LaCie SAFE - Manual (Page 43)

LaCie SAFE Hard Drive
User Manual page
Glossary
Backup – (1) The act of creating at least one addi-
tional copy of data onto a different (and safe) stor-
age 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 origi-
nal, 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.
Biometry – Technology that uses biological data to
verify a person's identity.
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 be-
tween 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 (Gi-
gabyte).
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, config-
uration is understood to be the sum of the internal
and external components of the system, including
memory, disk drives, the keyboard, the video sub-
system 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.
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.
Driver (peripheral manager) – A software com-
ponent that enables the computer system to com-
municate 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.
Glossary