This glossary was written and prepared by Blair Bergum of  DNSnews.net
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key

a string of bits used to map text into a code and then from the code back into text. It is used to encrypt and decrypt a secured document or file that is passed over a network or over the Internet.

key record

is the zone’s new record attached to a domain name that holds the public key and is used with DNS Security Extensions.

kbps

Kilobits per second, is 1000 bits per second. kbps is commonly used to refer to bandwidth and peak bandwidth measurements. The lower case k is technically correct to refer to kbps. In decimal form a kilo is 10 to the power of 3. The kbps unit of measurement is commonly used to measure binary data speeds and bandwidth. Not to be confused with Kbps that is measured as 2 to the power of 10, which is commonly used to measure fixed binary media storage.

Kbps

Kilobits per second. Note the capital K, which is technically defined as using kilo when it refers to 2 raised to the power of 10, which equals 1,024 bits. This unit of measure as opposed to the kbps unit of measure which is 10 to the power of 3, is used primarily to denoted data that is stored in fixed memory devices such as hard drives and data tapes, and disks.

kbits

kilobits, 1000 bits. See also kbps.

Kbits

1024 bits, see also Kbps. (Note the capital "K" in Kbits and in Kbps)