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

G-34 Glossary
private key The secret half of a cryptographic key pair that is used with a public key
algorithm. Private keys are typically used to digitally sign data and to decrypt data
that has been encrypted with the corresponding public key.
privilege A user right that allows the members of the group to which it is assigned
to perform a specific task, usually one that affects an entire computer system
rather than one object.
process An operating system object that consists of an executable program, a set of
virtual memory addresses, and one or more threads. When a program runs, a process
is created.
processor affinity A setting made in Task Manager that determines on which processors
(on a multiple-processor computer) a process can run.
protocol The system of rules and procedures that govern communication between
two or more devices. Many varieties of protocols exist, and not all are compatible,
but as long as two devices are using the same protocol, they can exchange data.
Networking software usually implements multiple levels of protocols layered one
on top of another. Windows XP Professional includes TCP/IP- and IPX/SPX-compatible
protocols.
protocol driver The driver responsible for offering four or five basic services to
other layers in the network while “hiding” the details of how the services are actually
implemented. Services performed include session management, datagram service,
data segmentation and sequencing, acknowledgment, and possibly routing
across a wide area network (WAN).
protocol stack A layered set of protocols that work together to provide a set of network
functions.
proxy server A firewall component that manages Internet traffic to and from a local
area network (LAN). The proxy server decides whether it is safe to let a particular
message or file pass through to the organization’s network, provides access control
to the network, and filters and discards requests as specified by the owner—
including requests for unauthorized access to proprietary data. See also firewall.
public data network (PDN) A commercial packet-switching or circuit-switching wide
area network (WAN) service provided by local and long-distance telephone carriers.
public key The nonsecret half of a cryptographic key pair that is used with a public
algorithm. Public keys are typically used to verify digital signatures or decrypt data
that has been encrypted with the corresponding private key.
PVC See permanent virtual circuit (PVC).
PXE See Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE).