Toshiba A130/A135 format, software, file name, Hibernation, function keys, file extension, Sleep, Suspend, See also diskette

Glossary 221

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file extension — The three characters following the period (pronounced “dot”) at the end of a file name. The extension indicates the type of file. Examples are .exe for program files and .hlp for help files. See also file name.

folder — Also called directory. A container for organizing files saved to a disk. A folder is symbolized on screen by a graphical image (icon) of a file folder. A folder can contain files and other folders.

format — (verb) To prepare a blank disk for use with the computer’s operating system. Formatting creates a structure on the disk so the operating system can write information to the disk or read information from it.

frontside bus — The primary pathway (bus) between the CPU and the computer’s main memory. Also called “system bus.” See also bus.

function keys — The keys labeled F1 through F12, typically located on the keyboard. Their function is determined by the operating system and/or individual programs.

ground — A conductor to which all components of an electric circuit are connected. It has a potential of zero (0) volts, is connected to the earth, and is the point of reference for voltages in the circuit.

hard disk — A storage device composed of a rigid platter or platters that can be magnetically coded with data. Hard disks hold much more information than diskettes and are used for long-term storage of programs and data. The primary (or only) hard disk in a computer is usually fixed, but some computers have secondary hard disks that are removable. By default, the hard disk is referred to as drive C.

hardware — The physical components of a computer system. Comparesoftware.

Hibernation — A feature of many Toshiba notebook computers that saves to the hard disk the current state of your work, including all open files and programs, when you turn the computer off. When you turn on the computer again, your work is returned to the same state it was when the computer was turned off. See also Sleep, Suspend.

high-density diskette — A 3.5-inch diskette that holds 1.44 MB of data.See also diskette.