Introduction to Computer Networks

What are the three basic computer tasks?

Input, processing, and output.

What is the computer cycle?

Input → processing → output → storage.

What does the CPU do?

It performs instructions in computer programs.

What is a GPU specialized for?

Complex calculations for graphics, machine learning, and other specialized applications.

What is a core?

An individual processor inside a CPU.

What is a multicore CPU?

A CPU containing two or more processing cores.

What is RAM?

Fast, short-term working memory that loses data when power is removed.

Why is RAM called volatile?

It requires continuous electrical power to maintain its data.

What is long-term storage?

Storage that keeps data after power is removed.

What is a bit?

The basic unit of computer data; short for binary digit.

How many bits are in a byte?

8 bits.

What are the main storage categories?

Short-term storage and long-term storage.

What does the motherboard do?

It connects the major components of a computer.

What are four major PC components?

Motherboard, storage device, RAM, and firmware.

What is a computer bus?

A collection of wires carrying data between components on the motherboard.

What is firmware?

Software stored in nonvolatile memory that runs when a computer starts.

What is BIOS?

Firmware that initializes hardware, performs POST, and begins booting.

What is UEFI?

Newer PC firmware that initializes hardware, performs POST, and begins booting.

What is POST?

A firmware program that tests basic computer hardware during startup.

What is nonvolatile memory?

Memory that keeps its data after power is removed.

What is CMOS used for?

Storing PC configuration information.

What is a computer network?

Two or more computers connected so they can communicate.

What three things does a stand-alone computer need to join a network?

NIC, network medium, and interconnecting device.

What does a NIC do?

It connects a computer to a network.

What can serve as a network medium?

Cable, fiber, or wireless.

What are examples of interconnecting devices?

Switches, hubs, routers, and wireless access points.

What is network client software?

Software that requests information or resources from another computer.

What is network server software?

Software that shares resources by responding to client requests.

What is a network protocol?

Rules and formats computers use to communicate across a network.

What does a NIC device driver do?

It hands formatted network data to the NIC for transmission.

What is the basic network communication process?

Application → client software → protocol → NIC driver → NIC.

What does the NIC do before transmission?

It converts data into signals for the network medium.

What does an IP address identify?

The logical destination of network traffic.

What does a MAC address identify?

A local network interface.

What does a switch primarily help with?

Local network delivery.

What does a router primarily do?

Moves traffic between different networks.

What is a LAN?

A small network limited to a local geographic area.

What is an internetwork?

A collection of LANs connected by devices such as routers.

What is a WAN?

A geographically dispersed internetwork using third-party connectivity providers.

What is a MAN?

An internetwork covering a geographic region such as a city or country.

What is a WLAN?

A wireless LAN typically using a wireless access point.

What is a CAN?

A network connecting LANs between buildings on a campus.

What is a PAN?

A short-range network connecting a person's personal devices.

What technology does a PAN usually use?

Bluetooth.

What is the Internet?

A worldwide public internetwork using standard protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP.

What is an intranet?

A private network available only to users connected to the internal network.

What is an extranet?

A private network giving outsiders limited, controlled access to resources.

Why is network data sent in chunks?

It allows sharing of the medium, processing time, and easier retransmission after errors.

What is a packet?

A chunk of data containing source and destination IP information.

What is a frame?

A packet with source/destination MAC addresses and an error-checking code.

What is encapsulation?

Adding header and trailer information to data.

What is a header?

Information added to the front of data for proper processing.

What is a trailer?

Information added to the back of data for proper processing.

What is the difference between a packet and frame?

Packets use IP information; frames add MAC addresses and error checking.

What is a client?

A computer, OS, or software that requests network resources.

What is a server?

A computer, OS, or software that provides or responds to requests for network resources.

What is a client computer primarily used for?

Running applications and accessing network resources.

What is server software responsible for?

Responding to client requests for network resources.

What is a datacenter?

A location that houses servers and other key network components.

What is a network model?

Rules and guidelines for sharing resources and controlling access.

What is a peer-to-peer network?

A network where computers can act as clients or servers without centralized control.

What is a server-based network?

A network where specialized servers provide services and centrally control resources.

What is the key difference between peer-to-peer and server-based networks?

Peer-to-peer is decentralized; server-based networks use centralized servers.

How is security handled in a server-based network?

Security and access are managed centrally.

What is a domain?

A collection of users and computers managed by Windows domain controllers.

What is a domain controller?

A Windows Server computer running Active Directory that manages accounts and policies.

What is a directory service?

Software that manages centralized access and security.

What is Active Directory?

The directory service used by Windows servers.

Why can peer-to-peer networks become harder to manage?

Resources and credentials are distributed among individual computers.

Why can server-based networks cost more?

They require dedicated hardware, server OSs, and administrative support.

What is the main advantage of centralized resource access?

It streamlines access and makes security easier to manage.