Abbreviations
Lists common abbreviations used throughout the manual.
AccuPoint
A pointing device integrated into the TOSHIBA computer keyboard.
adaptor
A device providing a compatible connection between two units.
alphanumeric
Keyboard characters including letters, numbers, and symbols.
analog signal
A signal whose characteristics vary in proportion to the value transmitted.
application
A group of programs used for a specific task.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
asynchronous
Method of transmitting data without a steady stream of bits.
backup
A copy of a file kept in case the original is lost or damaged.
binary
The number system composed of zeros and ones.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System; firmware controlling data flow within the computer.
bit
The basic unit of information, either zero or one.
Bluetooth
Short-range radio technology for wireless communication.
board
A circuit board containing electronic components.
boot
A program that starts or restarts the computer.
bps
Bits per second; used to describe data transmission speed.
buffer
Portion of memory where data is temporarily stored.
bus
An interface for transmission of signals, data, or electric power.
byte
Representation of a single character; sequence of eight bits.
cache memory
Fast memory section for quick access to frequently used information.
capacity
Amount of data that can be stored on a magnetic storage device.
CD
An individual compact disc.
CD-R
Compact Disc-Recordable; writable once, readable many times.
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory; readable but not writable.
CD-RW
Compact Disc-ReWritable; can be rewritten many times.
character
Any letter, number, punctuation mark, or symbol used by the computer.
chassis
The frame containing the computer.
chip
Small semiconductor containing computer logic and circuitry.
click
Press and release the pointing device's primary button.
CMOS
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor; low-power electronic circuit.
cold start
Starting a computer that is currently off.
commands
Instructions entered at the keyboard to direct computer actions.
compatibility
Ability of a computer or device to accept/process data or connect.
components
Elements or parts that make up a whole system.
computer program
A set of instructions for a computer to achieve a desired result.
computer system
Combination of hardware, software, firmware, and peripherals.
configuration
Specific components and settings that define how the system works.
controller
Hardware/software controlling internal or peripheral device functions.
CPU
Central Processing Unit; interprets and executes instructions.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube; used in display devices like televisions.
cursor
A blinking rectangle or line indicating the current position on the screen.
data
Information that a computer can process, store, or retrieve.
data bits
Parameter controlling the number of bits used to make up a byte.
DC
Direct Current; electric current usually supplied by batteries.
default
The parameter value automatically selected by the system.
delete
To remove data from a disk or storage device.
device driver
Program permitting a computer to communicate with a device.
dialog box
Window accepting user input for settings or information.
disable
To turn a computer option off.
disk drive
Device that accesses and copies information from a disk.
disk storage
Storing data on magnetic disk, arranged on concentric tracks.
display
Device used to view computer output, e.g., CRT, LCD.
documentation
Manuals and instructions for users of a computer system or application.
double click
Press and release the pointing device's primary button rapidly twice.
driver
Software program controlling a specific piece of hardware.
DVD
An individual digital versatile (or video) disc.
DVD-R (+R, -R)
Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable; writable once, readable many times.
DVD-RAM
Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory; stores large data volumes.
DVD-ROM
Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory; high capacity disc.
echo
Sends back a reflection of transmitted data to the sending device.
enable
To turn on a computer option.
escape
Code signaling commands or aborting a task.
execute
To interpret and execute an instruction.
fast infrared
Industry standard for cableless infrared serial data transfer.
file
A collection of related information; can contain data, programs, or both.
firmware
Instructions built into hardware controlling microprocessor activities.
flash memory
Non-volatile memory that can be written to and read.
folder
An icon in Windows used to store documents or other folders.
format
Process of readying a blank disk for its first use.
function keys
Keys labeled F1 through F12 that perform specific computer functions.
graphics
Drawings, pictures, or images used to present information.
hard disk
Storage device composed of rigid platters holding data.
hardware
Physical electronic and mechanical components of a computer system.
hertz
A unit of wave frequency equal to one cycle per second.
host computer
Computer that controls, regulates, and transmits information to devices.
hot key
Key combination using FN key to set system parameters.
HW Setup
TOSHIBA utility to set parameters for various hardware components.
icon
Small graphic image displayed on screen or indicator panel.
input
Data or instructions provided to a computer.
instruction
Statements or commands specifying how to perform a task.
interface
Hardware/software components for connecting systems or devices.
I/O
Input/output; acceptance and transfer of data to/from a computer.
I/O devices
Equipment used to communicate with the computer and transfer data.
keyboard
Input device with switches activated by pressing keys.
L1 cache
Level one cache; processor memory for improving speed.
L2 cache
Memory cache on motherboard for improving processing speed.
LAN
Group of computers connected by a communications link.
memory
Computer's main memory where programs run and data is stored.
menu
Software interface displaying a list of options on the screen.
microprocessor
Hardware component carrying out instructions; central processing unit.
mode
A method of operation, e.g., Shut Down, Sleep, or Hibernation.
modem
Device converting digital data for telephone line transmission.
monitor
Device displaying alphanumeric characters or graphic images.
motherboard
Main printed circuit board in processing equipment.
network
Collection of computers and devices connected by communications facilities.
non-system disk
Disk for storing programs and data that cannot start the computer.
OCR
Optical Character Recognition; identifies characters using laser or light.
online state
Functional state of a peripheral device ready to receive or transmit data.
output
The results of a computer operation, commonly indicating data.
parallel
Processes occurring simultaneously; transmits more than one bit at a time.
parity
Error detection bit added to data bits to make bit sum even or odd.
password
Unique string of characters identifying a specific user.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect; industry standard 32-bit bus.
peripheral
Any device attached to the computer and controlled by the CPU.
pixel
A picture element; the smallest dot on a display or printer.
plug and play
Windows capability to recognize external devices and configure them.
pointing device
Device, like Touch Pad or mouse, to move the cursor on screen.
port
Electrical connection for sending and receiving data.
Power Saver
TOSHIBA utility to set parameters for power-saving functions.
program
Set of instructions a computer executes to achieve a result.
prompt
Message indicating computer is ready for information or action.
resolution
Measure of sharpness of images produced by printer or displayed on screen.
restart
Resetting a computer without turning it off; also called warm boot.
RGB
Red, Green, and Blue; used in color displays.
serial
Processes occurring one at a time; transmits one bit sequentially.
software
Programs, procedures, and documentation controlling computer activities.
system disk
Disk containing operating system files needed to start the computer.
terminal
Keyboard and display screen connected to computer for data input/output.
TFT display
Liquid Crystal Display using active-matrix technology.
Touch Pad
Pointing device integrated into the TOSHIBA computer palm rest.
USB
Universal Serial Bus; serial interface for connecting devices.
VGA
Video Graphics Array; standard video adaptor for running software.
volatile memory
Random access memory (RAM) storing information while power is supplied.
warm start
Restarting or resetting a computer without turning it off.
Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity; communication protocol for Ethernet using wireless components.
window
Portion of screen displaying an application, document, or dialog box.
Wireless LAN
Local Area Network (LAN) through wireless communication.
Wireless WAN
Wide Area Network (WAN) through wireless communication.
write protection
Method for protecting a floppy diskette from accidental erasure.
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