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Glossary
hot key — (1) A feature in which certain keys in combination with the
Fn key can set system options or control system parameters, such as
the battery save mode. (2) A key or combination of keys that
activates a memory resident program.
hot swapping — The ability to add or remove devices from a computer
while the computer is running and have the operating system
automatically recognize the change.
I
icon — A small image displayed on the screen that represents a function,
file, or program.
interlaced — A method of refreshing a computer screen, in which only
every other line of pixels is refreshed. Interlaced monitors take two
passes to create a complete screen image. Compare non-interlaced.
internal device — See device.
Internet — The decentralized, world-wide network of computers that
provides electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and other services.
See also World Wide Web.
K
keyboard shortcut — A key or combination of keys that you use to
perform a task instead of using a pointing device such as a mouse.
L
L1 (level one) cache — Memory cache built into the processor to help
improve processing speed. See also cache, CPU cache, L2 cache.
L2 (level two) cache — Memory cache installed on the motherboard to
help improve processing speed. It is slower than L1 cache and faster
than main memory. See also cache, CPU cache, L1 cache.
LAN (local area network) — A group of computers or other devices
dispersed over a relatively limited area and connected by a
communications link that enables any device to interact with any
other on the network.
liquid crystal display (LCD) — A type of display that uses a liquid
substance between two transparent electrode panels. When an
electric current passes through the electrodes, the molecules in the
liquid form a crystalline pattern that polarizes the light passing
through it. A filter over the electrodes permits only non-polarized
light to pass to the surface of the display, creating light and dark
pixels.
load — To move information from a storage device (such as a hard disk)
into memory for processing.