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execute: To perform a command or run a program.
executable file: A computer program that is ready to run. Application
programs and batch files are examples of executable files. Names of
executable files usually end with a .bat, .com, or .exe extension.
extended memory: Memory beyond 1 MB. Windows 95/98 and NT,
OS/2, and some MS-DOS programs use extended memory.
extension: See filename extension.
external device: Any device connected to a port on your computer.
Examples of external devices are printers, tape backup units, and
scanners.
F
faceplate: A protective cover that can be removed to permit the
installation of an additional device.
file: A collection of related information (such as the information required
for a program or document) saved on disk with a unique name. See
also document.
file allocation table (FAT): The section of a disk that keeps track of the
location of files stored on the disk.
file name: A set of characters that uniquely identifies a file within its
folder or directory. It consists of two parts: the actual name and the
file extension. In Windows for Workgroups and DOS, the first part
of the name is limited to eight characters. In Windows 95/98 and
Windows NT, a file name can be up to 255 characters. See also file
extension.
file extension: The characters at the end of a file name, starting with a
period. They indicate the type of file. In Windows and DOS,
extensions consist of three characters apart from the period.
Examples are .exe for program files, .hlp for help files, .bmp for
bitmap files, .ini for initialization files.
firewall: A security system that prevents computers in an organization's
network from communicating directly with computers outside the
network. It consists of a computer system which controls access to
the organization's network and routes incoming and outgoing
messages. See also proxy server.
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Glossary
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