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n
- Refer to nano-.
NAK
- Refer to negative
acknowledgment.
Name
server protocol - Used
in Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
connections. The name server answers requests from users to help them get
to the computer or information they want. The system translates the name
of a site on the Internet into an Internet Protocol (IP) address that the
connected computers can understand.
Nano-
(n) - Prefix
representing .00000001 or 1 billionth.
Nanometer
- A unit of length
representing .000000001, or 1 billionth, of a meter.
Nanosecond
(ns) - Unit of time
representing .000000001, or 1 billionth, of a second.
Narroband
transmission - Describes
a transmission channel in communications that has a slow data transfer
rate, particularly any channel with a maximum throughput of 2400 bits per
second.
National
Information Infrastructure (NII) - The name of the national communications system of the United States. The
NII includes all current and future communications networks regardless of
transmission method, such as cellular, cable, and band width; all
communications devices, such as computers, radios, telephones, and
televisions; and all forms of transmitted information including text,
graphics, video, and audio. The principles guiding the development of the
NII include promotion of private sector investment and extension of the
universal service concept, which ensures the widespread availability of
information resources, promotes technological development, and ensures
information security on the NII.
National
Television System Committee (NTSC) - U.S. committee responsible for creating technological television and
video standards, including refresh rate and color capabilities. The NTSC
also creates the format for transmitting television signals in the United
States.
Native
code - Refer to native
language.
Native
compiler - Application
that converts one language (usually a high-end programming language used
for writing programming code such as BASIC, COBOL, or C) into the binary
machine code (written in 0s and 1s that only your computer can
understand) within the same computer system.
Native
file format - The way
an application fundamentally arranges and presents data. One example of a
native file format is the way Microsoft Word inherently arranges and
presents text in a file with .DOC extension.
Native
language - The most
basic computer language used by computer's processors to communicate with
the rest of the system when no other language has been introduced to the
computer. Normally, the native language is the binary code inherent to
the processor before the operating system has been introduced.
Natural
language - A
programming language that uses the grammar, vocabulary, and syntax of
human language.
Natural
language processing - In
artificial intelligence, the grammatical and syntactical analysis of
human language by a computer in order to derive meaning from the
language.
NDR
- Refer to
NonDestructive Readout.
NDRO
- Refer to
NonDestructive Readout.
Near-Letter
Quality (NLQ) - Printing
mode on dot matrix computers indicating that the printed letters are
clearer and less jagged or "dotty" than typical dot matrix
printout. This mode still falls far short of inkjet and laser printer
quality.
Near-typeset
quality - Text
produced by a laser printer that nearly matches the quality of typeset
print.
Negation
- The conversion of a
binary digit, or bit, into its opposite. A 1 converted into a 0, or the
string 10101 converted to 01010, are both examples of negation.
Negative
acknowledgement (NAK) - Signal
sent among computers in a network or between components in a signal
computer system indicating either that a data transmission has been
erroneously received or that data has been corrupted during transmission.
The negative acknowledgement signal is part of the first 32 values in the
ASCII character set.
Nesting
- The placement of one
object within another. In computing, this refers to the placement of a
graphic in a word processing document or a text document within a
database. A set of instructions also can be nested in another set of
instructions or within a document that are activated when selected.
'Net
- Short for network, a
system of conjoined computers. Can also be short for Internet, a set of
loosely connected networks that use the Transmission Control Protocol /
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol. This term also can be used without
the apostrophe.
NetBIOS
- Refer to Network
Basic Input/Output System.
'Netiquette
- Slang for the
unwritten rules of Internet courtesy.
'Netizen
- Slang for a frequent
Internet user.
NetWare
- Network operating
system, produced by Novell, that allows for multitasking. NetWare can be
used on desktop operating systems, such as Windows, DOS, OS/2, and even
UNIX.
Network
- Set of conjoined
computers that can share storage devices, peripherals, and applications.
Networks may be connected directly by cable connection, or indirectly by
telephone lines or satellites, and can be part of a small-office system
or a global web of numerous other networks.
Network
adapter - Refer to
network interface card.
Network
administrator - Individual
responsible for the maintenance and operation of a network computer
system.
Network
architecture - The
most basic unifying structure of hardware and software ties a group of
interconnected computers together. It is designed to ensure quality
communicate
Network
Basic Input/Output System (NetBIOS) - Connection point at which information is transmitted between software
applications and IBM operating systems (OS/2, DOS, and AIX) on a network.
Network
control panel - Software
application in a group of interconnected computers that undertakes most
of the communication functions. The control program runs on a device
independent of the mainframe processor, thereby freeing primary system
resources.
Network
database - Set of
information files in a group of interconnected computers from which any
computer that is part of the group can access data. Also can refer to a
database on a network that holds addresses of all members of the network.
Network
device driver - The
software, usually distributed by the manufacture, that allows a specific
network card to communicate with the rest of the computer system and the
network.
Network
directory - Disk drive
whose data is available to all other computers in a group of
interconnected computers. Access to network drives can be controlled by
passwords and other multiple security devices. These drives can store
records and files for users who need access to them.
Network
Interface card (NIC) - Printed
circuit board containing the necessary hardware used to connect a
computer to a network.
Network
model - System
structure in a group of interconnected computers that allows each data
file to be accessed from more than one location.
Network
operating system (NOS) - In
a group of interconnected computers, the foundation software that allows
computers to work together and communicate it directs the communication
function security protection, and data and peripheral sharing within the
group. Examples of network operating systems include LANtastic, Novell
NetWare, and Windows NT.
Network
printer - A printer
that is accesible by all computers connected to the network.
Network
server - The computer
that controls access and offers resources to other computers in a group
of interconnected computers. A server usually contains a network drive
and a network directory.
Network
structure - Method of
organizing data records for a network model in a group of interconnected
computers.
Neural
network - Method of
simulating artificial intelligence by combining a number of parallel
processing units that can each accept only a few input signals. When
these few signals are slightly manipulated the signal, the computer
recognizes the irregularities and, after a certain manipulation has
occurred a number of times, the computer "learns" to adjust its
output to conform to the slight difference in the input signal. A neural
network is patterned after the way the human brain receives and processes
information.
Newsgroup
- On the Internet, a
virtual area reserved for the discussion of a certain topic. A newsgroup
may be controlled, or moderated, by an individual who monitors all
messages transmitted to the area. The moderator filters out irrelevant
and redundant messages, although plenty of these messages still make it
into the newsgroups.
News
server - A remote
computer that controls access to a newsgroup in a group of interconnected
computers. Individuals who are interested in posting a message to a
newsgroup or retrieving a message from a newsgroup first must establish a
connection with the news server.
Nibble
- Four bits or half a
byte.
NIC
- Refer to Network
Interface Card.
NiCad
- Trademarked name for
a Nickel-Cadmium battery owned by SAFT America Inc. the NiCd is used
where long life, high discharge rate and economical price are important.
Nickel-Cadmium
battery - Rechargeable
battery, primarily made of nickel and cadmium, that once was common in
many portable computers. A primary problem with nickel-cadmium batteries
was that they needed to be completely drained of power before they could
be recharged.. When the battery reached its previous low level, it would
go dead, assuming no power was left. This was often referred to as memory
loss." Nickel-Cadmium batteries are rarely found in new portable
computers; Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries
have become more popular. Sometimes referred to by the trademarked name
NiCad owned by SAFT America Inc.
Nickel-Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery - Rechargeable
battery used primarily in portable computers. These batteries don't
suffer from the "memory loss" problem of Nickel-Cadmium
batteries and can store more power. Although the Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
battery is now more common than the Nickel-Cadmium batter, it is
beginning to loose its popularity to the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.
NII
- Refer to National
Information Infrastructure.
Nil
Pointer - Refer to
null pointer.
NiMH
- Refer to
Nickel-Metal Hydride battery.
NLQ
- Refer to Near-Letter
Quality.
NMI
- Refer to NonMaskable
Interrupt.
Node
- Any device that can
communicate with other computers in a group of interconnected computers.
Usually, a node refers specifically to a computer system or terminal that
is part of a network.
Node
address - Name or
number that identifies a specific computer or terminal in a group of
interconnected computers.
Node
encryption - Security
measure in a group of interconnected computers that transcribes the data
into an indecipherable code as it passes through each computer, often
described as a node. At each computer, the information is translated into
its original form and then encrypted for the brief journey to the next
computer.
Noise
- Any disturbance that
interferes with data transmission and corrupts the quality of the signal.
Noncomposite
-Non composite memory
modules are a newer 16-Mbit technology and has the capability of
archiving memory capacities with fewer chips. See also composite.
Nonconductor
- Material that
transmits electrical currents poorly.
Noncontiguous
data structure - Method
of storing data in which the information is not stored in contiguous, or
adjoining, sectors of memory.
Nondestructive
Readout (NDR, NDRO) - Function
that allows for the permanent or temporary storage of processed data. For
example, a CPU does not destroy data after it has been read.
Nonexecutable
statement - Programming
command that cannot be performed, by the computer system. A remark (REM)
statement in the system file is one example of a nonexecutable statement.
Nonimpact
printer - Any type of
printer that leaves no imprint without physically touching the paper,
such as a Inkjet printer.
Noninterlaced
- Way an image is
produced and refreshed on a computer screen. In a typical computer
monitor, an image is produced by a series of horizontal lines that run
from the top to the screen to the bottom. This is known as a raster
display. An image is produced or refreshed in a noninterlaced manner.
when every cycle; conversely, an image is produced or refreshed in an
interlaced manner when every odd-numbered line is updated during the
odd-numbered cycles. However, this interlaced every-other-line method can
cause the screen image to flicker, making it hard on the user's eyes.
Therefore, a noninterlaced monitor is preferable.
Nonmaskable
interrupt (NMI) - Rarely
used request for attention between vital hardware devices, such as hard
drive, CPU, or modem, within a computer system. A nonmaskable interrupt
overrides all software and non vital hardware, such as a keyboard or
mouse.
Non-pre-emptive
multitasking - A type
of multitasking in which the computer is not allowed to interrupt, or
preempt, a currently operating function until it has been completed. The
Windows operating system uses non-pre-emptive multitaksing.
Nonprinting
codes - Special
command instructions sent with printable data to a printer. Nonprinting
codes regulate the printing format, but are not printed themselves.
Nonreturn
to zero (NRZ) - In
communications, a method of transmitting data in digital binary from
whereby each positively or negatively charged data bit is separated from
its predecessor and successor by a cushion of time rather than a neutral
charge.data bit is separated from its predecessor and successor by a
cushion of time rather than a neutral charge.
Non-volatile
memory - Area of data
storage in the memory where data is not lost when the power is turned
off. Nonvolatile memory areas include read-only memory (ROM) and flash
memory.
Non-Windows
application - A DOS
application that is not designed for operation in a Windows operating
system. Non-Windows applications will operate in Windows, but will run
less efficiently and slower than in DOS.
NO-OP
- Refer to
NO-Operation instruction.
NO-OPeration
instructions - Programming
command that instructs a computer to run one or two processing cycles
without performing any functions. Generally used for internal any
functions. Generally used for internal computing purposes, such as to
synchronize the timing for a series of events to occur or to cancel a
command. Also called do-nothing instructions.
NOP
- Refer to
NO-Operation instruction.
No
Parity - In
communications, the lack of all parity checking. There is no parity bit
added to the byte.
NOS
- Refer to Network
Operating System.
Notator
- System application
that converts music entered into a computer using a MIDI device, such as
a synthesizer, into traditional musical notation.
Notebook
computer - Personal
computer designed to be easily portable and run by batteries rather than
electrical current if needed. Although they are approximately 2 to 4
inches thick, notebook computers are roughly the width and height of a
typical writing tablet or notebook, 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Novell
DOS - Refer to DR-DOS.
NRZ
- Refer to Nonreturn
to zero.
NS
- Refer to nanosecond.
NT
file system (NTFS) - File
organizational system by which data is stored and accessed in a Windows
NT operating system. NTFS offers better methods of data protection and
file recovery and a file allocation table (FAT), the file system of DOS.
It also supports long file names, however does not support FAT32.
NTFS
- Refer to NT file
system.
NTSC
- Refer to National
Television System Committee.
NUL
- Refer to null
character.
Null
- Lack of value.
Null
character - Programming
code representing a character with no value that is designed to create
time or space. For example, in teletype machines, null characters were
used to allow time for the type head to return to the beginning of a line
after it had reached the end of the previous line.
Null
cycle - Absolute
minimum length of time required for completely execute a program without
introducing new data or extraneous processing.
Null
modem - Describes the
absence of a modem. For example, two computers joined directly by a cable
is a null modem setup because neither require a modem.
Null-modem
cable - The cable used
to directly connect two computers without using a modem. The null-modem
cable crosses the sending and receiving wires so the wire used for
sending the data from one computer to another is the same wire used to
receive data in the other computer, Null-modem cables actually send the
transmission through the Serial port. Null-modem is also called a RS-232.
Null
pointer - Command
variable that directs a program or operating system to an empty location
in memory. A null pointer is most often used to denote the end of a
memory search or processing event.
Null-terminated
string - Refer to
ASCII string.
Numeric
- Numbering system,
such as the base-10 (consisting of 10 digits from 0 to 9) numbering
system used throughout most of North America and Europe. A numeric system
also is one way that computers can store data.
Numeric
coprocessor - An
ancillary processor that operates using a floating point numbering system
(a method of storing numeric calculations where the decimal
number-related processing, such as mathematical calculations and graphics
functions. Most early model computers, such as the 8088/86, 286, 386 and
most 486 computers, have numeric coprocessors in addition to the primary
system processor.
Numeric
keypad - The 17-key
keypad usually found on the far right side of a typical IBM 101 / 2-key
keyboard.
Numeric
lock key (NUM LOCK) - Key
located on the numeric keypad that alters the function of 11 keys. When
the numeric lock key is engaged, usually indicated by a small light on
the keyboard, the number functions on the keypad may be used.
Numeric
overflow - Refer to
overflow error.
Numeric
processor - Refer to
number coprocessor.
NUMLOCK
- Refer to numeric
lock key.
Nybble - Refer to nibble.
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