Glossary

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 non-removable disk usually referred to as drive C. The factory installs this disk and only a trained engineer can remove it for servicing. Also called fixed disk.

hard disk drive (HDD): An electromechanical device that reads and writes a hard disk. See also hard disk.

hertz: A unit of wave frequency that equals one cycle per second.

hot key: The computer’s feature in which certain keys in combination with the extended function key, Fn, can be used to set system parameters, such as speaker volume.

I

input: The data or instructions you provide to a computer, communication device or other peripheral device from the keyboard or external or internal storage devices. The data sent (or output) by the sending computer is input for the receiving computer.

I/O: Input/output. Refers to acceptance and transfer of data to and from a computer.

I/O devices: Equipment used to communicate with the computer and transfer data to and from it.

J

jumper: A small clip or wire that allows you to change the hardware characteristics by electrically connecting two points of a circuit.

K

K:Taken from the Greek word kilo, meaning 1000; often used as equivalent to 1024, or 2 raised to the 10th power. See also byte and kilobyte.

KB: See kilobyte.

User’s Manual

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