MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing ...

G-32 Glossary
point-to-point configuration Dedicated circuits that are also known as private, or
leased, lines. They are the most popular wide area network (WAN) communication
circuits in use today. The carrier guarantees full-duplex bandwidth by setting
up a permanent link from each end point, using bridges and routers to connect
local area networks (LANs) through the circuits. See also Point-to-Point Protocol
(PPP), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), duplex transmission.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) A data-link protocol for transmitting Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) packets over dial-up telephone connections,
such as between a computer and the Internet. PPP was developed by the
Internet Engineering Task Force in 1991.
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) An extension of the Point-to-Point Protocol
(PPP) used for communications on the Internet. It was developed by
Microsoft to support virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow individuals and
organizations to use the Internet as a secure means of communication. PPTP supports
encapsulation of encrypted packets in secure wrappers that can be transmitted
over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection.
See also virtual private network (VPN).
POP See point of presence (POP).
Power scheme Allows you to configure Windows XP Professional to turn off the
power to your monitor and your hard disk, conserving energy.
Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) A standard for network booting that is
supported by some network adapters. Using a PXE-compliant network adapter is
one of three configurations that will allow a RIS client to boot from the network
and locate a RIS server. (RIS clients can also be compliant with the Net PC specification
or use an RIS boot disk.)
preemptive multitasking A form of multitasking (the capability of a computer’s
operating system to work on more than one task at a time). With preemptive multitasking—as
opposed to nonpreemptive multitasking—the operating system can
take control of the processor without the task’s cooperation. See also nonpreemptive
multitasking.
presentation layer The sixth layer of the OSI reference model. This layer determines
the form used to exchange data between networked computers. At the
sending computer, this layer translates data from a format sent down from the
application layer into a commonly recognized, intermediary format. At the receiving
end, this layer translates the intermediary format into a format useful to that
computer’s application layer. The presentation layer manages network security
issues by providing services such as data encryption, provides rules for data transfer,
and performs data compression to reduce the number of bits that need to be
transmitted. See also Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model.