Glossary

Internet Protocol (IP) address
Every computer and device on an network is assigned a unique identifying number known as an IP address. This IP address can either be permanently assigned when the computer is registered on the network or it can be assigned by the network each time a computer connects. A permanently assigned IP address is known as a static IP address and an IP address that is assigned each time a computer connects is known as a dynamic IP address.

Media Access Control (MAC) address
Every Ethernet card has a unique number assigned when it is manufactured. Depending on your operating system this number is referred to as an Ethernet address, hardware address, or physical address.

RJ45 network cable
This cable is used to connect the Ethernet card installed in your computer to the network wall jack. Also referred to as an Ethernet cable or CAT5 cable.

USC username and password
ITS assigns all users a unique username based on a derivation of their real name. A username identifies a user on computer systems. This is also the name by which other users will identify you via email. If a person's email address is ttrojan@usc.edu, his username would be ttrojan. Note that your username will always be in lowercase letters.

When you activate your account you will be required to choose a password. This password in conjunction with your username, allows you to access your account. To ensure privacy, whenever you type a password, the characters will not be displayed on the screen.

Last updated: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 16:27PM PDT