hertz

escape: 1) A code (ASCII code 27), signaling the computer that what fol- lows are commands; used with periph- eral devices such as printers and modems. 2) A means of aborting the task currently in progress.

escape guard time: A time before and after an escape code is sent to the modem which distinguishes between escapes that are part of the transmitted data, and escapes that are intended as a command to the modem.

execute: To interpret and execute an instruction.

Extended Capability Port: An indus- try standard that provides a data buffer, switchable forward and reverse data transmission, and run length encoding (RLE) support.

F

fast infrared: An industry standard that enables cableless infrared serial data transfer at speeds of up to 4 Mbps.

file: A collection of related informa- tion; a file can contain data, programs, or both.

firmware: A set of instructions built into the hardware which controls and directs a microprocessor’s activities.

fixed disk: See hard disk.

floppy disk: See diskette.

floppy disk drive (FDD): See diskette drive.

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.

folder: An icon in Windows used to store documents or other folders.

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.

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

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

H

hard disk: A non-removable disk usu- ally referred to as drive C. Also called fixed disk.

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

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

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

GLOSSARY

User’s Manual

Glossary-7

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