Computer Glossary (F)

Computer Glossary

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False Drops:- When conducting a search on an on-line service, the Internet, or in a
database, false drops refers to the retrieved records that are not relevant to the
search topic. For example, a search on the Latin American Labor Force with the
terms LATIN AMERICA AND LABOR might retrieve a record dealing with the Aztec
Temples.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):- A file answering frequently asked questions
put forth by others during the learning process of the topic. Field - An element of a
record in a database that contains a specific item of information, such as last name.

Fast Ethernet:- A networking technology used to provide high-speed connections to
servers and between LAN segments.

FAX/Data modem:- A modem which can handle faxes and the receiving and
transmitting of data.

File:- A set of data that is stored on a medium such as a hard disk or floppy disk.

File Allocation Table (FAT):- The table maintained by the operating system on every
disk that tracks the location of files and empty space.

File Server:- A computer that provides networked computers with access to
shareable resources. A dedicated file server can be used only as a file server while it
is on the network. A non-dedicated file server can be used simultaneously as a file
server and a workstation.

File Sharing:- Provisions in the networking system software which allow more than
one user to access the same file.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP):- A protocol used when you download a file to your
computer from another computer on the Internet.

Filename Extension:- The characters of a filename that follow the period in a
filename. For example, in the filename CDP.TXT, the filename extension is TXT.

Filespec:- A filename pattern in which wildcard characters can be used to represent
any character or group of characters. This enables a command to act on files that
have similar names. For example, the filespec *.BAK in the command DEL *.Bak will
delete only files that have a BAK filename extension.

Filter:- A set of criteria applied to records in a database or spreadsheet in order to
show a subset of the records or to sort the records.

Firewall:- A block used to protect a host system from outside intrusion. It blocks
visitors from going to unauthorized areas of the computer.

Firmware:- Programs written permanently (burned) into ROM chips.

Fixed-width Font:- A font in which all characters have uniform widths, such as
Courier.

Flame:- To express strong opinion and/or criticism of something, usually as a frank
inflammatory statement in an electronic message.

Floating Point Unit (FPU):- A coprocessor that provides hardware routines for
mathematical function, to be used with a CPU that does not have those functions
built in.

Floppy Disk:- A flexible, magnetic disk, used for external memory storage.

Flow Control:- The processes used to regulate the rate at which information is
transferred from one device to another. One device sends a signal to the other when
information can be transferred.

Folder:- A graphical representation of a directory or subdirectory.

Followup:- An article posted to a newsgroup or forum in response to a previous
article.

Fonts:- Sets of characters that come in different styles and sizes.

Font Cartridge:- A font contained in a cartridge that physically plugs into your printer.

Font Family:- A group designation that describes the general look of a font. For
example, the Times New Roman font family contains proportionately spaced fonts
with serifs.

Footer:- Text that appears at the bottom of document pages when they are printed.

Foreground:- The area of the Screen that the active window occupies.

Form:- An object with controls that are used to take action or to enter, display, and
edit data in fields.

Format:- The method of arranging information for displaying, storage, or printing.

Format A Disk:- To prepare a disk so it can be read or written to by the operating
system. Be aware that all information on a disk you format will be destroyed.

FPU (Floating-Point Unit):- The term for the math co-processors found in many
personal computers. The Intel 80387 is an example of a FPU. They perform certain
calculations faster than CPUs because they specialize in floating-point math rather
than integer math.

Fragmented File:- A file stored in non-adjacent clusters.

Frame Relay:- A packet-switching networking technology designed for sending data
over a Wide Area Network (WAN) that is more efficient than a leased line.

Freeware:- Software distributed for free, but subject to copyright laws and any other
provisions put forth in the accompanying documentation files.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol):- Allows users to copy files between the local system
and any system reachable over a network.

Function:- A procedure that returns a value and that can be used in an expression.

Function Keys:- The keys to the left or along the top of your keyboard marked as
<F1>, <F2>, etc. These keys serve different purposes which depend on the program
you are using.