Operating instructions

the address of the second cluster used to store that file. In the entry for the sec
-
ond cluster for that file is the address for the third cluster, and so on until the fi
-
nal cluster, which gets a special “end of file” code. This table is the only way DOS
knows where to access files. There are two FATs, mirror images of each other, in
case one is destroyed or damaged.
FAT16 File allocation table that uses 16 bits for addressing clusters. Com
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monly used with DOS and Windows 95 systems.
FAT32 File allocation table that uses 32 bits for addressing clusters. Com
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monly used with Windows 98 and Windows Me systems. Some Windows 2000
Professional and Windows XP systems also use FAT32, although most use the
more robust NTFS.
FDISK A disk partitioning utility included with Windows.
fiber optics A high-speed channel for transmitting data, made of high-purity
glass sealed within an opaque tube. Much faster than conventional copper wire
such as coaxial cable.
file A collection of any form of data that is stored beyond the time of execu-
tion of a single job. A file may contain program instructions or data, which may
be numerical, textual, or graphical information.
file allocation unit Another term for cluster. See also cluster.
file format The way information is encoded in a file. Two primary types are
binary (pictures) and ASCII (text), but within those there are many formats,
such as BMP and GIF for pictures. Commonly represented by a suffix at the end
of the filename—for example, .txt for a text file or .exe for an executable.
file fragmentation The allocation of a file in a non-contiguous sector on a
disk. Fragmentation occurs because of multiple deletions and write operations.
file server A computer designated to store software, courseware, administra
-
tive tools, and other data on a local- or wide-area network. It “serves” this infor
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mation to other computers via the network when users enter their personal
access codes.
file system A scheme that directs how an OS stores and retrieves data on and
off a drive; FAT32 and NTFS are both file systems.
28 MIKE MEYERS A+ CERTIFICATION PASSPORT
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