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LAN:
A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are
confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can be
connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio
waves. A system of LANs connected in this way is called a wide area network
(WAN).
Most LANs connect workstations and personal computers. Each node (individual
computer ) in a LAN has its own CPU with which it executes programs, but it
is also able to access data and devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that
many users can share expensive devices, such as laser printers, as well as
data. Users can also use the LAN to communicate with each other, by sending
e-mail or engaging in chat sessions.
There are many different types of LANs Ethernets being the most common for
PCs. Most Apple Macintosh networks are based on Apple's AppleTalk network
system, which is built into Macintosh computers.
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Layer:
In networking, layers (also called Levels) refer to software protocols.
Each layer builds on the layer beneath it as part of an overall interactive
transmission system.
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LBA:
Known as: Logical Block Addressing. In a system using an enhanced BIOS
and Operating System that supports the use of LBA, it would then be possible
for the computer to use a larger hard drive. LBA allows for use of a unique
sector number in each sector instead of referring to a cylinder, head and
sector number configuration.
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LCD:
Abbreviation of liquid crystal display, a type of display used in
digital watches and many portable computers. LCD displays utilize two sheets
of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An
electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so
that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a
shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.
Monochrome LCD images usually appear as blue or dark gray images on top of a
grayish-white background. Color LCD displays use two basic techniques for
producing color: Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two
technologies. The other technology, called thin film transistor (TFT) or
active-matrix, produces color images that are as sharp as traditional CRT
displays, but the technology is expensive. Recent passive-matrix displays
using new CSTN and DSTN technologies produce sharp colors rivaling
active-matrix displays.
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LED:
Abbreviation of light emitting diode, an electronic device that lights
up when electricity is passed through it. LEDs are usually red. They are
good for displaying images because they can be relatively small, and they do
not burn out. However, they require more power than LCDs.
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LimeWire:
A peer-to-peer Gnutella file sharing client which allows network users
share files. LimeWire is a free open source software.
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Linker:
A program specifically designed to combine or link together a large number
of programs forming a single executable instruction set for these programs
that can be loaded in to the systems memory for quick execution.
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Linux:
A version of UNIX that runs on a variety of hardware platforms including
x86 PCs, Alpha, PowerPC and IBM's product line. Linux is open source
software, which is freely available; however, the full distribution of Linux
along with technical support and training are available for a fee from
vendors such as Red Hat Software and Caldera. Due to its stability, Linux
has gained popularity with Internet Service Providers as the Operating
System of choice for hosting Web servers.
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Live
Script:
This is the former name of Java Script. There are few updates between
the two.
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LLTD (Link
Layer Topology Discovery):
A feature that helps users to troubleshoot their networks. LLTD
automatically detects multiple network devices and gives a graphical
presentation of the connected hardware to identify configuration errors.
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Logic:
This is broken down into two categories:
-Software Logic:
The sequence of instructions performed by a program.
-Hardware Logic:
A set of circuit elements that perform a function.
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Login:
To attach to a computer. It has also come to represent your User ID
command.
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Login
Script:
This is the small text file that is run by the server gateway to make
the attachment between it and your computer.
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Loopback:
A diagnostic test that returns the transmitted signal back to the
sending device after it has passed through a network or across a particular
link. The returned signal can then be compared to the transmitted one. The
discrepancy between the two help to trace the fault. When trying to locate a
faulty piece of equipment, loopbacks will be repeated, eliminating
satisfactory machines until the problem is found.
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LVD:
Low Voltage Differential. A differential logic scheme using lower
voltage levels than HVD.