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Glossary
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eSATA—An external device that supports hot swapping and
fast data transfer. Very useful in storing and transferring large
files.
executable file—A computer program that is ready to run.
Application programs and batch files are examples of
executable files. Names of executable files usually end with
a .bat or .exe extension.
expansion device—A device that connects to a computer to
expand its capabilities. Other names for an expansion device
are port expander, port replicator, docking station, or
network adapter.
extension—See file extension.
external device—See device.
F
file—A collection of related information, saved on disk with a
unique name. A file may be a program, information used by a
program, or a document. See also document.
File Allocation Table (FAT)—The section of a storage drive
that keeps track of the location of stored files.
file name—A set of characters that uniquely identifies a file
within a particular folder. It consists of two parts: the actual
name and the file name extension. See also file extension.
file extension—The three characters following the period
(pronounced “dot”) at the end of a file name. The extension
indicates the type of file. Examples are .exe for program files
and .hlp for help files. See also file name.
folder—Also called directory. A container for organizing files
saved to a disk. A folder is symbolized on screen by a
graphical image (icon) of a file folder. A folder can contain
files and other folders.
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.