IBM Deskstar 14GXP Installation Manual page 28

Electrostatic Discharge
The rapid change in electrical energy caused by static electricity. This can damage or destroy
electronic equipment or hardware. Prevention consists of grounding oneself before handling any
electronic equipment.
FAT16/FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
The file allocation tables are specific sectors in a hard drive that contain an address book for the differ-
ent files on a hard disk drive. In other words, it keeps track of the physical location on each platter
where files are stored. There are usually two FATs (kept in different locations) on a hard drive. One is
kept as a backup in case data corruption occurs on the other FAT. FAT32 is used in the Windows® 95
& Windows® 98 operating system. FAT32 receives its designation because it allows 32 bits of data to
be read as opposed to 16 bits at a time as in the older FAT16.
FDISK
FDISK is a program run in DOS that allows a user to partition a hard disk drive. Partitioning your hard
disk drive is essential for it to work properly.
Format
When a hard disk is formatted, the computer writes a magnetic track pattern onto a disk surface, speci-
fying the locations of the tracks and sectors. This information must exist on a hard disk before it can
store data.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
In the Internet suite of protocols, an application layer protocol that uses TCP and Telnet services to
transfer bulk-data files between machines or hosts.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
A stand alone disk drive that reads and writes data on rigid disks and can be attached to a port on the
system unit. Synonymous with fixed disk drive, hard drive.
Head
The tiny electromagnetic coil and metal pole used to create and read back magnetic patterns on the
disk.
HPFS (High Performance File System)
HPFS is the file system used by OS/2. HPFS is more efficient, gives better performance and resists
fragmentation better that FAT.
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)
Also known as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) by ANSI. IDE technology was developed to
overcome CMOS limitations in older computers. IDE is used as one of the standard interfaces be-
tween a computer's input/output devices and the motherboard. Although it can be used with other bus
standards the IDE interface was originally based on the IBM PC ISA16 bit bus standard. The nature of
the IDE interface allows for only two components to be attached to each bus; one designated master
and the other slave. The IDE bus is unterminated, therefore, an IDE cable cannot exceed 18 inches.
Interface
A hardware of software protocol (contained in the electronics of the disk controller and drive) that
manages the exchange of data between the hard disk drive and the computer. The most common
interfaces for small computer systems are ATA (IDE) and SCSI.
Jumpers and Jumper Settings
Jumpers are small pieces of plastic with a conductive center. Jumpers are used to connect pins on a
device to provide settings that are changeable by the user, but remain constant during operation.
Master Drive
Master refers to the primary device (usually a hard disk drive) in an ATA interface.
Motherboard
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