Technology

Network File System (NFS): Distributed file access protocol Network File System Network File System (NFS) is a protocol that lets computers share files over a network so remote files appear and behave like local files, widely used in Unix/Linux environments wi…

Network model (database) A database model that organizes data as a graph of linked records (CODASYL), allowing many-to-many relationships through explicit record connections and navigational access pattern…

Network topology: types, characteristics and applications Network topology How links and devices are arranged in a computer network — physical vs logical layouts, common topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh), design trade-offs and typical uses.

Network-attached storage (NAS): overview, architecture, and uses Network-attached storage Network-attached storage (NAS) is a dedicated file storage system connected to a network that provides centralized data access, sharing, backup, and media services for homes, offic…

Networking hardware: devices, functions, and development Networking hardware Overview of networking hardware: types, core functions, historical development, common uses, and key distinctions such as managed vs unmanaged and hardware vs software-defined syst…

Neural network A computational system inspired by biological neurons that learns from data. Covers basic structure, learning methods, historical development, common types, applications, and limit…

Newline (line break) Newline A newline is a control character or sequence that marks the end of a line of text. It has multiple encodings (LF, CR, CRLF), historical origins in printing/teletypes, and practical…

NeXTSTEP — influential object‑oriented operating system NeXTSTEP NeXTSTEP was a UNIX-derived operating system and development platform created by NeXT. Noted for its object-oriented frameworks, Interface Builder and influence on macOS and modern…

Nexus One (Google smartphone) Nexus One Nexus One, developed by Google with HTC, was the first Nexus smartphone offering a stock Android experience and a developer-friendly reference for the Android ecosystem.

Nexus S — Google's second Nexus smartphone Nexus S Nexus S, built by Samsung for Google and introduced in late 2010, was the second device in the Nexus line and the first phone to ship with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread).

Nickel–cadmium battery: construction, uses, and environmental impact Nickel cadmium battery Comprehensive guide to nickel–cadmium (Ni–Cd) rechargeable batteries: construction and chemistry, typical applications and performance quirks, charging behavior, and environmental,…

Nickel–iron battery Nickel-iron battery A rechargeable alkaline battery using nickel and iron electrodes; noted for extreme durability, long life and resistance to abuse, with distinct charging and performance characteri…

Nickel–metal hydride battery (NiMH) Nickel-metal hydride battery Overview of NiMH rechargeable batteries: chemistry, construction, performance, charging, common applications, advantages and limitations compared with NiCd and lithium-ion technolo…

Nickel–zinc battery (NiZn) Nickel–zinc battery A rechargeable alkaline battery chemistry using a nickel positive electrode and a zinc negative electrode. NiZn cells offer about 1.6 V nominal, low cadmium content, and renewed in…

Nicktoons Racing Nicktoons Racing is a 1999 Nickelodeon-branded kart racing game crossover featuring animated-series characters racing on themed tracks across multiple platforms.

Nintendo 2DS handheld game console Nintendo 2DS The Nintendo 2DS is Nintendo's budget, 2D-only entry in the 3DS family, introduced in 2013 with a flat slate design, backward compatibility with DS and 3DS titles (in 2D), and fami…

Nintendo 3DS: portable console with glasses-free 3D and a long-running family Nintendo 3DS The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming system by Nintendo that introduced glasses-free 3D stereoscopy, backward compatibility with DS titles, multiple hardware revisions, online ser…

Nintendo 3DS system software Firmware and system software that runs the Nintendo 3DS family: manages the Home Menu, online services, updates, security and system features such as 3D, parental controls, StreetP…

Nintendo 64: overview, hardware, software, and legacy Nintendo 64 Home video game console by Nintendo (released 1996). Noted for 3D graphics, cartridge-based media, distinctive controller and influential titles like Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of…

Nintendo 64 Controller Accessories and Peripherals Nintendo 64 accessories Overview of Nintendo 64 controller accessories: official paks (Controller, Rumble, Transfer, Voice, Jumper), third‑party variations, compatibility, usage, troubleshooting and colle…

Nintendo 64 controller (the "Trident") Nintendo 64 controller The distinctive three-pronged controller introduced with the Nintendo 64. It combined an analog stick, multiple shoulder and face buttons, and an expansion slot, influencing 3D gam…

Nintendo 64DD: add-on, features, software and legacy Nintendo 64DD The Nintendo 64DD was a Japan-only magnetic disk peripheral for the Nintendo 64 released in 1999. It offered rewritable media, online connectivity and creative tools but saw limite…

Nintendo Direct — Nintendo's recurring digital presentation for games and hardware Nintendo Direct Nintendo Direct is Nintendo's recurring online presentation series used to announce and detail upcoming games, consoles and related products. It appears in regional editions and mu…

Nintendo DS — dual‑screen handheld gaming console Nintendo DS The Nintendo DS is a dual-screen, stylus-driven handheld console released in 2004–2005. Known for its touchscreen, local wireless play and large software library, it spawned severa…

Nintendo DS: The dual-screen handheld gaming system Nintendo DS Overview of the Nintendo DS handheld: design, hardware, history, software, compatibility and its influence on portable gaming.

Nintendo DSi XL A larger, final model in Nintendo's DS line—featuring bigger screens, dual cameras, bundled software and DSiWare support; released 2009–2010 and discontinued in 2014.

Nintendo e-Reader A Game Boy Advance add-on that read data-encoded paper cards to unlock games, levels, items and minigames. Launched in 2001–2002, it had broader support in Japan than in North Amer…

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): overview, hardware, games, and legacy Nintendo Entertainment System The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is Nintendo's influential 8-bit home console from the 1980s that helped revive the video game industry and introduced enduring franchises an…

Nintendo Entertainment System (Model NES-101) — Top-Loading Revision Nintendo Entertainment System (Model NES-101) The NES-101 is a later, compact revision of the Nintendo Entertainment System featuring a top-loading cartridge design meant to improve reliability and simplify the original consol…

Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter Optional GameCube peripherals that enabled Ethernet or dial‑up networking for a small set of games, allowing online or LAN play; later repurposed by communities for tunneling and p…

Nintendo GameCube controller The primary gamepad for Nintendo's GameCube console: design, controls, variants, and legacy—known for its distinctive layout, analog triggers, C-stick, and popularity in competitiv…

Nintendo GameCube–Game Boy Advance link cable Accessory that connected the Game Boy Advance family to the Nintendo GameCube, enabling data transfer, using the handheld as a controller or second screen, and unlocking paired-gam…

Nintendo Network Nintendo Network was Nintendo's online service for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family, providing online play, digital storefronts and social features; use required a Nintendo Networ…

Nintendo Switch Hybrid home and handheld video game console by Nintendo, released March 3, 2017. Can dock to a TV or be used portably; features detachable Joy-Con controllers and a large, diverse…

Nintendo Virtual Boy — 1995 stereoscopic game console Nintendo Virtual Boy A compact encyclopedia overview of Nintendo's Virtual Boy: hardware, how its red-and-black stereoscopic display worked, library, reception, and legacy.

Nmap — network scanner and port discovery tool Nmap Nmap is a widely used open-source utility for discovering hosts and services on computer networks, performing port scans, OS detection, scripting and basic network inventory.

Node.js — JavaScript runtime for server-side development and tooling Node.js Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime built on the V8 engine. It emphasizes event-driven, non-blocking I/O for server-side apps, tooling, and networking, and uses npm for…

Noise: acoustic sounds, electrical phenomena, and random data Noise Noise refers to unwanted sound or random fluctuations in signals. This article explains acoustic noise, measurement, health effects, electronic noise, mathematical noise, uses such…

Noise (electronics): causes, types, measurement, and mitigation Noise (electronics) Random electrical disturbances in circuits that limit signal quality. Covers common noise types, measurement concepts, sources, practical examples, and engineering methods to reduc…

Non-volatile memory (NVM): overview, types, history and uses Non-volatile memory Non-volatile memory retains stored information without power. This article explains what NVM is, common technologies (ROM, EEPROM, flash), historical development, applications and…

Non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) Non-volatile random-access memory NVRAM is memory that retains data without power. This article explains its types, how it differs from volatile RAM, historical development, common uses, and emerging technologies.

NOR gate — definition, truth table, properties and practical uses NOR gate A NOR gate is a digital logic gate that outputs true only when all inputs are false. This article covers its logic, truth table, Boolean relations, implementations, and common appl…

Nord N.2501 Noratlas French post‑war twin‑engine transport aircraft with twin‑boom tail and rear cargo ramp; used by several air forces from the 1950s into the 1980s.

North American Numbering Plan (NANP) North American Numbering Plan The NANP is the telephone numbering plan that uses country code +1 to serve the United States, Canada, Bermuda and many Caribbean nations. It defines area codes and local numbers a…

Northbridge (computer chipset component) Northbridge A northbridge is the high-speed chipset component on a PC motherboard that links the CPU to memory and graphics and works with the southbridge to provide platform I/O.

NoSQL: non-relational databases, design, uses and trade-offs NoSQL Overview of NoSQL databases: what they are, core types and characteristics, history, typical uses, and practical trade-offs compared to relational systems.

NOT gate (Inverter): definition, function, implementations and uses NOT gate A NOT gate (inverter) is the fundamental logic element that outputs the opposite of its single input. Article covers definition, symbols, physical implementations, typical uses and…

Notepad — Microsoft Windows plain-text editor Notepad Notepad is a simple plain-text editor bundled with Microsoft Windows. It edits .txt and other text files, supports basic search and encodings, and is often used for quick edits, sc…