Common Definitions

Local Area Network (LAN) - is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area.  The backbone of the LAN is a switch/hub and associated wiring.  The hub/switch is often housed in a wiring closet with other devices such as patch panels, firewall hardware, and intrusion detection system equipment.  Peripheral devices such as servers, printers, and personal computers use LAN services.  In the NCAS chart of accounts, purchase, installation, and support costs of wiring, servers, printers, and personal computers are posted to separate accounts.

Mainframe - is a computer, usually housed in a computer center, with extensive capabilities and resources and is able to support thousands of simultaneous users.

Maintenance Agreement - is a contract between the vendor and the agency specifying a level of ongoing support for a product or piece of equipment.  Maintenance agreements often cover a one-year or longer time period.

Personal Computer (PC) - is a laptop or desktop computer plus components such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, and other parts.  A personal computer may be connected to a local area network or be a stand-alone workstation.

Personal Computer (PC) Software - includes all operating system, utility, and application software programs installed on a personal computer.

Printer - is a device that prints text or illustrations on paper using varied technologies.  A printer may be connected to a local area network or be connected to a single computer.  The cost of a printer includes any internal or external interface devices (e.g. networking card) connecting the printer to a network.

Repair - is a one-time or short-term agreement between a vendor and the agency to remediate a problem with a product or piece of equipment.  Often the agreement rate is based upon an hourly labor charge plus parts and supplies (i.e. time and materials).

Rent/Lease Agreement - is a contract between the vendor and the agency to use a product or piece of equipment for a specified length of time.  The ownership of the product/equipment resides with the vendor.  If an ongoing maintenance charge is required as part of the rent/lease agreement, record the maintenance cost in the same account as the rent/lease charge.

Server - includes all other servers, excluding a mainframe, which may be connected to a local area network.  Examples include midrange computers (e.g. AS400), web servers; Windows, Unix, Linux, NT and Novell file/print servers; mail and calendaring servers; fax servers; e-commerce servers; other application servers, and database servers.

Server Software - includes all operating system, utility, and application software programs installed on a server.

Wide Area Network (WAN) - provides video and data connectivity services across a large geographical area.  A wide area network includes communications lines and equipment up to and including the router at a particular end user site, excluding local area networks (LANs).