242 Glossary

Terms

expansion device — A device that connects to a computer to expand its capabilities. Other names for an expansion device are port expander, port replicator, docking station, or network adapter.

 

extension — See file extension.

 

external device — See device.

F

file — A collection of related information, saved on disk with a unique

name. A file may be a program, information used by a program, or a

 

 

document. See also document.

 

file allocation table (FAT) — The section of a disk that keeps track of

 

the location of files stored on the disk.

 

file name — A set of characters that uniquely identifies a file within a

 

particular folder. It consists of two parts: the actual name and the file

 

name extension. See also file extension.

 

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

G

and/or individual programs.

gigabyte (GB) — A unit of data equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes (1024 x

 

 

1024 x 1024 bytes). See also byte.

 

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.