Glossary
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
ANSI is the lead organization for encouraging and developing technological standards. ANSI represents
the United States in the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and the ISO (International
Standards Organization).
Backup
Storing information from a hard drive to another storage area in order to prevent data loss.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
The BIOS is the first level of software contained in a computer. It provides basic, low level control for key-
boards, video, hard disk drives, and floppy drives. It also provides the initial intelligence that allows
the
computer system to find an operating system to run.
Boot/Boot-up
To prepare a computer for operation by loading an operating system.
Capacity
The amount of information, expressed in bytes, that can be stored on a hard drive. Also known as
storage capacity.
Compatibility
The capability of a hardware or software component to conform with the interface requirements of a given
data processing system without adversely affecting its functions.
Disk drive
The primary data storage device used by computers. Disk drives are used to record, store and retrieve
digital information.
Electrostatic discharge
The rapid change in electrical energy caused by static electricity. This can damage or destroy electronic
equipment or hardware. Electrostatic discharge can be
prevented by grounding oneself before handling
any electronic equipment.
FAT16 & FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
The file allocation table is a group of sectors in a hard drive that contains address chains for the different
files on a hard disk drive. There are usually two FATs (kept in different locations) on a hard drive.
FAT32 is available in the Windows® 95 & Windows® 98 operating systems. FAT32 receives its
designation because it allows 32 bits of addressing as opposed to 16 bits in the FAT16 file system.
FDISK
FDISK is a program run in DOS that allows a user to partition a hard disk drive. Partitioning your hard
disk drive is essential for it to work properly.
Format
To prepare a hard drive so that it can store data. In the DOS formatting process,
the computer verifies
the clusters within a partition.
Hard disk drive (HDD)
A stand alone disk drive that reads and writes data onto rigid disks and can be attached to a port on the
system unit. Synonymous with fixed disk drive and hard drive.
Interface
A hardware or software protocol, contained in the electronics of the disk controller and drive, that man-
ages the exchange of data between the hard disk drive and the computer. The most common interfaces
for small computer systems are ATA (IDE) and SCSI.
IBM storage products
Page 21
IBM Hard Disk Drive Technical Support Center version 2.0
34L3743IG10
