Toshiba Satellite S50a Manual

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...