tape drive
A high-capacity removable magnetic data storage device. Ideal for backups and retrieval of large amounts of data. Works like a tape recorder and saves information is a linear format.
TCP/IP (Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
The name given to a collection of protocols that were designed in the 1970s for use on the large-scale mixed-platform that became the Internet.
telecom software
An application that allows two computers to communicate. Both computers must use compatible software for communication to take place.
telecommunications
The ability to transmit data over telephone lines to a remote computer.
telnet
A terminal emulation program that allows you to log into another computer system over the Internet. You can then run programs on that machine as though you dialed in directly.
Topology
The layout scheme that describes the way in which network nodes are wired in relation to each other.
transistor
An electronic device that allows a small current in one place to control a larger current in another place; commonly used as amplifiers in radio and audio circuits.
TSR (terminate-and-stay-resident program)
A computer program, also known as a memory-resident program, that remains in memory after being run so that it can be called up later. These extend the capabilities of the operating system or provide "pop-up" functions (such as a calendar or calculator) that can be brought up in the middle of another program without disturbing that program. These programs were popular in the days of MS-DOS, but lead to lots of problems due to memory usage conflicts.
twisted-pair cable
Consists of two insulated wires twisted around each other to form a pair. One or more twisted pairs are used in a twisted-pair cable.