Summary

floppy data cable 11FFast Ethernet Any of a number of 100-MbpsEthernet specifications. Fast Ethernet offers a speedincrease ten times that of the 10BASE-T Ethernetspecification while preserving such qualities as frameformat, MAC mechanisms, and MTU. Such similaritiesallow the use of existing 10BASE-T applicationsand network management tools on Fast Ethernet networks.Based on an extension to the IEEE 802.3specification. Compare with Ethernet.FDISK A command used to delete and create partitionson the hard drive. The :\STATUS switch displayspartition information when used with theFDISK command.Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) A typeof Token Ring network that is used in larger LANs.fiber-optic cable A physical medium that can conductmodulated light transmission. Compared withother transmission media, fiber-optic cable is moreexpensive, but it is not susceptible to electromagneticinterference, and it is capable of higher data rates.Sometimes called optical fiber. Uses glass or plasticwire, also called fiber, to carry information as lightpulses. Conducts modulated light to transmit data.field-replaceable unit (FRU) A component that atrained service technician may install at a remotelocation.file A block of logically related data that is given asingle name and is treated as a single unit.file allocation table (FAT) A table that the operatingsystem uses to store information about the locationof the files stored on a disk. This file is stored intrack 0 on the disk.file extension A designation that describes the fileformat or the type of application that created a file.file management A hierarchical structure of files,folders, and drives in Windows.file system The two file systems available inWindows XP and Windows Vista are FAT32 andNTFS. NTFS has greater stability and security features.File Transfer Protocol (FTP) A set of rules governinghow files are transferred. FTP allows multiplesimultaneous connections to remote file systems.fingerprint reader An input device that scans fingerprintsto authenticate login using biometric identification.firewall A router or access server, or severalrouters or access servers, designated as a bufferbetween any connected public networks and a privatenetwork. A firewall router uses access lists and othermethods to ensure the security of the private network.Firewire A high-speed, platform-independent communicationbus. Firewire interconnects digitaldevices such as digital video cameras, printers, scanners,digital cameras, and hard drives. Firewire isalso known as IEEE 1394, i.Link (Sony-proprietary),and linear heat-detecting cable (LHDC) in the U.K.firmware A program that is embedded in a siliconchip rather than stored on a floppy disk.flash memory A rewritable memory chip thatretains data after the power is turned off.flat-head screwdrivertighten slotted screws.A tool used to loosen orfloppy data cable An external cable that transfersdata between the computer and the floppy drive.