Adjective

(-)

(computing) of a system that responds to events or signals within a predictable time after their occurrence; specifically the response time must be within the maximum allowed, but is typically synchronous.

Adjective

(en adjective)

Describes a system which is connected (generally electrically) to a larger network.

# Describes a generator or power plant which is connected to the grid.

# Describes a computer which is connected to the Internet or to some other communications service – i.e., not simply with the cable plugged in, but has established a connection to a larger network (e.g., by dialing up).

Available over, or delivered from, the Internet.

* {{quote-magazine, title=No hiding place

, date=2013-05-25, volume=407, issue=8837, page=74, magazine=(The Economist) citation , passage=In America alone, people spent $170 billion on “direct marketing”—junk mail of both the physical and electronic varieties—last year. Yet of those who received unsolicited adverts through the post, only 3% bought anything as a result. If the bumf arrived electronically, the take-up rate was 0.1%. And for online adverts the “conversion” into sales was a minuscule 0.01%.}}

Connected to the Internet.

Available on a computer system, even if not networked.

Describes a system that is active, particularly building facilities (such as power) or a factory or power plant.