Term
| 3G (Third-Generation) Network |
|
Definition
| Advanced cellular network supporting data transfer speeds from 144kbps to 2Mbps (theoretically). Cellular carriers hope to use 3G service to deliver advanced features such as Web browsing and streaming video. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A wireless networking standard ratified by the IEEE in late 1999 and supported by the largest wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors. Also known as Wi-Fi. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Radio-based device that provides users of wireless devices with access to a local area network (LAN). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of how much information can be transmitted at once through a communication medium, such as a telephone line, fiber-optic cable, or radio frequency. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Technology that identifies a person through recognition of unique physical characteristics, such as retina or iris patterns, face shape, voice patterns or fingerprints. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A protocol designed for short-range wireless communication or networking among a variety of devices. Somewhat similar to, but distinct from, 802.11b. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A medium that can carry multiple signals, or channels of information, at the same time without interference. Broadband Internet connections enable high-resolution videoconferencing and other applications that require rapid, synchronous exchange of data. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A software program that interprets documents written in HTML, the primary programming language of the Web. A browser such as Safari, Firefox, or Microsoft Explorer is required to experience the photos, video, and sound elements on a Web page and assists in quick, easy travel around the Web. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| C is an established programming language found in many operating systems, including UNIX. C++, a daughter program based on objects, is quickly becoming a favored programming language as object-oriented technology gains popularity. Also see Java. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a computer network, a workstation that retrieves information from a server. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A network system in which a dedicated computer (server) handles some data storage and processing tasks for applications used on personal computers or workstations (clients), which tap the server’s shared files and processing power as needed. Also see distributed computing |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A database acting as an information storage facility. Although often used synonymously with data warehouse, a repository does not have the analysis or querying capabilities of a warehouse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A large database that stores information like a data repository but goes a step further, allowing users to access data to perform research-oriented analysis. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An aggregation of records or other data that is updateable. Databases are used to manage and archive large amounts of information. Also see relational database. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer that stores data centrally for network users. It often uses client/server software to distribute the processing of data among itself and other workstations on the network. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computing system in which computational and storage tasks are distributed among multiple computers rather than being performed exclusively by a central computer. Often used to overcome the limitations of a single computer or to exploit the unused computing power of a group of computers. Client/server systems are one type of distributed computing. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic “certificate” (actually a unique number) that establishes a user’s identity when conducting business or other “secure” transactions on a network such as the Internet. See also electronic certificate. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Translation of data into a code in order to keep the information secure from anyone but the intended recipient. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A network in which all computers in the various facilities of an organization (e.g. a health care system) are connected. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Probably the most commonly used standard for local area network (LAN) architecture. It supports data transfer rates of up to 10 megabits per second, although newer systems, called Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, support transfer rates of 100 Mbps and 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second, respectively. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a client/server system, a client that performs most of the necessary data processing itself, rather than relying on the server. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer dedicated to managing the flow of information among networked computers and used as a storage location for data and applications shared by network users. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A security device situated between a private network and outside networks like the Internet. The firewall screens all information that attempts to enter the network. |
|
|
Term
| GPS (Global Positioning System) |
|
Definition
| A collection of satellites that continuously transmit their positions, allowing GPS receivers to pinpoint their own geographic positions by triangulation. Used in navigation, vehicle location and similar technologies. |
|
|
Term
| GUI (Graphical User Interface) |
|
Definition
| An interface that allows a person to operate a software program using visual images (called icons), drop-down menu choices, and tool bars, rather than complex keystrokes and text commands. The most common manipulating device is a mouse. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer that acts as a source of information or provides functionality for multiple terminals, peripherals, and/or users. |
|
|
Term
| ISP (Internet Service Provider) |
|
Definition
| A company that provides users with access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Users connect to the ISP through ordinary telephone lines (dial-up connections) or through faster connections such as DSL, cable or fiberoptic lines. Although some ISPs charge by the hour, most offer monthly or yearly rates. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A platform-independent, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and modeled on the programming language C++. Java applets-- miniature applications designed to run within another program--now are popular features of Web sites. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A network consisting of computers that are located in relatively close physical proximity to each other and are connected by wire cables, fiber optic lines, or other physical means. See also WLAN. |
|
|
Term
| ODS (Operational Data Store) |
|
Definition
| An operational data store (or “ODS”) is a database designed to integrate data from multiple sources to make analysis and reporting easier. In the health care industry, ODSs have been used by hospitals to provide comprehensive patient records. Because the data originates from multiple sources, the integration often involves cleaning, resolving redundancy and checking against business rules for integrity. An ODS is usually designed to contain low level or atomic (indivisible) data (such as transactions and prices) with limited history that is captured “real time” or “near real time” as opposed to the much greater volumes of data stored in the data warehouse generally on a less frequent basis. Sometimes also called a Clinical Data Repository or CDR. |
|
|
Term
| OSI (Open System Interconnection) Reference Model |
|
Definition
| A seven layer used to teach networking concepts and protocols. The layers are used to illustrate encapsulation and how control is passed from one layer to the next in a generalized manner. The layers include: One-Physical, Two-Data Link, Three-Network, Four-Transport, Five-Session, Six-Presentation, and Seven-Application. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 1. A network structure in which the computers share processing and storage tasks as equivalent members of the network. Different from a client/server network, in which computers are assigned specific roles. 2. A general term for popular file-sharing systems like gnutella, in which there is no central repository of files. Instead, files can be stored on—and retrieved from—any user’s computer. See also distributed computing. |
|
|
Term
| PDA (Personal Data Assistant) |
|
Definition
| A handheld computer that offers relatively limited functionality and computing power. Often used primarily as organizers, but some PDAs offer wireless e-mail and Internet access. Increasingly used in clinical practice for applications such as taking patient notes and ordering prescriptions. |
|
|
Term
| PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) |
|
Definition
| A system that uses electronic certificates and various authorities (servers that validate certificates, registrations, etc.) to authenticate each entity in an online transaction. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A Web site that offers a range of resources, such as e-mail, chat boards, search engines, content and online shopping. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An electronic device about the size of a credit card that contains electronic memory and, increasingly, an embedded microchip. The cards are used to store data in a health care context, this is often personal health information. The data can be accessed using a smart card reader: a device into which the card is inserted. Smart cards are not the same as magnetic stripe cards, such as most credit cards; smart cards typically can store more information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A program that monitors and analyzes the flow of information on a network, searching for bottlenecks and problems. Network managers use sniffer programs to monitor traffic flow and keep data moving efficiently. A sniffer can also be used legitimately or illegitimately to capture data transmitted over a network. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A database in which all information is arranged in tables containing predefined fields. Changing a field in one record automatically changes the same field in all related records, allowing for easy global database management. Using SQL, reports and comparisons can be generated by selecting fields of interest from the original database. |
|
|
Term
| RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) |
|
Definition
| Technology that uses tiny chips and antennas to track products and store product information. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A networked computer that manages a specific set of network resources. A server may manage network traffic or peripheral use, store files, or run applications for users at other computers on the network. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Types of transmission lines in the T-carrier telecommunications system that are often used to provide Internet access to larger organizations. T1 lines can transmit about 1.5 Mbps of data. A T3 line contains 28 T1 lines together and can transmit about 45 times the data of a single T1, enough for full-motion video. Six T3 lines make one T4 line, capable of transmitting about 274 Mbps. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A flat-panel laptop that uses a stylus pen or touch-screen, rather than a keyboard, for entry of data and commands. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In a client/server system, a client with little processing or data storage capability that primarily relies on a central server to perform those functions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The part of an application that allows the user to access the application and manipulate its functionality. It can include menus, forms, command buttons, etc. |
|
|
Term
| URL (Uniform Resource Locator) |
|
Definition
| A Web address. Each Web page has a unique URL. |
|
|
Term
| VPN (Virtual Private Network) |
|
Definition
| A network that uses public connections, such as the Internet, to link users but relies on encryption and other security measures to ensure that only authorized users can access the network. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A computer network that covers a large physical area. A WAN usually consists of multiple local area networks (LANs). |
|
|
Term
| WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) |
|
Definition
| A proposed standard for delivering content to mobile wireless devices such as cellular phones and handhelds. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A networked host computer that stores and transmits documents and other data to Web browsers via HTTP, an Internet data transfer protocol. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A group of related files, including text, graphics, and hypertext links, on the World Wide Web. Accessed by typing its URL, a site usually includes layers of supporting pages as well as a home page. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to software applications that can be used directly through the Web. Web-enabled applications are often used to collect information from, or make functionality available to, geographically dispersed users (e.g. disease surveillance systems). |
|
|
Term
| WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) |
|
Definition
| A security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) using the 802.11b standard. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Another name for 802.11b , a wireless networking standard ratified by the IEEE in late 1999 and supported by the largest wireless local area network (WLAN) vendors. Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. |
|
|
