The procedure of connecting to a remote computer, as an anonymous or
guest user, in order to transfer public files back to your local
computer. (See also: FTP and Protocols)
A cooperative computer network interconnecting over 2,300 academic
and research institutions in 32 countries. Originally based on IBM's
RSCS networking protocol, BITNET supports mail, mailing lists, and
file transfer. Now merging with CSNET and running the RSCS protocol
over TCP/IP protocol (BITNET II), the network will be called Computer
Research and Education Network (CREN).
A program that provides an interface to
remote programs (called clients), most commonly across a network, in
order to provide these clients with access to some service such as
databases, printing, etc. In general, the clients act on behalf of a
human end-user (perhaps indirectly).
Computer Research and Education Network is the new name for the
merged computer networks, BITNET and Computer Science Network (CSNET).
It supports electronic mail and file transfer.
Domain Name System (DNS)
The Internet naming scheme which consists of
a hierarchical sequence of names, from the most specific to the most
general (left to right), separated by dots, for example nic.ddn.mil.
(See also: IP address)
The electronic transfer of information from one computer
to another, generally from a larger computer to a smaller one, such as a
Electronic Bulletin Board
A shared file where users can enter
information for other users to read or download. Many bulletin boards
are set up according to general topics and are accessable throughout a
File Transfer Protocol allows a user to transfer files
electronically from remote computers back to the user's computer. Part
of the TCP/IP/TELNET software suite.
Used in different senses (e.g., Mail Gateway, IP Gateway),
but most generally, a computer that forwards and routes data between two
or more networks of any size.
In the context of networks, a computer that directly
provides service to a user. In contrast to a network server, which
provides services to a user through an intermediary host computer.
The series of interconnected networks that includes local
area, regional, and national backbone networks. Networks in the
Internet use the same telecommunications protocol (TCP/IP) and provide
electronic mail, remote login, and file transfer services.
IP (Internet protocol)
The Internet standard protocol that provides a
common layer over dissimilar networks, used to move packets among host
computers and through gateways if necessary.
The numeric address of a computer connected to the
Internet; also called Internet address.
Listserv Lists (or listservers)
Electronic discussion of technical
and nontechnical issues conducted by electronic mail over BITNET using
LISTSERV protocols. Similar lists, often using the UNIX readnews or rn
facilty, are available exclusively on the Internet. Internet users may
subscribe to BITNET listservers. Participants subscribe via a central
service, and lists often have a moderator who manages the information
flow and content.
NIC (Network Information Center)
A NIC provides administrative
support, user support, and information services for a network.
The National Research and Education Network is a proposed
national computer network to be built upon the foundation of the NSF
backbone network, NSFnet. NREN would provide high speed interconnection
between other national and regional networks. SB 1067 is the
legislative bill proposing NREN.
Online Public Access Catalog, a term used to describe any type
of computerized library catalog.
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
This is the evolving international
standard under development at ISO (International Standards Organization)
for the interconnection of cooperative computer systems. An open system
is one that conforms to OSI standards in its communications with other
A mutually determined set of formats and procedures
governing the exchange of information between systems.
The ability to access a computer from outside a
building in which it is housed, or outside the library. Remote access
requires communications hardware, software, and actual physical links,
although this can be as simple as common carrier (telephone) lines or as
complex as Telnet login to another computer across the Internet.
Microcomputer software, distributed through public domain
channels, for which the author expects to receive compensation.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is a combined
set of protocols that performs the transfer of data between two
computers. TCP monitors and ensures correct transfer of data. IP
receives the data from TCP, breaks it up into packets, and ships it off
to a network within the Internet. TCP/IP is also used as a name for a
protocol suite that incorporates these functions and others.
A portion of the TCP/IP suite of software protocols that
handles terminals. Among other functions, it allows a user to log in to
a remote computer from the user's local computer.
Most communications software packages will permit
your personal computer or workstation to communicate with another
computer or network as if it were a specific type of terminal directly
connected to that computer or network.
A machine that connects terminals to a network by
providing host TELNET service.
A version of TELNET providing IBM full-screen support.
Name of the national standard developed by the
National Information Standards Organization (NISO) that defines an
applications level protocol by which one computer can query another
computer and transfer result records, using a canonical format. This
protocol provides the framework for OPAC users to search remote catalogs
on the Internet using the commands of their own local systems. Projects
are now in development to provide Z39.50 support for catalogs on the
Internet. SR (Search and Retrieval), ISO Draft International Standard
10162/10163 is the international version of Z39.50.