based networks. Server-based networks are designed to have individual computers and devices connected to the network interact through a central server computer. In a server-based network the individual computers and devices are called clients. In this type of network when a client requests information or access to the Internet the request is controlled by the server.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable, also known as television cable or simply "coax", is comprised of a single copper wire with a braided wire shield, wrapped in insulation. Coaxial cable is capable of high-speed internet transmission, though not as fast as fiber optic cable, and is relatively inexpensive to install.

Modem (cont.)

Computers store and process only on/off signals. These on/off signals are called digital signals or demodulated signals. A modem changes the incoming modulated signals into digital signals, and changes outgoing digital signals into modulated signals.

Dual Band Router

Dual band routers are WiFi capable routers that use both shorter and higher frequency signals to transmit data. With the same power, lower frequency signals travel farther but are subject to more interference and transmit less data.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cable, or computer cable, connects computers and digital devices. It's comprised of multiple pairs of telephone wires wrapped together and insulated. Ethernet cable is often referred to by its category. For example, category 6 cable is usually called CAT 6. The higher the number of the category, the higher the bandwidth of the cable.

SSID

Every WiFi signal is recognized according to its Service Set Identifier (SSID). The router transmits this SSID every few seconds so that someone roaming for a WiFi signal can find it.

FIOS

Fiber-optic Internet service offers the fastest possible home Internet service. Unfortunately, it's currently only available in metropolitan areas. Typically the provider will run fiber under the street and then run separate coaxial cable to each home. Google Fiber is advertising speeds up to 1000 Megabits per second!

Fiber Optic

Fiber-optic cable uses light waves to carry internet signals at extremely high speeds It is composed of a thin glass wire wrapped in cladding and insulation and is particularly useful for transmitting signals over long distances.

Dual Band Router (cont.)

Higher frequency signals transmit more data and have less interference, but travel shorter distances. Also, microwave ovens, car alarms and Bluetooth devices send signals in lower frequencies, creating more interference there.

Remote Access

IT professionals spend a lot of time protecting networks from unauthorized connections from outside into a LAN. However, there are times when it is necessary to allow outside connections to a LAN. This is referred to as remote access. Remote access connections must be secured using authentication and encryption software.

Testing your Internet speed (cont.)

If you check your speed and find that it's slower than your ISP advertises then contact your ISP since there may be a problem with your connection or service.

SSID(cont.)

In home networks, after all devices have initially logged on to an SSID, there's little need for roaming. For this reason, you should disable your router's SSID transmission so that outsiders can't use your network to log on to the Internet. Not only would this use your bandwidth, but you might be held responsible for any criminal activity committed through your IP address.

WAN

Large organizations with many offices located across the globe often have individual LANs in each location that need to be connected in order to share data and information. When two or more LANs have been connected using a public network a WAN or Wide Area Network is created. The largest WAN on earth is the Internet.

Cellular (cont.)

Many cellular carriers also sell separate devices that convert cellular signals into WiFi signals. As 4G LTE bandwidth improves, download speeds from cellular signals can meet or even exceed DSL download speeds.

Microwaves

Microwaves are another transmission medium for internet signals. Microwaves are used to transmit signals over extremely long distances, including to and from satellites. Microwave transmission systems for the internet are particularly useful in areas where wired transmissions are impractical or impossible, such as in remote rural areas, in mobile homes, RVs, on boats, or even on airplanes.

Cellular Internet Service (cont.)

Most smartphones can send and receive WiFi signals as well as cellular signals. This allows these phones to become WiFi hotspots. Speeds vary greatly though 4G LTE is quickly becoming the industry standard. Some cellular providers offer modem+router devices that can create WiFi hotspots anywhere adequate cell coverage is available.

Firewall (cont.)

New routers can provide hardware protection for home networks where they connect to their ISP's network, just as ISP networks have firewalls where they connect to the Internet.

Setting up a home network (cont.)

Now that your router is sending an internet signal, turn on your computer and find the new WiFi signal and log in. Open your browser and navigate to your router manufacturer's website to set up your router and network for peak efficiency and security.

Packet Switching

Packet switching is a method for transferring information that differs from circuit switching because data transfer doesn't rely on a dedicated physical path. Packet switched networks break information into units called packets. Addressing information and data are included in each packet. All packets are routed through a network based on the associated address information. The Internet uses packet switching to transfer data and information between hosts.

Router (cont.)

Routers can be wired only, using Ethernet cables to connect the router to computers, or (more often) wired plus wireless, where the router can also transmit a WiFi signal so that you can connect computers to the router wirelessly. Routers include a device called a switch. Switches allow multiple computers to use the same router.

Satellite Internet

Satellite Internet service makes broadband internet available virtually anywhere. It uses microwaves to transmit and receive internet signals to satellites orbiting the Earth's equator. This means you can have broadband service in rural areas, on boats, RVs and even on airplanes.

Setting up a home network

Setting up a home WiFi signal with cable or DSL Internet service involves three steps. Connect incoming DSL line or cable to the modem provided by your ISP and then plug in modem. Connect the modem to your router using the highest quality Ethernet cable available and then plug in the router.

Cellular Internet Service

Smartphones are the most common means to access the Internet. The Internet signals are sent using cell phone radio waves. Currently, over 65% of US adults have Internet capable smartphones.

Satellite Internet (cont.)

Subscribers usually purchase a data plan that limits downloading and uploading. Satellite service doesn't work well for gamers because the extremely long distance the signals must travel causes lag.

Switch

Switches connect devices that are within the same network. Most home routers come with built-in switches that identify the different computers, printers, game consoles and other devices that are connected to the router. Switches ensure that the correct data is sent to and from the correct device within the network.

Modem

The word "modem" is a contraction for modulation-demodulation. Modems are usually provided by the Internet Service Provider. Internet signals travel in wavesWaves have height, also called amplitude, and frequency. This height plus frequency signal is called an analog signal or a modulated signal.

IP Address (cont.)

This is called dynamic addressing. Some organizations have permanently assigned IP addresses. This is called a static IP address.

Twisted Pair

Twisted pair, or common telephone wire is comprised of a pair of thin copper wires within an insulated cover. The twisting allows their electromagnetic fields to cancel each other out so there's minimal interference. These wires connect the house or building directly to the telephone substation. There's no sharing of the wires or the bandwidth along the lines.

Other Cellular Providers

U.S. Cellular has nearly 5 million customers. Cricket, a subsidiary of ATT, also has approximately 5 million customers. MetroPCS is a subsidiary of T-Mobile. Mexico's largest provider, America Movil, owns Straight Talk and TracFone

Comparing Phone providers

Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, all offer the same basic service - mobile connectivity. compare the networks speeds, size, and prices. Discounts on new smartphones in exchange for long contract commitments. "Family plans" to encourage more users. Shop and compare - most customers stay with the same provider for many years.

IP Address

When you log on to the internet from your home computer, your Internet Service Provider assigns an IP address to your router. This IP address allows other computers on the Internet to send data to your home computer. When you log off the Internet your ISP may assign the IP address to another subscriber.

WPA

WiFi Protected Access (WPA or WPA1) was a short-lived security standard. It was put into effect in 2003, but security flaws resulted in its being replaced in less than a year with WPA2.

WPA2

WiFi Protected Access version 2, usually called WPA2, is the current WiFi security encryption standard. Setting up WPA2 security with a new router is a simple process, though you may have to go to the router manufacturer's website.

Wifi

WiFi is a term that is generally thought to mean "wireless fidelity". WiFi allows for the transmission of Internet signals using radio waves. With WiFi, multiple devices can use the same WiFi signal. WiFi sources are often called "hotspots".

WEP

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) was the original security protocol for WiFi networks. The intent of WEP was to provide WiFi users with the same confidentiality they would have in a wired network. Due to significant security flaws, WEP was superseded by WPA in 2003 and WPA2 in 2004. Despite its vulnerabilities, WEP is still an available security option on some routers.

Router

Your router is the most critical part of your home network to the Internet. A router connects two networks, for example, your home network to the internet. Because of this, your router can serve as a gate that protects your home network. This protection is called a hardwire firewall