Toshiba Encore 2 Instruction Manual

Glossary111
Direct Current (DC)—The type of power usually supplied by 
batteries. DC flows in one direction. Compare 
Alternating 
Current (AC)
.
Direct Memory Access (DMA)—A dedicated channel, 
bypassing the CPU, that enables direct data transfer 
between memory and a device.
directory—See folder.
disable—To turn a computer option off. See also enable.
disc—A round, flat piece of material, designed to be read from 
and written to by optical (laser) technology, and used in the 
production of optical...

112Glossary
DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile [or Video] Disc Read-Only 
Memory)
—A very high-capacity storage medium that uses 
laser optics for reading data. Each DVD-ROM can hold as 
much data as several CD-ROMs. Compare 
CD-ROM.
Eemulation—A technique in which a device or program imitates 
another device or program.
enable—To turn on a computer option. See also disable.
eSATA—An external device that supports hot swapping and 
fast data transfer. Very useful in storing and transferring large 
files....

Glossary113
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 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...

114Glossary
Hibernation—A feature of many Toshiba computers that saves 
to the internal storage drive 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 
Sleep, Suspend.
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...

Glossary115
LED (Light Emitting Diode)—A solid state lamp (SSL) that 
uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the source of light, 
which offers long life and high efficiency output. Multiple 
diodes are used together, since the light created by 
individual light-emitting diodes is small compared to 
incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)—A type of display that uses a 
liquid substance between two transparent electrode panels. 
When an electric current passes through the...

116Glossary
multi-function drive—A DVD drive that can read and write to 
CD and DVD media.
multimedia—A combination of two or more media, such as 
sound, animation, and video in a computer program or 
presentation.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface—See MIDI.
Nnetwork—A collection of computers and associated devices 
that are connected by communications facilities. A network 
allows you to share data and peripheral devices, such as 
printers, with other users and to exchange electronic mail....

Glossary117
peripheral—Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is 
attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s 
CPU.
pixel—Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be 
produced on a screen or printer.
Plug and Play—Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to 
automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices. 
When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed 
by a device manufacturer, allows a computer to configure 
itself automatically to...

118Glossary
removable disk—A disk that can be removed from a disk 
drive. A Flash drive is one example of a removable disk.
resolution—A measure of the sharpness of the images that 
can be produced by a printer or displayed on a screen. For a 
printer, resolution is expressed in dots per inch (dpi). For a 
screen, it is expressed as the number of pixels available 
horizontally and vertically. 
restart—Synonymous with reboot. To reset the computer by 
reloading the operating system without turning the...

Glossary119
solid state drive—A data storage device that utilizes solid-
state memory as opposed to a hard disk (see also 
hard disk). 
Solid state drives hold a large amount of information and are 
used for storage of programs and data.
Start screen—Displays the new Windows® operating system 
look and feel.
Suspend—A feature of some Windows® operating systems 
that allows you to turn off the computer without exiting your 
open applications and to continue from where you left off 
when you turn the...

120Glossary
utility—A computer program designed to perform a narrowly 
focused operation or solve a specific problem. Utilities are 
often related to computer system management.
WWeb—See World Wide Web.
Wi-Fi®—A registered trademark term of the Wi-Fi Alliance that 
stands for Wireless Fidelity, and is another term for the 
communication protocol to permit an Ethernet connection 
using wireless communication components. 
World Wide Web (www)—The worldwide network of Web 
sites linked together over the...