ADSL
Stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This is the technology that
has been developed for enabling broadband connections using existing
telephone networks.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be transferred over a connection at any one
time. For a standard connection through a phone line the bandwidth can be up
to 56 kilobits per second (56kbps), for a broadband connection it is
normally at least 256kbps and can be up to 512kbps.
Broadband
A connection to the Internet that works at high speeds because of its
greater bandwidth.
Cable
The generic name given to services which use fibre optic cable buried
underground to carry telephone, television and broadband to your home.
Contention ratio
Contention means that you share your bandwidth with a number of other users.
This means that the quality and speed of connection is dependent on the
number of users online at any given time. For business ADSL use, the
contention ratio is likely to be around 20:1. In other words, up to 19 other
users share your bandwidth. For cable modem uses, the contention ratio could
be as high as 50:1. In other words, up to 49 other users share your
bandwidth.
Dial-up
A dial-up connection uses a telephone line to connect to the Internet. A
modem is used to turn data into audio signals so that it can literally
'dial' the number of your internet service provider (ISP) and communicate
with their computers.
Download
Describes the process of transferring files from a location on the internet
to your PC.
High
Speed Modem
Hardware required to receive broadband services. High Speed Modems are
capable of far higher rates of data transfer than conventional 56kbps
modems.
Instant Messaging
Simple text-based chat, which allows you to communicate with another
internet user in real time.
Kbps
(kilobits per second)
Describes the amount of data which is transferred between computers.
Modem
This is the piece of hardware which converts data from your broadband
connection into data understood by your computer.
MP3
Audio file format, which uses compression software to make the file size
smaller without significant reduction in quality. Common file format for
sharing music files on the internet.
Network Card
A piece of hardware which allows certain types of modem to be connected to
your computer. They are also used to connect a number of computers together
to form a network.
Plug-In
Special software that helps view certain types of pages or documents on the
internet. Most are available free of charge.
Router
A piece of hardware enabling multiple PCs to access a single broadband
connection. Many routers are combined modem routers which have both a
broadband modem and router built in.
Streaming
An alternative to downloading large files such as audio and video. Streaming
allows users to commence playback whilst the remaining file is downloading
in the background.
Upload
Describes the process of transferring files from your PC to another location
on the internet.
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