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Glossary – CalDigit AV Drive User Manual

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Glossary

Backup

The creation of an additional copy of data onto a different location than

the existing data and can be retrieved at a later time.

Bit

Also know as a binary digit. The smallest measure of data. A bit can be a

1 or a 0. One character is equal to one byte or 8 bits.

Byte

A sequence or series of binary digits (also known as bits). A byte is 8 bits.

Cross-Platform

Any device that can operate on both Macintosh and Windows operating

systems.

Driver

A software component that allows a computer to communicate with a

peripheral. Different drivers are appropriate for different peripherals.

File System

System that links the physical map of a disk to its logical structure.

Firmware

Semi-permanent of permanent instructions programmed directly into a

read only memory or memory chip. Firmware is used in controlling the

operation of a computer or drive. Firmware is different from software.

Folder

An area on a disk to store files. Folders help in organizing and storing

data in a logical manner.

Format

The process where a device can record data. The hard disk writes

information onto its own surface areas (called blocks). Formatting causes

all current data on the disk to be loss.

GB (Gigabyte)

One billion bytes. Usually associated with storage.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system. This includes the

peripherals.

Host Bus Adapter (HBA)

A printed circuit board also called a controller.

Host Computer

Any computer system to which disks are directly attached and accessible

for I/O. Mainframes, and servers, as well as workstations andpersonal

computers, can all be considered host computers in the context of this

manual, as long as they have disks attached to them.

Initialize

Process of writing the data that helps Mac and Windows create and save

data. This process is usually done after a format or partition and this

process, like formatting, causes all data to be lost.

Interface

The data transmitters, data receivers, logic and wiring that links one

piece of the computer to another.

Kb(Kilobit)

1,000 bits.

Kb/s

Kilobits per second.

KB (Kilobyte)

1,000 bytes.

Mb (Megabit)

One million bits.

Mb/s

Megabits per second.

MB (Megabyte)

One million bytes.

MB/s

Megabytes per second.

Media

The device or material used to store data in a storage device.

Operating System

Software that controls use and assignment of resources. It is the basis of

which software runs on.

Partitioning

The process of dividing a formatted hard drive into useable storage areas.

For instance, a single partition arranges the hard drive so it has one

volume of storage area, while two partitions divides it into two areas.

Software

A set of commands that direct the computer on how to accomplish

specific tasks.

Storage

A place where data can be saved. Storage is usually separated into two

categories, internal and external storage. Internal storage usually

consists of internal hard drives while external storage is comprised of

media such as DVDs, pen drives, and external hard drives.

Transfer Rate

The rate in which data can be sent away and received from the controller.

This speed is restricted by the CPU, meaning that it is limited by either

your drive or your computer.

Volume

The digital manifestation of a storage device that mounts and dismounts

as it is recognized by a computer.

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