Definition:  WiFi

A facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.

Definition:  SSID

Service Set Identifier

A case sensitive, 32 alphanumeric character unique identifier that is used for naming wireless networks.  When multiple wireless networks overlap in a certain location, SSIDs make sure that data gets sent to the correct destination.

The SSID is different than the name that is assigned to a wireless router.  

Definition:  Network Discovery

A network setting that affects whether your computer can find other computers and devices on the network, and whether other computers on the network can find your computer.

Definition:  HomeGroup

Applies to Windows7.  A homegroup makes it easier to share files and printers on a home network.  You can share pictures, music, videos, documents, and printers with other people in your homegroup.  Other people can’t change the files that you share, unless you give them permission.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

a.k.a. “UPS”

A device that allows your computer to keep running for at least a short time after the primary power source is lost.

A UPS contains an internal battery which, in case of a temporary total power failure, can keep your equipment functioning for a short amount of time.  Usually, just long enough for you to shut everything down…safely.

A UPS is invaluable for computers, servers, etc.  Anything that could cause a loss of data, or damage to the equipment, if not shut down properly.  A bonus to the UPS, it will protect your equipment against damage from any power fluctuations.  Most UPSs will provide surge protection to equipment plugged into the battery backup outlet.  Most also have additional surge protection outlets (without battery backup), for other computer equipment (ie. printers, monitors, etc.).

Surge Protector

A small device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.

Similar to power bars, but surge protectors can detect when power surges are larger than an “acceptable level” for your devices.

In a surge protector, excess power is re-routed to a grounding wire and fuse, which will burn out when power exceeds what it can handle.  Surge protectors provide adequate protection for vital devices such as monitors, printers, tvs, entertainment systems, and smartphones.

*Something to note:  surge protectors can come with different “joule ratings”.  The higher the joule rating, the more excess power the surge protector can take .

Power Bar

A block of electrical sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible cable (typically with a plug on the other end), allowing multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket.

Most power bars available, include a built-in circuit breaker.  This provides some protection against power surges.  It is a great, affordable option for devices that aren’t critical (ie. lights, fans, radios).

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

a.k.a. “Power-Sucking Unit”

The component that supplies power to a computer.  Most personal computers can be plugged into standard electrical outlets.  The PSU then pulls the required amount of electricity and converts the AC current to DC current.

You can locate the power supply on a system by simply finding the input where the power cord is plugged in.  Without opening your computer, this is typically the only part of the PSU you will see.

If you were to remove the PSU, it would look like a metal box with a fan inside, and some cables attached.

Modern computers use a switched-mode power supply.

Peer-To-Peer

In a peer-to-peer network, all computers share equivalent responsibility for processing data.

A peer-to-peer network differs from a client-server network where certain devices (server) have responsibility for providing data and other devices (clients) consume the data.

Client-Server

Refers to a popular model for computer networking that utilizes client and server devices, each designed for specific purposes.

‘Client’ devices typically are PCs with network software applications installed that request and receive information over the network.  Mobile devices can also function as ‘clients’.

A ‘server’ device typically stores files and databases including more complex applications.  Server devices often feature higher-powered central processors, more memory, and larger disk drives than client devices.

Network ‘clients’ make requests to a server by sending messages, and servers respond to their ‘clients’ by acting on each request and returning results.  One server generally supports multiple clients.  Multiple servers can be networked together in a pool.

Client-Server networks are popular in business environments, and can be used on the Internet (WAN) or on LANs.