Toshiba Satellite 1100 Manual

							221
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
PCMCIA  Personal Computer Memory Card International 
Association
RAM  random access memory
RFI  radio frequency interference
ROM read-only memory
RTC real-time clock
SCSI  small computer system interface
SDRAM  synchronous dynamic random access memory
SRAM  static random access memory
SVGA  super video graphics adapter
TFT  thin film transistor
USB  universal serial bus
URLuniform resource locator
WA Nwide area network
www  World Wide Web
Te r m s
The following terms may appear in this user’s guide.
Aactive-matrix display — A liquid crystal display (LCD) made 
from an array of liquid crystal cells using active-matrix 
technology. Also known as a “TFT display,” in its simplest form 
there is one thin film transistor (TFT) for each cell. This type of 
display works well with notebook computers because of its 
shallow depth and high-quality color. Active-matrix displays are 
viewable from wider angles than most passive-matrix displays.
adapter — A device that provides a compatible connection 
between two units. For example, the computer’s internal display 
adapter receives information from the software and translates it 
into images on the screen. An adapter can take a number of 
forms, from a microprocessor to a simple connector. An 
intelligent adapter (one that is capable of doing some processing) 
may also be called a controller. 
						

							222
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
alternating current (AC) — The type of power usually supplied to 
residential and commercial wall outlets. AC reverses its direction 
at regular intervals. Compare direct current (DC).
application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks 
of a specific type. Applications include word processors, 
spreadsheets, and database management systems. See also 
program.
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.
BIOS (basic input/output system) — Basic instructions, stored in 
read-only memory (ROM), containing the information the 
computer needs in order to check hardware and load the 
operating system when you start up the computer.
bit: — Short for “binary digit.” A bit is the smallest unit of 
information used by a computer. A group of eight bits is a byte. 
See also byte.
bits per second (bps) — A way of measuring the speed at which 
information is passed between two devices. The basic measure 
used in modem communications, bps 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 disk drives to locate the startup files. Under 
the default startup sequence, the computer looks for the startup 
files in the diskette drive before checking the hard disk. 
						

							223
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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.
byte — A sequence of eight bits. A byte is the smallest addressable 
unit of data. See also bit, gigabyte, kilobyte, megabyte.
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.
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 TouchPad control button or mouse 
button without moving the cursor or mouse. In the Windows
® 
operating system, this refers to the left mouse button or primary 
TouchPad control button, unless otherwise stated. See also 
double-click. 
						

							224
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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).
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 — A symbol that indicates the current position on the 
screen. The shape of the cursor varies, depending on the program 
you’re using and what you’re doing.
Ddefault — 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). 
						

							225
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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 metal, 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 diskettes and hard disks. 
Compare disc. See also diskette, hard disk.
disk drive — The device that reads and writes information and 
programs on a diskette or hard disk. It rotates the disk at high 
speed past one or more read/write heads.
diskette — A thin, flexible disk in a protective jacket that stores 
magnetically encoded data. Diskettes can be removed from the 
computer and come in two sizes: 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch. Your 
computer uses 3.5-inch diskettes. See also double-density 
diskette, high-density diskette.
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 the TouchPad control button or mouse 
button rapidly twice without moving the cursor or mouse. In the 
Windows
® operating system, this refers to the primary TouchPad 
control button or left mouse 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 TouchPad control button or mouse button 
while moving the cursor to drag a selected object. In the 
Windows
® operating system, this refers to the primary TouchPad 
control button or left mouse button, unless otherwise stated. 
						

							226
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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.
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.
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 disk that keeps track 
of the location of files stored on the disk.
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. 
						

							227
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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 keys — The keys labeled F1 through F12, typically 
located on the keyboard. Their function is determined by the 
operating system and/or individual programs.
Ggigabyte (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.
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 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. 
						

							228
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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.
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 the 
TouchPad. 
kilobyte (KB) — A unit of data equal to 1024 bytes. See also byte.
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. 
						

							229
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
liquid crystal display (LCD) — 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.
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.
Mmegabyte (MB) — A unit of data equal to 1,048,576 bytes 
(1024 x 1024 bytes). See also bytes.
memory — 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 nonvolatile and hold data permanently, such as ROM. 
A computer’s main memory is RAM. See 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.
modem — Short for “modulator/demodulator.” A device that 
converts information from digital to analog and back to digital, 
enabling information to pass back and forth between digital 
computers and analog telephone lines.
motherboard — The main circuit board in the computer. It 
contains the processor, memory, and other primary components.
MS-DOS prompt — See system prompt. 
						

							230
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
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.
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.
NT file system (NTFS) — An advanced file system designed for 
use specifically with the Windows NT operating system.
Oonline — Available through the computer. Online may refer to 
information being read from your own computer’s hard disk, 
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 
Windows
®98 Second Edition and Windows® 2000 operating 
systems.
Ppalette — See color palette.
parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In 
communications, it means the transmission of more than one bit 
of information at a time. On your computer, the parallel port 
provides a parallel communications interface between the 
computer and an appropriate device. Most modern printers are 
parallel. Compare serial.
password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to 
verify his or her identity to the computer or the network.