Basic Terminology

Network: This general term refers to all the components involved in getting computers and other types of hardware to "talk" to each other.

Server: Also called "file server" and "network server" this term refers to the "nerve center" of your network. It typically needs to be much more high-powered than a regular desktop workstation. The server is home to hardware that is networked (allows more than one person to use it simultaneously). All of your data will typically be stored on this machine.

Workstation: This refers to each person's computer. Your front and back office staff computers and the machines in the examination room will be workstations on the network.

Cat-5 cable: This term refers to "category 5" cable used when your network is "hard-wired."

Hard-wired: This means that all the workstations in the office plug into a network outlet using physical cabling to transport data to and from the server.

Wireless: This refers to a type of network that broadcasts an access signal to the workstations. This allows for transporting laptops and tablet PCs from room to room while maintaining a network connection continuously. A wireless network also presents some additional security requirements.