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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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