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386
expanded memory: A way of setting up memory beyond the 640KB of
conventional memory. This memory is used according to the stan-
dard developed jointly by Lotus, Intel, and Microsoft (LIM),
known as the Expanded Memory Specification (EMS). This stan-
dard is abbreviated LIM-EMS.
extended memory: Memory beyond 1MB. Microsoft Windows 95,
OS/2 and some MS-DOS programs use extended memory.
external device: Any device connected to a port on your computer.
Examples of external devices are parallel printers, tape backup
units, and external modems.
F
file: A collection of information, saved on disk with a unique name
(such as the information required for a program or document).
file allocation table (FAT): The section of a disk that keeps track of the
location of files stored on the disk.
firmware: A type of memory chip that contains permanent informa-
tion, such as the ROM chips that contain the instructions for direct
control of a computer's components.
floppy disk: Another name for a diskette.
format: To prepare a blank disk for use with the computer's operating
system. Formatting creates a structure on the disk so the drive can
read from and write to the disk.
function keys: The keys labeled F1 through F12. They are located
above the alphanumeric keys on the keyboard. Their function is
determined by the operating system and/or individual programs.
G
gigabyte (GB): 1,073,741,824 bytes (1024 x 1024 x 1024 bytes).
graphics: Information presented as drawings, pictures or other images,
such as charts or graphs.
ground: A conductor to which all components of an electric circuit are
connected. It is the point of reference for voltages in the circuit.
Part III: Appendixes
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