File Management and Digital Electronics

DIP (dual inline package)

A chip configuration characterized by a rectangular body with numerous plugs along its edge.

file path

A combination of the drive letter, subdirectory, filename, and extension that identifies a file (for example, C:\Documents\filename.docx). Also called path or file specification.

virtual memory

A computer's use of hard drive storage to simulate RAM.

processor clock

A device on the motherboard of a computer responsible for setting the pace of executing instructions.

subdirectory

A directory found under the root directory.

Backup

A duplicate copy of a file that is stored in another location.

pin

A feature that allows you to create links to folders in File Explorer for Quick Access.

native file format

A file format that is unique to a program or group of programs and has a unique file extension.

file explorer

A file management utility included with most Windows operating systems that helps users manage their files.

directory

A list of files contained on a computer storage device.

DIMM (dual inline memory module)

A long, slim memory chip package that has gold pins that provide the electronic connection between the chip and other computer parts.

binary number system

A method for representing numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1; as compared with the decimal system, which uses ten digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

subfolder

A method of file management whereby folders are created within folder to hold folders. Also called nested folders.

nested folder

A method of file management whereby folders are created within folders to hold folders as well as files. Also called subfolders.

navigation pane

A pane in the Access program window that provides a way to move between objects (tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules) in the database.

computer programmer

A person who codes or writes computer programs.

Interpreter

A program that converts high-level instructions in a computer program into machine language instructions, one instruction at a time.

filename

A set of letters or numbers that identifies a file. Consists of a name followed by a period, followed by a file extension. See File extension.

filenaming conventions

A set of rules established by the operating system that must be followed to create a valid filename.

multi-core processor

A single chip containing the circuitry for multiple processors; faster than a processor with a single core.

ROM BIOS (basic input/output system)

A small set of basic input/output system instructions stored in ROM that causes the computer system to load critical operating files when the user turns on the computer.

Benchmark

A test used to measure computer hardware or software performance.

Integrated circuit (IC)

A thin slice of silicon crystal containing microscopic circuit elements, such as transistors, wires, capacitors, and resistors. Also called chip, computer chip, and microchip.

file extension

A three- or four-letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a filename that identifies the file as a particular type of document

LGA (land grid array)

A type of chip package.

nanosecond

A unit of time representing 1 billionth of a second.

computer chip

A very thin slice of semiconducting material, such as silicon and germanium. Also called integrated circuit or chip.

byte

An 8-bit unit of information that represents a single character.

Path

An address that describes the exact location of a file in a file hierarchy; shows the folder with the highest hierarchy level on the left and steps through each hierarchy level toward the right. Locations are separated by small triangles or by backslashes.

folder

An electronic container that helps you organize your computer files, like a cardboard folder on your desk; it can contain subfolders for organizing files into smaller groups.

data bus

An electronic pathway or circuit that connects the electronic components (such as the processor and RAM) on a computer's motherboard.

bus

An electronic pathway that carries the electronic signals between the electronic parts of a computer.

processor

An integrated circuit that contains the circuitry for processing data. It is a single-chip version of the central processing unit (CPU) found in all computers. Also called a microprocessor.

OneDrive

An online storage and file sharing service.

source code

Computer instructions written in a high-level language.

remote storage

Data storage that is not on a local computer.

file tag

Information that helps describe contents of a file; for example the location, camera settings, and people pictured in a photograph.

character data

Letters, symbols, or numerals that will not be used in arithmetic operations (name, social security number, etc.).

numeric data

Numbers that represent quantities and can be used in arithmetic operations.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

One or more integrated circuits that contain permanent instructions the computer uses during the boot process.

pixel

One pixel is the measurement of one picture element on the screen.

Quick Access

Part of File Explorer that has links or pinned folders that you create to quickly find folders on your storage device.

FSB (front side bus)

Refers to the circuitry that transports data to and from the processor.

File date

Saved as part of the file information, the date on which a file was created or last modified; useful if you have created several versions of a file and want to make sure that you know which version is the most recent

compiler

Software that translates a program written in a high-level language into low-level instructions before the program is executed.

file management program

Software, such as File Explorer or Mac OS Finder, that helps users find files and folders on their hard drives or other storage media, as well as, rename, move, copy, and delete files.

cache

Special high-speed memory that gives the CPU rapid access to data that would otherwise be accessed from memory elsewhere on the motherboard. Also called RAM cache or cache memory.

RAM cache

Special high-speed memory that gives the CPU rapid access to data that would otherwise be accessed from memory elsewhere on the motherboard. Also called cache.

digital data

Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video that have been converted into discrete digits, such as 0s and 1s.

file management

The ability to organize folders and files on your computer.

swap file

The data on the hard drive that has been moved from RAM to virtual memory.

capacitor

The electronic parts in a chip that hold the bits that represent data.

object code

The low-level instructions that result from compiling source code.

Motherboard

The main circuit board in a computer that houses chips and other electronic components.

root directory

The main directory of a disk or other storage medium.

CPU (Central processing unit)

The main processing unit in a computer, consisting of circuits that processes data. Also called the "brain" of a computer.

file format

The method of organization used to encode and store data in a computer

word size

The number of bits a CPU can manipulate at one time, which is dependent on the size of the registers in the CPU and the number of data lines in the bus.

clock speed

The pace for executing instructions as set by the processor clock specified in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).

Control Unit

The part of the processor that fetches each instruction.

ALU (Arithmatic Logic Unit)

The part of the processor that performs mathematical and logical operations.

file size

The physical size of a file on a storage medium, usually measured in kilobytes (KB) or megabytes (MB).

bit

The smallest unit of information handled by a computer; can hold one of two values, either a 0 or a

Binary digit

The smallest unit of information handled by a computer; can hold one of two values, either a 0 or a 1.

cycle

The smallest unit of time a processor can recognize. For example, 2.8 GHz means that the processor's clock operates at a speed of 2.8 billion cycles per second.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

The storage location that is part of every computer, that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer is on.

data representation

The use of electrical signals, marks, or binary digits to represent character, numeric, visual, or audio data.

digitize

To convert text, numbers, sound, photos, and video to a digital format that can be processed by a computer, through the use of a scanner, camera, or other input device.

register

Used by the ALU in a processor to hold data that is being processed.