Firmware
Software instructions stored in a fixed form, usually in read-only memory
(ROM). In a VAX 4000 system, the power-up self-tests and bootstrap
program are firmware.
Formatted data
Data laid out in a particular pattern to conform to a predetermined
structure. The structure is dictated by the system software.
Hardware
The physical components—mechanical and electrical—that make up a
computer system. Compare Software.
Head
The part of a fixed-disk drive, diskette drive, or tape drive that reads,
records, and erases data. Also called read/write head.
Input device
A piece of equipment used to transfer data into the computer. A keyboard
is an input device.
Input/Output (I/O) device
A piece of equipment that accepts data for transmission both to and from
a computer. A terminal is an input/output device.
Integrated Storage Element (ISE)
Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs) are intelligent storage devices that
contain their own controller and MSCP server.
Interactive
The method of communicating with a computer system. You enter a
command at the keyboard, the system executes the command, and then
responds with a message or prompts for another command.
Interface
A device or piece of software that lets different components of a computer
communicate with one another.
I/O
Abbreviation for input/output.
ISE
See Integrated Storage Element.
Glossary–5
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