Toshiba L50b User Guide

							Glossary161
Bbackup—A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in 
case the original file is lost or damaged.
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)—See BIOS.
baud rate—The speed at which a communication device, such 
as a printer or modem, transmits information. Baud rate is 
the number of signal changes per second (not necessarily 
the same as bits per second). See also 
bits per second.
Blu-ray Disc (BD)—Offering more storage capacity than 
DVDs, the format was developed to allow for more data 
storage and to enable recording and playback of high-
definition video (HD).
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)—Basic instructions, 
stored in read-only memory (ROM), containing the 
information the computer needs to check hardware and load 
the operating system when you start up the computer.
bits per second (bps)—A way of measuring the speed at 
which information is passed between two devices. This is 
the basic unit of measure used in modem communications, 
and is similar, but not identical, to the baud rate. See also 
baud rate.
boot—To start the computer. The term “boot” originates from 
bootstrap program (as in “pulling itself up by its bootstraps”), 
a program that loads and initializes the operating system. 
See also 
reboot.
boot disk—See system disk.
boot priority (startup sequence)—The order in which the 
computer accesses its internal storage drives to locate the 
startup files. Under the default startup sequence, the 
computer looks for the startup files in the external media 
before checking the internal storage drive.
bus—An electrical circuit that connects the central processing 
unit (CPU) with other parts of the computer, such as the 
video adapter, disk drives, and ports. It is the pathway 
through which data flows from one device to another. See 
also 
bus speed, frontside bus.
bus speed—The speed at which the central processing unit 
(CPU) communicates with the other parts of the computer. 
						

							162Glossary
Ccache—A section of very fast memory in which frequently used 
information is duplicated for quick access. Accessing data 
from cache is faster than accessing it from the computer’s 
main memory. See also 
CPU cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.
CD—An individual compact disc. See also CD-ROM.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory)—A form 
of high-capacity storage that uses laser optics instead of 
magnetic means for reading data. See also 
CD. Compare 
DVD-ROM.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)—The chip that functions as 
the “brain” of the computer. It takes information from outside 
sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes the 
information, and sends the results to another device that 
uses the information.
character—Any letter, number, or symbol you can use on the 
computer. Some characters are non-printing characters, 
such as a paragraph break in a word-processing program. A 
character occupies one byte of computer storage.
Charm/charms—Start screen icons that slide out from the 
right side of the screen and direct you to various Windows® 
functions.
chip—A small piece of silicon containing computer logic and 
circuits for processing, memory, input/output, and/or control 
functions. Chips are mounted on printed circuit boards.
click—To press and release the pointing device’s primary button 
without moving the pointing device. In the Windows® 
operating system, this refers to the pointing device’s left 
button, unless otherwise stated. See also 
double-click.
color palette—A set of specified colors that establishes the 
colors that can be displayed on the screen at a particular 
time.
compatibility—The extent to which computers, programs, or 
devices can work together harmoniously, using the same 
commands, formats, or language as another.
configuration—(1) The collection of components that make up 
a single computer system. (2) How parts of the system are 
set up (that is, configured). 
						

							Glossary163
controller—A device that controls the transfer of data from a 
computer to a peripheral device and vice versa. For 
example, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, and printers all 
require controllers.
CPU—See Central Processing Unit (CPU).
CPU cache—A section of very fast memory residing between 
the CPU and the computer’s main memory that temporarily 
stores data and instructions the CPU will need to execute 
commands and programs. See also 
cache, L1 cache, L2 
cache
.
cursor—An on-screen symbol (usually a flashing vertical line) 
that indicates the position where characters will appear 
when you enter data.
DDesktop—Offers the traditional look and feel of the Windows® 
desktop found in Windows® 7 and earlier releases of the 
Windows® operating system.
default—The setting selected by a program when the user does 
not specify an alternative setting.
device—A component attached to the computer. Devices may 
be external (outside the computer’s case) or internal (inside 
the computer’s case). Printers, disk drives, and modems are 
examples of devices.
device driver—A program (called a “driver”) that permits a 
computer to communicate with a device.
dialog box—An on-screen window displayed by the operating 
system or a program giving a direction or requesting input 
from the user.
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. 
						

							164Glossary
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 discs, such as CDs and DVDs. 
Compare 
disk.
disk—A round, flat piece of material that can be magnetically 
influenced to hold information in digital form, and used in the 
production of magnetic disks, such as hard disks. Compare 
disc. See also hard disk.
disk drive—The device that reads and writes information and 
programs on external media or hard disk. It rotates the disk 
at high speed past one or more read/write heads.
document—Any file created with an application and, if saved 
to disk, given a name by which it can be retrieved. See also 
file.
double-click—To press and release the pointing device’s 
primary button rapidly twice without moving the pointing 
device. In the Windows
® operating system, this refers to the 
pointing device’s left button, unless otherwise stated.
download—(1) In communications, to receive a file from 
another computer through a modem or network. (2) To send 
font data from the computer to a printer. See also 
upload.
drag—To hold down the mouse button while moving the pointer 
to drag a selected object. In the Windows® operating 
system, this refers to the left mouse button, unless otherwise 
stated.
driver—See device driver.
DVD—An individual digital versatile (or video) disc. See also 
DVD-ROM.
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. 
						

							Glossary165
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.
Ffile—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. 
						

							166Glossary
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 battery save mode. 
(2) A key or combination of keys that activates a memory 
resident program.
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.
Gground—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.
Hhard 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 some external media 
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.
hardware—The physical components of a computer system. 
Compare 
software.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)—An 
interface used to transmit high quality audio and video signal 
via a single cable in digital format, providing better picture 
quality than analog signal.
HDMI-CEC (HDMI Consumer Electronics Control)—
One A/V component can control another while using this 
function, if connected with HDMI cables. See also 
HDMI. 
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 change. 
						

							Glossary167
Iicon—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.
Kkeyboard shortcut—A key or combination of keys that you 
use to perform a task instead of using a pointing device such 
as a mouse. 
LL1 (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.
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 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. 
						

							168Glossary
load—To move information from a storage device (such as a 
hard disk) into memory for processing.
local area network—See LAN.
logical drive—A section of a disk that is recognized by the 
operating system as a separate disk drive. A system’s logical 
drives may differ from its physical drives. For example, a 
single hard disk drive may be partitioned into two or more 
logical drives.
Mmemory—Typically refers to the computer’s main memory, 
where programs are run and data is temporarily stored and 
processed. Memory can be volatile and hold data 
temporarily, such as RAM, or it can be non-volatile and hold 
data permanently, such as ROM. A computer’s main 
memory is RAM. See also 
RAM, ROM.
microprocessor—See Central Processing Unit (CPU).
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)—A standard 
for connecting musical instruments, synthesizers, and 
computers. The MIDI standard provides a way of translating 
music into a form computers can use, and vice versa.
motherboard—The computer’s main circuit board that 
contains the processor, memory, and other primary 
components.
MS-DOS prompt—See system prompt.
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. 
						

							Glossary169
non-interlaced—A method of refreshing a computer screen, 
in which each pixel of every line is refreshed as the electron 
beam scans across and down the screen. Compare 
interlaced.
non-system disk—A disk for storing programs and data that 
cannot be used to start the computer. Compare 
system disk.
Oonline—Available through the computer. Online may refer to 
information being read from your own computer’s internal 
storage drive, such as online documentation or online Help, 
or to information coming from another company on a 
company network or the Internet.
operating system—A set of programs that controls how the 
computer works. Examples of operating systems are the 
Windows Vista
®, Windows® 7, and Windows 8 operating 
systems.
optical disc drive—A drive which reads plastic coated discs 
on which   information is recorded digitally, and uses a laser 
to read data, music, or videos.
Ppalette—See color palette.
password—A unique string of characters entered by a user to 
verify his or her identity to the computer or the network.
PC Card—A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to 
increase the capabilities of computers. PC Cards provide 
functions such as modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive, 
network adapter, sound card, or SCSI adapter.
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 work with the device. 
						

							170Glossary
pointer—An icon (usually an arrow) that moves on the screen 
when you slide your finger across the touch pad or move a 
mouse. Used to point to and select/activate on-screen 
items, such as icons, menu items, and buttons. The shape 
and purpose of the pointer varies depending on the program 
you are using and what you are doing.
pointing device—Any device, such as the touch pad or a 
mouse, that enables you to move the pointer on the screen.
port—A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for 
connection to a network or a peripheral device.
processor—See Central Processing Unit (CPU).
program—A set of instructions that can be executed by a 
computer. The general classes of programs (also called 
software) are operating system, application, and utility. See 
also 
operating system, application, utility.
properties—The attributes of an object or device. For example, 
the properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and 
creation date. 
RRAM (Random Access Memory)—Volatile memory that 
can be written to as well as read. 
Volatile here means that 
information in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. 
This type of memory is used for your computer’s main 
memory. See also 
memory. Compare ROM.
Random Access Memory—See RAM.
Read-Only Memory—See ROM.
reboot—See boot, restart.
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 computer 
off. See also 
boot.