Quick Reference Guide

Glossary 343
unicode
A fixed width, 16-bit world wide character encoding, developed and maintained
by the Unicode Consortium.
UPS
Abbreviation for uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that
automatically supplies power to your system in the event of an electrical failure.
URL
Abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource
Locator).
USB
Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. A USB connector provides a single
connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice, keyboards,
printers, and computer speakers. USB devices can also be connected and
disconnected while the system is running.
utility
A program used to manage system resources—memory, disk drives, or printers, for
example.
utility partition
A bootable partition on the hard drive that provides utilities and diagnostics for
your hardware and software. When activated, the partition boots and provides an
executable environment for the partition's utilities.
UTC
Abbreviation for Universal Coordinated Time. See GMT.
UTP
Abbreviation for unshielded twisted pair.
UUID
Abbreviation for Universal Unique Identification.
V
Abbreviation for volt(s).
VAC
Abbreviation for volt(s) alternating current.