| Term | Description |
| protocol | protocol is an agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices. The protocol determines the following: - type of error checking to be used - data compression method, if any - how the sending device will indicate that it has finished sending a message - how the receiving device will indicate that it has received a message There are a variety of standard protocols with particular advantages and disadvantages; for example, some are simpler than others, some are more reliable, and some are faster. From a user's point of view, the only significant aspect about protocols is that your computer or device must support the right ones if you want to communicate with other computers. |