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format — (verb) To prepare a blank disk for use with the computer's
operating system. Formatting creates a structure on the disk so the
operating system can write information to the disk or read
information from it.
frontside bus — The primary pathway (bus) between the CPU and the
computer's main memory. Also called "system bus." See also bus.
function keys — The keys labeled F1 through F12, typically located on
the keyboard. Their function is determined by the operating system
and/or individual programs.
G
gigabyte (GB) — A unit of data equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes (1024 x
1024 x 1024 bytes). 1 Gigabyte (GB) means 1000 x 1000 x 1000 =
1,000,000,000 bytes using powers of 10. The computer operating
system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the
definition of 1 GB = 1024 x 1024 x 1024 = 1,073,741,824 bytes,
and therefore may show less storage capacity. Available storage
capacity will also be less if the product includes one or more
preinstalled operating systems, such as Microsoft Operating System
and/or preinstalled software applications, or media content. Actual
formatted capacity may vary. See also byte.
ground — A conductor to which all components of an electric circuit are
connected. It has a potential of zero (0) volts, is connected to the
earth, and is the point of reference for voltages in the circuit.
H
hard disk — A storage device composed of a rigid platter or platters that
can be magnetically coded with data. Hard disks hold much more
information than diskettes and are used for long-term storage of
programs and data. The primary (or only) hard disk in a computer is
usually fixed, but some computers have secondary hard disks that
are removable. By default, the hard disk is referred to as drive C.
hardware — The physical components of a computer system. Compare
software.
Hibernation — A feature of many Toshiba notebook computers that
saves to the hard disk the current state of your work, including all
open files and programs, when you turn the computer off. When
you turn on the computer again, your work is returned to the same
state it was when the computer was turned off. See also Standby,
Suspend.
245
Glossary
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