| Computer Glossary |
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.
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.
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