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Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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). 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.
Hibernate — 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.
high-density diskette — A 3.5-inch diskette that holds 1.44 MB of data.
See also diskette.
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.