Home Computer: Jargon buster

Thursday 27 May 1993 23:02 BST

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Bulletin Board System (BBS): a computer system with modems that acts as an information and message exchange passing centre for dial-up users.

Gateway: A device which connects dissimilar computer networks together allowing users to access information held in other computer systems.

Modem: (modulator/demodulator) a piece of communications equipment that enables a computer to transmit information over a telephone line or receive information from it. A modem may be a separate piece of equipment in its own box or installed inside the computer.

Network: A group of computers interconnected by cables, telephone lines or other communications links.

Serial port: the socket on the computer which is used to connect the cable from an external modem or other communications device.

Zymurgy: the Science of fermentation in brewing.

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