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Networking Terms and Concepts
As one of the required exams in the Microsoft MCSE program, the test for Networking Essentials is intended to challenge your knowledge of computer networking components, theory, and implementation. This chapter covers mostly theory and acquaints you with some of the basic terms and concepts used in networking. Study this chapter carefully—you will use these terms and concepts often throughout the rest of this book. Realize also that the topics covered in this chapter are generally applicable to all networking models. In addition, although most of the examples are given in terms of Microsoft solutions, all other successful networking models must accomplish the same tasks.

Chapter 1 targets the following objectives in the Standards and Terminology section of the Networking Essentials exam:
In the 1980s, the desktop computer emerged as a low-cost alternative to terminals connected to a high-priced mainframe. Each desktop computer was capable of integrating peripherals and software to accomplish certain tasks, but data transfer between systems all too often required the cumbersome intervention of a human with a floppy disk. As the computer industry grew, PC managers, marketers, users, and designers began to see the advantages of sharing data and hardware among a group of individual, but cooperating, PCs. The first PC network operating systems (such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft LAN Manager) were designed as add-ons to existing desktop operating systems. A new breed of PC operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT, now include a fully-integrated system of network services. The integration of network services within personal desktop operating systems and the public emergence of the worldwide network—the Internet—has generated incredible momentum in the movement to “get connected.” Networks have become the primary means of disseminating information in most modern offices.

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