Glossary
199
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 storage drive that keeps
track of the location of stored files.
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
and/or individual programs.
G
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
.
