Glossary 207

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hot key — (1) A feature in which certain keys in combination with the Fn key can set system options or control system parameters, such as the battery save mode. (2) A key or combination of keys that activates a memory resident program.

hot swapping — The ability to add or remove devices from a computer while the computer is running and have the operating system automatically recognize the change.

icon — A small image displayed on the screen that represents a function, file, or program.

interlaced — A method of refreshing a computer screen, in which only every other line of pixels is refreshed. Interlaced monitors take two passes to create a complete screen image. Compare non-interlaced.

internal device — See device.

Internet — The decentralized, world-wide network of computers that provides electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and other services. See also World Wide Web.

keyboard shortcut — A key or combination of keys that you use to perform a task instead of using a pointing device such as a mouse.

L1 (level one) cache — Memory cache built into the processor to help improve processing speed. See also cache, CPU cache, L2 cache.

L2 (level two) cache — Memory cache installed on the motherboard to help improve processing speed. It is slower than L1 cache and faster than main memory. See also cache, CPU cache, L1 cache.

LAN (local area network) — A group of computers or other devices dispersed over a relatively limited area and connected by a communications link that enables any device to interact with any other on the network.

liquid crystal display (LCD) — A type of display that uses a liquid substance between two transparent electrode panels. When an electric current passes through the electrodes, the molecules in the liquid form a crystalline pattern that polarizes the light passing through it. A filter over the electrodes permits only non-polarized light to pass to the surface of the display, creating light and dark pixels.

load — To move information from a storage device (such as a hard disk) into memory for processing.