Resources & Results

IT glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Fat client
Your average desktop PC that does most of the application processing and stores software and data on its hard disk and is network ready.
Feeware
Also known as payware. Commercial software you can buy, such as Corel Draw, Microsoft Office.
Firmware
Permanent programming, such as boot routines, written onto the read-only memory (ROM)of a computing device. It is made up of software and hardware and holds its contents without electrical power.
flame
Rude response to an E-mail or newsgroup message, usually in response to some mistake in netiquette.
freeware
You can usually use but not sell freeware. It is copyrighted software, such as some Unix programs, that is made available free over the Internet. The developer still owns it.
Facsimile (FAX)
System used to transmit textual or graphical images over standard telephone lines.
Fiber Optic Cable
Glass fiber that is used for laser transmission of video, audio and/or data.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A protocol that allows you to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.
Frequency
The space between waves in a signal. The amount of time between waves passing a stationary point.
Full Motion Video
Signal which allows transmission of complete action taking place at the origination site.
Fully Interactive Video
(Two way interactive video) Two sites interact with audio and video as if they were co-located.
Firewall
Firewalls prevent outside programs, hackers, and other undesired viewers from gaining access to a system. Firewall software is usually set up on standalone computers acting as filters for incoming information.
Finger
A program that displays information about someone on the internet.