FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions. A list of questions that are commonly asked about a particular item or product, such as specifications, known problems or configuration details.

FAT

File Allocation Table. A directory of files and their locations on a disc which the operating system refers to when looking for a file.

FDDI

Fibre Distributed Data Interface. A very quick network using Fibre Optic cables.

Firewall

A way of protecting a company's internal network from malicious attacks or accidental access from other networks such as the Internet.

Firewire

Also known as IEEE-1394. A way of transferring lots of data quickly for things that need high speed connections, such as video or sound files.

Firmware

A halfway-house between hardware and software. It is software that is stored in ROM and controls hardware such as CD-Rom drives. Some firmware is flash-upgradeable meaning that the information in the firmware can be upgraded to take into account bug fixes and updates.

Flash

A type of memory that can be overwritten. Some computer BIOS chips are flash upgradeable, meaning that they can be overwritten with new versions of a BIOS for bug fixes or new features. Flash RAM is also used in portable electronic devices such as Digital Cameras, and PDAs. Additional flash memory can be bought for these which look similar to PCMCIA cards but smaller.

Flame

An insulting or derogatory message, possibly sent via E-mail or postings on a BBS about another person. When other people take part in Flaming, a 'Flame War' occurs. Not really recommended.

Form

A method of a user or consumer filling out information on-screen, which is then sent electronically to a system for compilation. Examples are guestbooks or requests for brochures.

Format

A process that gives a 'structure' to a hard or floppy disc, so that an operating system can read and write from it. New discs must be formatted before they can be used. Formatting also erases any previous contents on the disk.

Freeware

Software written without charge, which can also be distributed freely, ususally provided the actual software is not altered by an individual other than the author.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. A way of tranferring files across the internet. Files can be uploaded or downloaded by FTP.