Glossary
SuperLoader 3 Autoloader User’s Guide
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computer or tape drive. Distinct from software, which is stored in
random access memory and can be altered with ease.
format
A magnetic track pattern that specifies the locations of the tracks
and sectors. This information must exist on a tape before it can
store any user data. Formatting erases any previously stored
data.
formatted capacity
The amount of room left to store data on a tape after
writing the sector headers, boundary definitions, and timing
information during a format operation.
Form Factor 1
The industry standard that defines the physical, external
dimensions of a particular device.
Form Factor 2
The general geometric dimensions of a drive or width of a
piece of tape media.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to transfer files over a
TCP/IP network.
full height
Dimensions of a drive that meet standard height
requirements, usually 3.25 inches (82.55 mm) for a tape or disk
drive product.
G
GB
Gigabyte. A unit of measurement equal to 1 million kilobytes.
GHz
Gigahertz. A measurement of frequency that equals one
thousand million Hz, or one thousand MHz. Speeds for
computer microprocessors, buses, and interfaces are often
measured in GHz.
H
half height
Standard drive size equivalent to half the vertical space of a
5.25 inch (133.35 mm) drive.
hard drive
A drive that reads and writes data on a hard disk. The terms
hard drive and hard disk are often used interchangeably.
hard error
A data error that persists when the tape is reread, usually
caused by defects in the physical surface.
head
The tiny electromagnetic coil and metal pole used to create and
read back the magnetic patters on the tape. Also known as the
read/write head.
head life
The length of time a tape drive head will function without
replacement or repair, usually measured in hours of use.
