| Glossary of Terms |
| All Numbers A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
F
facsimile
(See "fax".)
fall back
A drop to a lower speed usually caused by poor line conditions. A modem will be said to "fall forward" if it returns to the higher speed when line conditions improve.
FAQ
(See "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)".)
FAT
(See "File Allocation Table (FAT)".)
fault tolerant
Able to withstand a considerable degree of error without crashing. This may involve copying data or mirroring data and having extra capacity. It is often achieved by using several separate processors, each monitoring the others and operating a voting system, so that if one fails, the others shut it down, call for human help and carry on operations.
fax
A way of transmitting text over the phone lines.
fax modem
A modem that sends and receives facsimiles.
FDDI
(See "Fiber optic Data Distribution Interface (FDDI)".)
Fiber optic Data Distribution Interface (FDDI)
In networks or telecommunications, a cable interface capable of transmitting data at 100 Mbps. Originally specified for fiber optic lines, it can also operate over twisted-pair cable for short distances.
file
A complete, named collection of information, such as a program, a set of data used by a program, or a user-created document. A file is the basic unit of storage that enables a computer to distinguish one set of information from another.
File Allocation Table (FAT)
A table or list maintained by some operating systems to keep track of the status of various segments of disk space used for file storage. It enables the operating system to maintain a "map" of available disk storage space so that it can mark flawed segments that should not be used and can find and link the pieces of a file.
file compression
(See "compression".)
file extension
The second part of a file name comprising of three characters. For examle: systems.doc. "Doc" is the ectension of the file name "systems."
file format
The scheme for delimiting (i.e. indicating the start and end of) fields and records within a file.
file server
A computer that holds data for network users.
filename
The set of letters, numbers, and allowable symbols assigned to a file that distinguishes it from all other files in a particular directory on a disk. A filename is the "handle" by which a computer user saves and requests a block of information.
firewall
A protective system of coding that isolates sensitive parts of a system or confidential areas from users who do not have the authority (passwords) for access.
firmware
Permanently encoded programs on ROM. Sometimes alterable in semi-permanent storage.
flat file
Records laid out in columns and rows, each record containing the same sort of information in each of the columns. A flat file has the same format as a table, but the name is used to differentiate this data from relational database data. Flat files are used to transfer data between incompatible systems.
floppy disk
A round, flat piece of Mylar coated with ferric oxide, a rustlike substance containing tiny particles capable of holding a magnetic field, and encased in a protective plastic cover, the disk jacket. Data is stored on a floppy disk by the disk drive�s read/write head, which alters the magnetic orientation of the particles.
floppy disk drive
An electromechanical device that reads data from and writes to floppy or microfloppy disks.
flow chart
In software development, a visual representation of the flow of data through the various entities of a system.
focus
Sharpness of a pixel or series of pixels on the CRT face plate. Also measured as the spot size.
font
Traditionally, a set of characters of the same typeface (such as Courier), style (such as italic), stroke weight (such as bold) and size. A font is not to be confused with a typeface. Font is a specific size of a specific typeface, such as 12-point Helvetica or 10-point Times Roman. Typeface refers to the design itself.
(Also see "typeface".)
format
As a noun, the structure or appearance of a unit of data, such as a file, fields in a database record, a cell in a spreadsheet, or the text in a word-processed document. As a verb, to format text or the contents of a cell in a spreadsheet means to change the appearance of the selected material. To format a disk means to prepare a disk for use.
freeware
Software available on the internet or via E-mail which can be taken without charge.
frequency
Defines number of events during a time period. Hertz (Hz) is a measurement of frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A list of commonly asked questions and answers on a particular subject and their answers.
full duplex
(See "duplex".)
function keys
Any of the 10 or more keys labeled F1, F2, F3, and so on that are placed along the left side or across the top of the keyboard and are used for special tasks by different programs. A function key is in essence a "programmable" key whose meaning is defined by a program or, in some instances, by the user. A function key is used by an application program or an operating system to provide either a shortcut for a series of common instructions or a function that is not otherwise available.
Several glossary definitions supplied and copyrighted by:
Microsoft® Corporation. To order the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary, call Microsoft Press at 800-MSPRESS.
MDA Computing Ltd. For MDA Computing�s complete glossary of terms, go to www.mdagroup.com.
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