wide area network![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Private or public network spanning a large area (a region or country); it usually brings together several local area networks.
hub ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Unit that receives all messages sent by the devices connected to it and redistributes them to all users.
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device used to regulate the power supply to the computer and its peripherals by limiting the effects of cuts, surges or dips in the electric circuit voltage.
laptop computer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small stand-alone microcomputer with a screen and integrated keyboard; it is powered by an internal battery.
modem ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device that converts digital signals into analog signals so that computers can communicate with each other over telephone lines.
telephone/cable/satellite line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Linking of off-site devices by telephone network, cable network or telecommunications satellite.
bridge ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Interconnecting device linking similar networks.
backup storage unit ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Storage peripheral used to copy data onto a removable medium to facilitate retrieval in the event of loss.
printer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Output peripheral allowing computer-generated characters, images and graphics to be reproduced on paper.
Internet ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Global network consisting of thousands of public and private networks of varying sizes; it is linked by a set of standard communications protocols.
firewall ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device controlling data that circulate between a public network (such as the Internet) and a private network; it prevents unauthorized access to the latter.
file server ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Server hosting a set of data files that are at the disposal of all computers connected to the network.
gateway ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Interconnecting device linking different networks.
switch ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Unit establishing the connections needed to route data to intended users from one branch of a network to another; it also handles traffic between the various parts of a network.
backbone ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Main artery of a network characterized by a high throughput; it transmits data between secondary networks.
dedicated line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Telephone or cable communications link reserved for one use or for a specific user.
desktop computer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small workstation or microcomputer designed for stationary use.
routers ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Interconnecting devices ensuring transmission of data between two or more networks by determining the best path for them.
server ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Computer that hosts various resources (including files, applications and databases) and places them at the disposal of all the devices connected to the network.
hub ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Unit that receives all messages sent by the devices connected to it and redistributes them to all users.