Technology / Computers Glossary

Fiber Optic: An alternative to copper wire for transmitting information. In fiber optics, pulses of light representing binary data are flashed along a flexible glass fiber. The advantage over copper wiri . . . View Full Definition

File Allocation Table (FAT): Basically this is a table of contents in a directory that tells the computer what all is in there. Look at your Netscape cache, you'll see a FAT. It'll be the first file.

File Server: A computer or a file storage device on a network that allows other computers on the same network access to stored information and resources.

File Sharing: This is the most important feature of the Internet. This is a method of allowing one server to give the same file to many different end users.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP): A method of transferring files over the Internet. May or may not require the client to have an account on the server. Operates on port 21.

FireWire: IEEE standard number 1394. A serial I/O interface boasting transfer rates up to 400MB/sec, 800MB/sec, or 3.2 GB/sec.

Firmware: Software (programs or data) that has been written onto read-only memory (ROM). Firmware is a combination of software and hardware. ROMs, PROMs and EPROMs that have data or programs recorded . . . View Full Definition

Flash Memory: This type of non-volatile memory has the ability to retain its information even when there is no power source. Flash Memory is best known for its use in hand help devices where it is used to . . . View Full Definition

Floppy Disk: A removable disk using a flexible magnetic media in a plastic case. 3.5'' floppy disks are sometimes seen in modern computing, but are quickly being replaced as their predecessors were.

Flow Chart: A graphical representation of planned activities, operations or tasks. Usually, flow charts are used to show the progress of a certain activity. They can also be used to show the variance be . . . View Full Definition

Folder: As displayed in a graphical user interface, simulates a file folder that contains other objects, similar to how one would use a file in a file cabinet.

Form Factor: The physical dimensions of a given device. If two devices are said to have the same form factor then they are physically interchangeable. Often used when referring to the form factor of a PC . . . View Full Definition

Formal Specification: These specifications exist to satisfy predefined properties of a device or program. The word 'formal' in Computer Science is referring to the act of being 'precise'. It takes three language . . . View Full Definition

Format: The organizing and allocation of sectors on a disk adhering to the chosen format standard. Formatting must take place before any data can be written to the disk.

Forms: A web page element that uses text fields, radio buttons and check boxes to process predefined data. Forms also allow users to interact with an application by allowing information to be passe . . . View Full Definition

FORmula TRANslator (FORTRAN): Developed in 1954 by IBM, it is a high-level programming language, most widely used for scientific and engineering applications because it has excellent mathematical functions. Many programm . . . View Full Definition

Freeware: This is a shortened version of Free Software. Programmers offer their work without wanting pay in return.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): An FAQ is a file or document where a moderator or administrator will post commonly asked questions and their answers.

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