hardware
escape guard time: A time before and after an escape code is sent to the modem which distinguishes between escapes that are part of the transmitted data, and escapes that are intended as a command to the modem.
execute: To interpret and execute an instruction.
ExtendedCapabilityPort:Anindustry standard that provides a data buffer, switchable forward and reverse data transmission, and run length encoding (RLE) support.
F
fast infrared: An industry standard that enables cableless infrared serial data transfer at speeds of up to 4 Mbps.
file: A collection of related informa- tion; a file can contain data, programs, or both.
firmware: A set of instructions built into the hardware which controls and directs a microprocessor’s activities.
fixed disk: See hard disk.
floppy disk: See diskette.
floppy disk drive (FDD): An electro- mechanical device that reads and writes to floppy disks. See also diskette.
folder: An icon in Windows used to store documents or other folders.
format: The process of readying a blank disk for its first use. Formatting establishes the structure of the disk that the operating system expects before it writes files or programs onto the disk.
function keys: The keys labeled F1 through F12 that tell the computer to perform certain functions.
G
gigabyte (GB): A unit of data storage equal to 1024 megabytes. See also megabyte.
graphics: Drawings, pictures, or other images, such as charts or graphs, to present information.
H
hard disk: A
hard disk drive (HDD): An electro- mechanical device that reads and writes a hard disk. See also hard disk.
hardware: The physical electronic and mechanical components of a computer system: typically, the computer itself, external disk drives, etc. See also software and firmware.
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LOSSARYG