Texas Instruments TravelMate 5000 Series User Reference Manual page 252

Glossary
formatting — The preparation of various types of magnetic
media to accept data. For example, before you can use
floppies, track and sector information must be set for the
controller. After the floppy is formatted, it can be used for
normal input-output and retrieval operations.
function keys — The keys that perform editing functions in
and have application-defined functions at other
MS-DOS
times.
graphics — Visual patterns displayed on the screen or
produced on a printer; usually formed by patterns of dots.
hard 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.
head — A small electromagnetic device that reads, records,
and erases data on a magnetic storage medium, such as a
drive or tape. Also called a read-write head.
hexadecimal — A numbering system that consists of 16
symbols, 0 to 9 and A to F; used by programmers as a
convenient method of expressing binary values.
input — Information that enters the computer.
input/output — An operation that transfers information
from the central processing unit to a device or from a device
to the central processing unit. An example is storing and
retrieving information with a floppy.
8 Glossary