Network
———-
A data communications system which interconnects computer systems
at various sites.
NIC
—-
Network Information Center. An organization that provides users
with information about services provided by the Internet network.
NREN
——
The National Research and Education Network. A proposed computer
network to be built in the U.S.A.
NUA
—-
Network User Address. The network address in a packet data network.
The electronic number that is sent to the network to connect to an
online service. Also, called X.121 address.
NUI
—-
Network User Identification. The user name/password that you use to
get access to (and use) a commercial packet switched network.
Offline ———- has the opposite meaning of "Online" (see below). It signifies that your computer is not in direct communication with a remote online service.
Offline Reader ——————— A computer program making the handling of mail and files from online services easier (and cheaper). Some also provides automatic mail and file transfers. Typically, you first connect to an online service (often a BBS) to capture new mail in a compressed file (typically through a "QMail door program.") Many offline mail reader programs are idle while this goes on, while others can do communications as well. When disconnected from the service, the offline reader works as a combination message data base and message editor. It gives you the feeling of still being connected to the online service, while actually being completely disconnected. When you have read and replied to all messages offline, the offline reader creates a compressed "packet" containing any replies entered. Some also let you prepare packets containing commands to join or leave conferences, subscribe to or signoff from special services, and download files. Then, you dial back to the BBS to upload (send) the packet, either using the offline reader's communications module, or another communications program. Readers are available for MS-DOS, MS-Windows, Macintosh, Amiga, Atari ST, Unix, and CP/M computers. The programs may be downloaded from many BBSes, and commercial services.
Online ——— In this book, it signifies the act of being in direct communication with a remote computer's central processing unit. An online database is a file of information that can be directly accessed by the user.
OSI —- Open System Interconnection. A set of protocols designed to be an international standard method for connecting unlike computers and networks.
OZCIS
——-
DOS-based program that automates access to CompuServe using an
elaborate array of menus. Free for personal use. Contact: Ozarks
West Software, 14150 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921,
U.S.A.