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fills one of the free slots inside your PC and which enables a peripheral (CD-
ROM drive, scanner or printer, for instance) to be connected to the computer.
Cross-platform –
Term that refers to a device that is able to be operated by
both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Data Stream –
The flow of data that accomplishes a task, usually related to
moving data from storage to computer RAM or between storage devices.
Digital –
Discrete information that can be broken down to zero or one bits.
Driver (peripheral manager) –
A software component that enables the
computer system to communicate with a peripheral. Most peripherals will not
operate correctly – if at all – if the appropriate drivers are not installed on the
system.
Firmware –
Permanent or semi-permanent instructions and data
programmed directly into the circuitry of a programmable read-only memory
or an electronically-erasable, programmable read-only memory chip. Used for
controlling the operation of the computer or tape drive. Distinct from the
software, which is stored in random access memory and can be altered.
Folder –
A list created on a disk to store files. Creating folders and sub-
folders enables you to organize the storage of your files in a logical,
hierarchical manner so that you can find and manage them more easily.
GB (GigaByte) –
This value is normally associated with data storage
capacity. Basically, it means a thousand million or a billion bytes. In fact, it
equals 1,073,741,824 bytes (or 1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024).
Hardware –
Physical components of a computer system, including the
computer itself and peripherals such as printers, modems, mice, etc.
Host Bus Adapter (HBA) –
A printed circuit board that installs in a standard
microcomputer and an interface between the device controller and the
computer. Also called a controller.
Interface –
The protocol data transmitters, data receivers, logic and wiring
that link one piece of computer equipment to another, such as a hard drive to
an adapter or an adapter to a system bus. Protocol means a set of rules for
operating the physical interface, such as: do not read or write before the drive
is ready.
I/O (Input/Output) –
Refers to an operation, program or device whose
purpose is to enter data into or to extract data from a computer.