Computer Glossary F
FAT file allocation table. A table held on a floppy or hard disk
that tells the operating system the location of data and what
order it is stored in. Using 16bit addresses, it supports disk
sizes of 2GB, whereas FAT32 uses 32bit addresses and
supports disk sizes up to 2TB (terabytes).
Fatal Exception Error Windows error message generated by the
operating system when it detects invalid code, invalid data or
illegal instructions being accessed by a program. It frequently
results in the infamous ‘blue screen of death’. Generally
requires restarting your PC to clear it.
FAQ frequently asked question. This term generally refers to a
document posted on the internet or elsewhere for the specific
purpose of assisting new users.
Fibre Channel A serial data transfer architecture that uses optical
fibre to connect devices. It is designed for mass storage devices
that need high bandwidth.
File System A means by which an operating system can manage
files on a disk.
FireWire A very fast serial interface for connecting external
devices. Also known as IEEE 1394 or iLink, it supports up to
63 devices and speeds of 400Mbps (megabits per second).
First implemented on the Mac, it is more expensive than USB
and suited to devices that require high-speed transfer rates,
such as digital cameras.
Firewall A system or software utility designed to stop
unauthorised access to a private network. Can also be used
by a company to control what resources outside the network
employees can access.
Firmware Software that is permanently stored on ROM (read-only
memory). It provides many devices such as printers, modems
and tape drives with basic instructions and, where flash ROM
is used, the code can be changed by downloading a new set
of instructions.
FTP file transfer protocol. A means of transferring files from
one computer to another across the internet, and one of the
principal tools that is available on the web (the three other key
functions are email, newsgroups and the web).
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