As an IT Executive in Washington, Francis St. Holder is very familiar
with the common and complex components of an Information Technology
(IT) networking system. For those who are considering a career in this
field, or for others who are overwhelmed by the many terms used in the
industry, he answers the following IT questions.
What is a Local Area Network?
A LAN, or Local Area Network is the group of computers that are connected together in one location, such as an office building or school. The LAN is self-contained and often not connected to an outside hub or server.
What is a link?
In the IT world, a link is an electronic connection between any two devices. This link is likely established through a physical connection, such as a cable. A link can also refer to the wireless connection between two or more devices. When the link is disrupted or not connected properly, the two devices cannot communicate with each other. Common links include the connection of a computer to a printer, two computers through a router, or any device that connects to the Internet.
What is a router?
When connecting or establishing a link between two or more devices, a router is often needed. This small device is an intelligent system that can choose the fastest paths for information to travel based on the parameters it is given when the operator sets up the system. If an IT professional wishes two stand-alone computers to have communication abilities, they must be connected through a router.
What is a Virtual Private Network?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an information transfer and communication pathway that is secure. This means that a computer in one location can communicate private information to a server around the world through the Internet if a VPN is established.
What is the Network Interface Card?
A Network Interface Card, also known as a NIC, is a small “card” that is physically plugged into a computer. This card allows the computer to connect to a network through a routing device. Every individual NIC card provides its own media access control (MAC) address, allowing that computer to be recognized and labeled on the network. This differentiation gives the user the ability to access the computer of their choice from anywhere else on the network.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is a security system that is implemented to protect the privacy of a network. When an IT professional, such as Francis St. Holder, enables a proxy server, they are ensuring that outsiders who have knowledge of the system's Internet Protocol (IP) address cannot trace that individual IP address back to the physical location of the network and connected computers.
What is a Local Area Network?
A LAN, or Local Area Network is the group of computers that are connected together in one location, such as an office building or school. The LAN is self-contained and often not connected to an outside hub or server.
What is a link?
In the IT world, a link is an electronic connection between any two devices. This link is likely established through a physical connection, such as a cable. A link can also refer to the wireless connection between two or more devices. When the link is disrupted or not connected properly, the two devices cannot communicate with each other. Common links include the connection of a computer to a printer, two computers through a router, or any device that connects to the Internet.
What is a router?
When connecting or establishing a link between two or more devices, a router is often needed. This small device is an intelligent system that can choose the fastest paths for information to travel based on the parameters it is given when the operator sets up the system. If an IT professional wishes two stand-alone computers to have communication abilities, they must be connected through a router.
What is a Virtual Private Network?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an information transfer and communication pathway that is secure. This means that a computer in one location can communicate private information to a server around the world through the Internet if a VPN is established.
What is the Network Interface Card?
A Network Interface Card, also known as a NIC, is a small “card” that is physically plugged into a computer. This card allows the computer to connect to a network through a routing device. Every individual NIC card provides its own media access control (MAC) address, allowing that computer to be recognized and labeled on the network. This differentiation gives the user the ability to access the computer of their choice from anywhere else on the network.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is a security system that is implemented to protect the privacy of a network. When an IT professional, such as Francis St. Holder, enables a proxy server, they are ensuring that outsiders who have knowledge of the system's Internet Protocol (IP) address cannot trace that individual IP address back to the physical location of the network and connected computers.
