LaCie Mobile Drive User Manual - 9. Glossary
LaCie Mobile Drive User’s Guide 04/17/2003 v.2
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9. Glossary
Backup – (1) The act of creating at least one additional copy of data onto a different (and safe)
storage device from where it can be retrieved at a later time if needed. (2) A copy of a file, directory,
or volume on a separate storage device from the original, for the purposes of retrieval in case the
original is erased, damaged, or destroyed.
Bit – The smallest measure of computerized data, either a 1 or a 0. Eight
bits equal one byte, or one character.
Block – A very small section of the storage media comprised of one or more sectors. A block is the
smallest amount of space allocated on a drive for data storage. By default, a sector of data consists of
512 bytes.
Buffer – RAM cache that is faster than the data that is being delivered. Buffers are used so data may
be stored and delivered to the receiving item as it is needed.
Bus – Electronic links that enable data to flow between the processor, RAM and extension cables
(peripherals).
Byte – A sequence of adjacent binary digits, or bits, considered as a unit, 8 bits in length. There are 8
bits in 1 byte. See also MB (Megabyte) or GB (Gigabyte).
Cache, -ing – This is an area of electronic storage (usually RAM) set aside to store frequently used data
from electro-mechanical storage (hard drives, floppy disks, CD/DVD-ROM, tape cartridges, etc.)
Therefore, storing frequently used data in RAM can enhance your system’s overall response to disk-
intensive operations significantly.
Configuration – When talking about a PC, configuration is understood to be the sum of the internal
and external components of the system, including memory, disk drives, the keyboard, the video
subsystem and other peripherals, such as the mouse, modem or printer. The configuration also implies
software: the operating system and various device managers (drivers), as well as hardware settings
and options set by the user via configuration files.
Controller – This is a component or an electronic card (referred to in this case as a "controller card")
that enables a computer to communicate with or manage certain peripherals. The controller manages
the operation of the peripheral associated with it, and links the PC bus to the peripheral via a ribbon
cable inside the PC. An external controller is an expansion card which fills one of the free slots inside
your PC and which enables a peripheral (CD-ROM drive, scanner or printer, for instance) to be
connected to the computer.
Cross-platform – Term that refers to a device that is able to be operated by both Mac and Windows
operating systems.
Data Stream – The flow of data that accomplishes a task, usually related to moving data from storage
to computer RAM or between storage devices.
Digital – Discrete information that can be broken down to zero or one bits.
Driver (peripheral manager) – A software component that enables the computer system to
communicate with a peripheral. Most peripherals will not operate correctly – if at all – if the
appropriate drivers are not installed on the system.
File System – Links the physical map of a disc to its logical structure. Thanks to the file system, users
and computers can easily display path, directories and files recorded onto the disc.
Firmware – Permanent or semi-permanent instructions and data programmed directly into the circuitry
of a programmable read-only memory or an electronically-erasable, programmable read-only