Glossary
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LaCie DVD Dual Drive
User’s Manual
Format, -ting, -ted –
This is a process where a device is prepared to record data. In this process, the hard disk writes special
information onto its own recording surfaces into areas (blocks) that are ready to accept user data. Since this operation causes
all current user data stored on the hard disk to be lost, this is an infrequent operation that usually only happens at the factory
that created the hard disk. It is unusual for something to happen to a hard disk that requires the end-user to initially perform
this operation.
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.
Hot-plug, -gable –
The ability to plug in a cable or connector while the computer and peripheral are powered-on without
danger of system errors. Both FireWire and USB interfaces are hot-pluggable, while SCSI is not.
Hub –
A device which links several peripherals together onto the same bus. Active hubs, which regenerate and retransmit
signals down the cable, require a power supply. Passive hubs only interconnect various components.
Initialize, -ed, Initialization –
After a hard drive (or other storage device) is formatted and partitioned, some special data
needs to be written to it that helps the Mac and Windows create files and save data. The process is called initialization. This
process, like formatting, causes all user data on the storage device to be lost.
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.
Kb (Kilobit) –
Equivalent to 1,000 bits.
Kb/s –
Kilobits per second. 480Kb/s is equal to 60KB/s.
KB (KiloByte) –
Basically, this means 1,000 bytes, but it is actually 1,024 bytes.
