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FAT

File Allocation Table. A table that the operating system uses to store information about where files are stored on a disk. The File Allocation Table is much like the table of contents in a book. See also: Operating System and File.

FDD

See also: Floppy Disk Drive.

FDDI

Fiber Distributed Data Interface. A set of protocols that allows the transmission of data over fiber optic cable. See also: Fiber Optics and Protocol.

FDM

Frequency-division Multiplexing. Technique whereby information from multiple channels can be allocated bandwidth on a single wire based on frequency.

Fiber Optics

Cabling that has a core made of strands of glass or plastic, through which light pulses are carried. Fiber has many advantages over copper in terms of transmission rate and signal integrity over distance; however, it is more expensive and more difficult to work with. See also: FDDI and Cable.

File

A collection of similar information given a name for easy storage and retrieval. See also: File Management System.

File Management System

The system responsible for organizing files and keeping track of where they reside. See also: File.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The protocol used by the Internet community to send files. See also: Protocol and Internet.

Firmware

Data that has been stored on ROM chips. See also: Chip, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and CMOS.

Flash ROM

A special type of memory that can be reprogrammed in blocks of data instead of one byte at a time. See also: ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and CMOS.

Floppy Disk

A portable, removable magnetic disk used to store data using a floppy disk drive. See also: Floppy Disk Drive.

Floppy Disk Drive

A device that spins a magnetic floppy disk to read and write data on it. See also: Floppy disk.

Folder

An object in a graphical user interface capable of storing multiple files and other folders. See also: File and GUI.

Font

The combination of typeface and other qualities, such as size, pitch, and spacing that comprise a set of characters.

FPM RAM

Fast Page Mode RAM. This type of memory gives faster access to data that resides on the same page. See also: RAM.

Freeware

– Software that is given away freely by the author for private use. The copyright is retained by the author of the software. See also: Software and Shareware.

FTP