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Glossary
Bit
- The smallest unit of digital data. In binary code, a bit is represented logically as a
either a 1 or a 0.
Buffer
– RAM cache that temporarily stores data so it can be delivered to a device as it
is needed.
Bus
– An electronic link that can transmit data between digital devices, such as com-
puters and computer peripherals.
Byte
– A unit of digital data, usually made up of eight bits.
Capacity
– The amount of data that can be stored on a hard drive or other storage
device.
Daisy chain
– A hardware configuration in which peripheral devices are connected to
each other in a series. The FireWire interface, for example, supports a daisy chain of up
to 62 drives.
Data Transfer Rate
– The speed at which data transfers to and from the drive.
Device Driver
– A software program that enables a computer to communicate with
peripheral devices, such as hard drives and CD-ROM drives. Each type of device
requires a different driver.
External Hard Drive
– A external peripheral device containing a hard drive mecha-
nism connected to a computer via a data communication interface.
FAT32
– A file system that organizes files on a disk. This file system is standard for
Windows 98SE and Me, and is supported under Windows 2000 and XP. A single file is
limited in size to 4 GB.
Format
– Sets up a file system for storing and retrieving files on a disk. Referred to as
initialization on Mac.
Gigabyte
– 1,024 megabytes (binary); 1,000 megabytes (decimal), or approximately
one billion bytes.
Hard Drive
– An electromechanical device used for information storage and retrieval,
incorporating one or more rotating disks (platters) on which data is recorded, stored,
and read magnetically.
Hardware
– Physical components of a computer system.
Hot-Pluggable
– The ability to connect and disconnect external devices while the
computer is running.
Hub
– A device which links peripherals together onto the same data bus.
Interface
– Junction between two items of hardware or software for the exchange of
data.
Mb (Megabit)
– One million bits.