Texas Instruments TravelMate 3000, User Manual

Page: 186 / 204

Glossary
fixed disk drive - See hard disk drive.
floppy diskette - A flexible, flat, circular medium that magnetically records and provides
access to stored data. It is divided into concentric circular tracks and wedge-shaped
sectors. The diskette is sealed in a protective square envelope that is lined with a soft
material that cleans as the diskette rotates. The cover has several openings and notches to
accommodate the drive.
formatting - The preparation of various types of magnetic media to accept data. For
example, before you can use diskettes, track and sector information must be set for the
controller. After the diskette is formatted, it can be used for normal input-output and
retrieval operations.
function keys - The keys that perform editing functions in MS-DOS and have
application-defined functions at other times.
graphics - Visual patterns displayed on the screen or produced on a printer; usually
formed by patterns of dots.
hard disk drive - A combination of a drive mechanism and permanently sealed storage
medium; capable of storing large amounts of information.
hardware - The physical components of a computer: central processing unit, internal
memory, drives, printer, display unit, option boards, external devices, etc. Contrast with
software.
hardware options - Any of several devices that can make your computer more efficient
and powerful for your applications.
head - A small electromagnetic device that reads, records, and erases data on a magnetic
storage medium, such as a drive or tape cartridge. Also called a read-write head.
8 Glossary