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Fake parity chip A party generator chip designed to simulate parity checking so that the user can use less expensive nonparity memory modules on a systemboard that expects parity memory.

FAT (File Allocation Table) A DOS table at the beginning of a disk that tracks where files are stored on the disk according to the file allocation units used by the files.

File allocation units See Cluster

File virus A virus that inserts virus code into an executable program and can spread whenever that program is accessed.

Firmware Software that is permanently etched onto a chip.

Fixed frequency Monitors that only support a single refresh rate. Compare to multiscan monitors, which support different video cards and different refresh rates.

Fatal system error An error that prevents the OS from loading. An example is a damaged registry.

Fault tolerance The degree to which a system can tolerate failures. Adding redundant components, such as disk mirroring or disk duplexing, is a way to build in fault tolerance.

FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) Pronounced "fiddy". A ring-based network, similar to Token Ring, that does not require a centralized hub. FDDI often uses only fiber-optic cabling.

Ferroresonant regulator A UPS device that contains a magnetic coil that can retain a power charge that can be used during a brownout to raise the voltage at switching time.

FIFO (First-In-First-Out) A method of storing and retrieving data from a table or stack, whereby the first element stored is the first one retrieved.

FIFO buffer A buffer on a 16550 UART chip that solves the problem of lost data, which sometimes occurred with the older 16450 UART chips.

File A collection of related records treated as a unit. In a computer system, a file can exist on magnetic tape, disk, or as an accumulation of information in system memory. A file can contain data, programs, or both.

File Server A computer that provides network stations with controlled access to shareable resources. The network operating system is loaded on the file server, and most shareable devices (disk subsystems, printers) are attached to it. The file server controls system security and monitors station-to-station communications. A dedicated file server can be used only as a file server while it is on the network. A non-dedicated file server can be used simultaneously as a file server and a workstation.

Firmware Permanent instructions and data programmed directly into the circuitry of read-only memory for controlling the operation of the computer or peripheral devices. Distinct from software, which is stored in read/write memory and can be altered.

Flash memory A type of RAM that can electronically hold memory even when the power is off.

Flash ROM ROM that can be reprogrammed or changed without replacing chips.

Floppy disk A removable, rotating, flexible magnetic storage disk. Floppy disks come in a variety of sizes, but 3 1/2-inch and 5 1/4-inch are the most popular. Storage capacity is usually between 360K and 1.44MB. Also called flexible disk or diskette. See also disk, hard disk

Floppy drive A disk drive designed to read and write data to a floppy disk for transfer to and from a computer.

Flow control When using modems, a method of controlling the flow of data from a sending PC by having the receiving PC send a message to the sending device to stop or start data flow. Xon/ Xoff is an example of a flow control protocol.

FM method (Frequency Modulation) A method of synthesizing sound by making a mathematical approximation of the musical sound wave. MIDI may use FM synthesis or wavetable synthesis.

Folder A Windows directory for a collection of related files (for instance, a person may find it convenient to create a MYDATA directory, or folder, in which to store personal files).

Form Factor The physical size and shape of a device. It is often used to describe the size of circuit boards. The physical size of a device as measured by outside dimensions. With regard to a disk drive, the form factor is the overall diameter of the platters and case, such as 3.5in or 5.25in, not the size in terms of storage capacity. If the drive is a 5.25in form factor it means that the drive is the same size as a 5.25in diskette drive and uses the same fixing points.

Format To prepare a disk for use by creating a FAT and root directory on the disk. During formatting, any data on the disk is lost.

FPM memory (Fast Page Mode) An earlier memory mode used before the introduction of EDO memory.

Fragmentation The condition that occurs when files are not written in single chains on a disk.

Fragmented files Files that are spread out over different portions of the disk so that they are not in contiguous clusters.

Frame A small, standardized packet of data that also includes header and trailer information as well as error-checking codes.

Frame buffer A large section of memory used to store an image to be displayed on-screen as well as parts of the image that lie outside the limits of the display. See also buffer.

Front end In a client/ server environment, the application on the client that makes use of data stored on the server.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) An Internet standard that provides for the transfer of files from one computer to another. FTP can be used at a command prompt, or with a GUI interface, which is available wit FTP software or with a Web browser. When using a Web browser, enter the command "ftp" in the browser URL line instead of the usual "http://" used to locate a Web site.

FTP server or FTP site A computer that stores files that can be downloaded by FTP.

Full backup A complete backup, whereby all of the files on the hard drive are backed up each time the backup procedure is performed. It is the safest backup method, but it takes the most time.