Click the Connect button. Windows dials the number and connects to the network.

Glossary read-only memory See ROM. real time Describes an event or process that is currently taking place. A good example of real time is this: When you’re talking on the telephone to someone, you’re talking in real time. When you leave a message on someone’s answering machine and that person hears the mes- sage later, that person is not hearing your message in real time. Red Hat Linux A popular distribution of Linux. refresh rate Describes how many times per second the image is refreshed, or redrawn, on the screen. The faster the refresh rate, the less flicker you see on screen. The default setting for most monitors is 60 Hz, but you should use 75 to 85 Hz to reduce flicker and eyestrain. Registry The area of the Windows operating systems that contains all configuration files for the computer user. For example, the Registry lists user preferences, desktop colors, fonts, and program settings. If the Registry becomes corrupted, Windows might stop working altogether. Registry keys The Registry is organized in keys, or folders, that describe specific information about the computer or user. The organization is a hierarchy: Six keys represent all configura- tions and settings. Contained within the keys are subkeys and values. Registry subkeys Distinct categories represented by folders and found within Registry keys. Each subkey holds values that describe hardware, software, or other computer components. remote A hardware device that enables a user to communicate with another computer or networked device; for example, there are remote sensors you can use with your SmartHome, there are routers you can use to remotely connect to another computer, and there are wireless remotes to connect your computers. remote access Refers to the process of attaching to a network from another location and accessing resources from the remote computer. remote administration Enabling remote administration allows a user to create, change, and monitor shares on your computer. Windows lets you assign a password to this permission so that only a person who knows the password can perform these tasks. The person who knows the password can monitor the workstations from any computer on the network. remote file transfer Another common method of remote access is file transfer. File transfer involves uploading a file to or downloading a file from the remote computer. remote node The most common method of remote access is when a computer connects to an office or corporate network. The remote computer user accesses any of the resources on the office network and works as if he or she were actually in the office, sharing programs and files with coworkers. Remote Registry Service A network service that enables programs such as the System Policy Editor or System Monitor to change the Registry in a network computer repeater A network device that boosts and amplifies an analog signal in the network. repeater functions Refer to the retransmission of network packets when a collision or timing problem takes place. resolution Describes the number of pixels a device such as a scanner or printer applies to an image. Resolution is measured by a grid, such as 300×300 pixels or dots per square inch. The higher the resolution, the better the image output and the more expensive the scanner. Glossary resource Any item or component that can be shared with other computers on the network, including files, drives, folders, printers, CD-ROM drives, Zip drives, and tape drives, among others. Reverse Address Resolution Protocol See RARP. RF See radio frequency. rights Characteristics given by a user or administrator on the network to prevent or allow access to files on the network. Common rights include all, execute, read-only, write, and so on. ring topology A networking layout in which computers are connected by a closed loop, or ring. The ring topology uses a hub to redirect network packets. RJ-11 A four-wire connector used to join a telephone line to a wall plate or a communication peripheral, such as a modem. RJ-45 An eight-wire connector used to join twisted-pair networking cable. ROM read-only memory A chip that permanently stores data, also called firmware. router A network device that connects two or more network segments; a router then can choose the best way for network packets to travel the network to arrive quickly and efficiently at their destination. RS-232 A serial connection port on a PC, used for connecting a mouse, printer, modem, or other device. RS-232 cable This cable transmits data at about a 20 Kbps. A serial cable generally used for connecting a computer to a peripheral device, the RS-232 has a maximum cable limit of 15 meters, or about 50 feet. Used for Direct Cable Connection in Windows. See also Direct Cable Connection. RS-485 RS-485 is a serial connection port that enables you to connect from 10 to 32 devices. Samba A freeware software program that enables clients to access and use files with any operating system that uses SMBCIFS. Users can use files, print, and share other resources. Samba is normally used on Linux computers, although Windows and Macintosh can also use Samba. scheduling software A server application that organizes and manages the calendar while users fill in their meetings, to-do lists, appointments, and so on. Any user can access the scheduling program at any time to view anyone’s appointments, with permissions. script files Mini-programs that automate logging in to another network, such as a remote net- work or the Internet. Generally included in a script file is the username and password. When you dial up another computer on a network, the script enters your username and password, so you don’t have to type them. SCSI Small Computer System Interface A standard high-speed parallel interface used to connect the microprocessor to peripheral devices, such as drives and printers, or to connect computers together or to a LAN. SDRAM synchronous dynamic random access memory SDRAM is currently the standard memory type. SDRAM supports burst access modes. Secure Sockets Layer See SSL.