NEC PowerMate CT Function key, Graphics accelerator, Hertz, Hexadecimal, Host adapter, Hot key

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. A method of transferring files between two computers on a TCP/IP network (such as the Internet). “Anonymous FTP” (the most common usage on the Internet) allows a user to download files without having an account at the remote computer.

function key

The set of keys on the keyboard (usually F1 through F12) that let you get help and error message information or quickly select frequently used commands.

G

graphics accelerator

A term referring to a higher end video controller that handles high-speed graphics and usually contains several megabytes of onboard video memory.

GUI

Graphical User Interface. Method of presenting information on a computer screen utilizing icons, pull-down menus, and a mouse.

H

hertz

(Hz) A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second.

hexadecimal

A number system that uses 16 as the base. (Place value indicates powers of 16.) It uses the digits 0-9 and A-F. Used around computers because a byte (eight binary digits) easily converts to a two digit hexadecimal number. Hexadecimal numbers are often indicated with the letter H, a dollar sign, or a subscripted 16 after the number. Compare binary, decimal.

host adapter

An expansion board that serves as a controller for SCSI devices.

hot key

Combination of two or three keys (such as Ctrl-Alt-D) that you press simultaneously for a particular function.

hot plugging

The ability to add and remove devices to a computer while the computer is running and have the operating system automatically recognize the change. The Universal Serial Bus (see USB ) external bus standard supports hot plugging. This is also a feature of PCMCIA. Hot plugging is also called hot swapping.

I

IDE

Intelligent Drive Electronics. A hard drive type that has controller electronics built into the drive and delivers high throughput.

interface

A connection that enables two devices to communicate.

8 Glossary