N

namespaces

An advanced XML convention. Namespaces use PIs (processing instructions) to assign unique names in a document to URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers).

NAT

(Network Address Translation). NAT refers to the process of converting the IP addresses used within a private network to Internet IP addresses.

Also see Internet IP Address Network

NCSA

(National Center for Supercomputing Applications) powerful organisation that launched the Mosaic Web Browser in 1993 for Windows, x-Windows and Macintosh platforms.

NDIS

(Network Driver Interface Specification). A software specification used in some network operating systems (such as LAN Manager and Windows NT) to create drivers for network adapters. NDIS drivers support multiple protocols and multiple adapters.

Also see Driver NOS Protocol

nesting

A term used to describe how elements are contained within other elements.

NetBEUI

(NetBIOS Extended User Interface). This is an enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol used by network operating systems (NOS), such as Microsoft's Windows NT. NetBEUI is pronounced "netbooey".

Also see Frame LAN NetBIOS Network NOS Protocol

NetBIOS

(Network Basic Input/Output System). A common network protocol for local area networks (LANs) that contain PCs (personal computers). NetBIOS is an established network standard that provides the interface between a PC's operating system and its input/output channel. NetBIOS was later formalized in NetBEUI.

Also see Frame LAN NetBEUI Network NOS OSI Reference Model PC Protocol

Netiquette

Informal, largely undocumented set of rules designed to make the Web a polite and civilised 'society'.

Netscape Communications

Creators of Netscape Navigator, one of the most popular Web browsers. Became notorious after introducing several HTML 'extensions' that were unsupported by other browsers.

Also see Browser

Netware

A network operating system (NOS) developed by Novell. NetWare supports DOS, Mac and UNIX, plus various LAN network technologies such as Ethernet and Token Ring. For a more detailed description of network operating systems, refer to NOS.

Also see Ethernet LAN Mac Network NOS Token Ring UNIX

Network

A group of devices such as computers, printers, hubs, switches, and other hardware, that are connected and are able to communicate with each other. Networks vary in size: some are within a single office, others span the globe.

Also see Hub Internetwork Switch

Network Driver Interface Specification

A software specification used in some network operating systems (such as LAN Manager and Windows NT) to create drivers for network adapters. NDIS drivers support multiple protocols and multiple adapters.

Also see Driver NOS Protocol

Network Loop

This occurs when two pieces of network equipment are connected by more than one path, thereby causing packets to repeatedly cycle round and round the network and not reach their destination. A repeating hub will detect network loops and automatically partition one of its ports to break the loop.

Also see Hub Network Packet

Network Management

As your network grows, it may be necessary to manage communications on your network. This is called network management. Monitoring a network allows you to diagnose problems and gather statistics on network performance, for administration purposes.

Also see Hub Network Switch

Network Terminator NT-1

See NT-1

Network Time Protocol

Internet protocol ensuring that the correct time is transmitted.

Also see Protocol

Network Time Server

Using Network Time Protocol, you access this machine to get the right time.

Network Utilisation

The amount of traffic present on a network as a percentage of the network's bandwidth. Utilization indicates how much of the network's capacity is being used.

Also see Bandwidth Network

Newsgroup

Thousands of Newsgroups exist, distributing information on different subjects using Usenet.

Newsreader

Program that allows the user to read Newsgroup messages via Usenet.

NIC

(Network Information Center) the location where all the data is organised for a certain network.

NNTP

(Net News Transport Protocol) Usenet news uses this transfer protocol for shifting files around the network.

Node

A communication device attached to a network, such as a computer or server.

Also see Network Server

nonvalidating parser

A software application that checks to make sure XML documents are well formed but does not check whether they are valid.

NOS

Network Operating System. A network operating system is software that allows users to share files, printers, faxes, modems and to access a server. Network operating systems manage network resources that can be completely self-contained (such as NetWare) or require an existing operating system in order to function (LAN Manager requires OS/2, and LANtastic requires DOS). Examples of network operating systems are Windows NT, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, Windows 98 and LANtastic.

Also see DOS LAN LANtastic Modem NetWare Network Server

notations

An XML declaration that associates a processing application (such as Paint Shop Pro) with a type of binary entity(such as a JPEG file.)

NT-1 (Network Driver Interface Specification)

An NT-1 is a network device that terminates the ISDN line. An NT-1 is built into the U version of the OfficeConnect ISDN LAN Modem, for use in North America and other countries that do not require an external NT-1. The ISDN LAN Modem with the S/T interface is for use in Europe and other countries that do require the use of an external NT-1.

Also see ISDN LAN Modem

NUA

Network User Address.