Glossary

floppy disk: See 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 labelled 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.

GND: Ground. An RS-232C signal used in the exchange of data between a computer and serial device.

graphics: The use of drawings, pictures, or other images, such as charts or graphs, to present information.

H

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

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.

hardware: The physical electronic and mechanical components of a computer system: typically, the computer itself, external disk drives, etc. See also software and firmware.

HW Setup: A TOSHIBA utility that lets you set the parameters for various hardware components.

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

hexadecimal: The base 16 numbering system composed of the digits 0 through 9 and the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F.

host computer: The computer that controls, regulates, and transmits information to a device or another computer.

hotkey: A TOSHIBA feature in which certain keys in combination with the extended function key, Fn, can be used to set system parameters, such as speaker volume.

Satellite A30 Series

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