Glossary of Portable Computing Terms

Access provider:

A company which connects customers to the Internet. The user normally connects to the Access providers' computer via a modem using a dial up connection.

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface):

A specification that enables efficient handling of power comsumption by desktop and laptop computers. With ACPI, the operating system can turn off unused peripheral devices such as CD-ROMs or displays. Users control the time a certain device will power up or down, and the level of power consumption targeted by the device when the battery reaches a certain level of discharge. ACPI also has a deep-sleep mode that allows an image file to reload without rebooting the system and launching applications when the computer is powered.

Active Matrix:

A display panel that uses one to four transistors that controls each screen pixel. The active matrix displays are faster, brighter, and have more of a contrast than the passive matrix displays. It does however use more battery power and is often more expensive. The actual technology used in active matrix displays is called TFT.

AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service):

The original USA wireless cellular technology developed by Bell Laboratories, AMPS is based on the theory that higher capacity may be achieved by creating smaller cells thus allowing frequency re-use and reduced transmit power. AMPS operates at 800MHz on two separate channels (one for transmit and one for receive.) Because it is an analog technology, like FM radio, it is prone to signal fading and not well suited for wireless data.

APM (Advanced Power Management):

APM software component extends the runtime of a battery powered device by instructing it to power down peripherals and components when not in use.

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Bandwidth:

The maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between computers in a network.

Battery Pack:

A rechargeable battery used in portable devices such as laptop computers. The most common substances used in computer battery packs are nickel cadmium (Nicad), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (LiIon.)

Bay:

Found in a portable computer, the bay is the opening at the front of the PC case designed to hold a data storage device such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM. If you want to reduce the weight of the computer, you have the option of leaving the bay empty. Some portables don't have any bays, and some may have two.

Bit:

Short for Binary Digit, bit is the smallest amount of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only 1 of 2 values: 0 or 1. More meaningful information is obtained by combining consecutive bits into larger units. For example, 8 consecutive bits equal a byte.

Bitmap:

Where data is represented in the form of individual bits which make up a file. A simple bitmap image is made up of tiny little parts called pixels. Bitmap files are most commonly used as graphics or pictures.

Bus:

Data is transmitted to and from the different components of a PC via a bus. All busses consist of two parts--an address bus which transfers only information about there the information should go, and the data bus which transfers actual data. The size of the bus, known as its width, is important because it determines how much data can be transmitted at one time.

Bus Mouse:

A mouse that is attached to the Bus not via a serial port but through a special card attached to the motherboard.

Byte:

Abbreviation for a binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. On almost all modern computers, a byte is equal to 8 bits.

Cache:

A small but very fast memory used to store frequently used data or instructions. It tries to "guess" what data is needed next by the processor. The cache can be Level 1 (Primary) which is part of the processor itself and Level 2 (Secondary) which is mounted on the motherboard and is slower than Level 1.

CardBus:

The portion of the PC-Card standard that addresses 32-bit input/output and has a 100MB second data transfer rate. Cardbus also supports bus mastering which allows a PC card to communicate directly with other devices on the bus, rather than just through the PC.

CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access):

Wideband spectrum technology that spreads multiple telephone conversations across a wide segment of the broadcast spectrum.The technology uses unique codes by tagging call information. It has 10 times the capacity of AMPS and three times the capacity of TDMA. CDMA supports caller ID, SMS, and paging.

CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data):

A data transmission technology that provides wireless IP digital connectivity from any computing device including desktop, laptop and handheld computers--without the use of a cell phone. CDPD uses unused cellular channels to transmit data in packets at rates up to 19.2 Kbps.

CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read only memory):

CD-ROM is a disk but not a floppy disk. A CD-ROM drive is an essential part of any laptop since most software is distributed on CD-ROMs.

Clock Speed:

The speed at which a microprocessor synchronizes and regulates its workflow, measure in megahertz. The higher the clock speed, the faster the processor can process data. Other factors such as RAM, hard disk speed, hardware and bus widths have an effect on its performance.

Daisy Chain:

When a number of PCs and/or peripherals are connected to each other in a series. When devices are daisy-chained to a PC, the first device is connected to the PC, the second device is connected to the first, etc.

D-AMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service):

A new digital version of AMPS which provides an increased capacity and greater range of cellular services. Operates on 800MHz cellular networks using the TDMA transmission method.

Data Packet:

A piece of a message transmitted over a packet-switching network. Each packet contains the destination address in addition to the data. Packets are often called datagrams.

Data Transfer Rate:

The speed at which data is transferred from one device to another. Data transfer rates are typically expressed in megabits (a million bits) or megabytes (a million bytes) per second.

Databit:

Refers to the bits of information in the transmission of e-mails which contain the content of the message.

Desktop Replacement:

A full featured laptop that is powerful and has a fast microprocessor, a large display, full-sized keyboard, and a large hard drive. Desktop replacements are typically heavier and larger than the average portable.

Dial Up Connection:

A temporary connection between two computers via a telephone line normally using a modem. This is the most common method to access the Internet.

Digital Camera:

A camera that produces photographs that can be saved as files on your PC. These cameras do not require processed film.

Direct Cable Connection:

Used to connect two devices via the I/O port. The connection is via a single cable.

DMA (Direct Memory Access):

A technology that provides future compatibility with existing peripherals, such as sound cards. New CardBus peripherals can support DMA.

Docked:

Portable computers are "docked" when connected to a device that adds an ISA or PCI expansion bus (a physical pathway between devices) to the system.

Docking Station:

A hardware device that when inserted into your laptop allows you to connect desktop peripherals including a printer, keyboard, mouse and monitor. This gives the user full functionality and features of desktop PC while still functioning as a portable device when not connected. Because there is no single standard for docking stations, users must buy one specifically designed for the portable PC they are using.

Dongle:

The dongle controls access to a particular application and connects to the parallel port of a PC or the ADB port on a MacIntosh.

DSTN (Dual-scan Super Twisted Nematic):

A laptop-display technology that uses two display layers to overcome color shifting that occurs with supertwist displays. It's a less expensive alternative to thin film transistor and active matrix displays and has a faster video scan rate than the lower-cost STN design. The screen pointer is less apt to temporarily disappear when moved rapidly, plus the screen will scroll more smoothly. Although the displays are brighter, the screens tend to look blurry when viewed at an angle.

Dual Band GSM Phones:

Dual Band wireless phones are capable of operating on GSM 900 and 1900 networks simultaneously. If your local U.S. service is GSM 1900, a dual-band phone would allow roaming almost anywhere in the world. Dual band phones are also available for operation on European GSM 900 and 1800 networks.

Dual Scan Display:

A LCD display used in laptop computers. The screen is refreshed much quicker than in standard displays and use less power.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disk):

DVDs can hold over 4 gigabytes of information, or 18 times more memory than CD-ROMs. In addition, DVDs can store two layers of information on both sides. Today's computers are being built with DVD-ROM drives rather than CD-ROM drives.

DVDROM:

A digital video disk that can only be read.

E-AMPS (Extended Advanced Mobile Phone Service):

Current analog standard that replaced AMPS as the U.S. standard.

EPOC:

An open operating system developed by Psion Software for mobile, ROM-based computing devices offering wireless access to phone and information services. EPOC16, a 16-bit version of the OS, has been available for several years and is embedded in many handheld devices. The newer EPOC32 32-bit version supports pre-emptive multitasking and a pen-based graphical user interface.

Expansion Card:

A printed circuit card such as a video card that plugs into an expansion slot and adds functionality ot the PC.

Expansion Slot:

Compartments in a PC into which you can plug expansion cards such as video or sound cards and connect them to the system bus. Most PC's have from 3 to 8 expansion slots.

Extranet:

Similar to an Intranet with the added feature to access information externally by business partners.

Fax Modem:

A modem that sends and receives information which is coded in a special fax format. Information is converted from/to a graphic image for a standard fax application program.

FDD (Floppy Disk Drive):

The least expensive and most widely available storage solution, FDD has a 1.44 MB maximum capacity.

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access):

Voice calls are assigned individual radio frequency channels. Only one subscriber at a time is assigned to a channel.

FIR (Fast Infrared):

This infrared standard from IrDA supports synchronous, wireless communications at 4Mbps at a distance of up to 1 meter.

Flash Memory:

This special type of electronically erasable programmable read-only memory can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks rather than one byte at a time. Many computers store their BIOS on a flash memory chip, called a flash BIOS, for easy updating. Flash memory is also used in modems to let modem manufacturers quickly and easily support new protocols.

Flat-panel display:

A very thin display screen used in portable computers. These screens usually use LCD (liquid crystal display) technologies, which are backlit to make them more readable even in bright light.

FLEX:

A popular one-way paging technology with fully synchronous, multispeed signaling code optimized for data throughput, efficiency and flexibility. It is alphanumeric and can co-exist with POCSAG-based (an alternate) paging systems.

GB (Gigabyte):

The most common way to express the capacity of large volume storage devices such as hard drives, tape and disk back up systems. A Gigabyte is equal to 1,024 megabytes.

GPS (Global Positioning System):

A combination of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth allowing people to pinpoint their geographic locations based on longitude, latitude and altitude. The system provides accuracy ranging from 10 to 100 meters.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications):

GSM uses narrow band TDMA, which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same frequency typically on either the 900MHz or 1800 MHz frequency band. GSM uses a time slot to divide the signal spectrum among users. It also supports data communications.

Handheld computer:

A portable computer that fits comfortably in one hand allowing the other hand to operate the device.

Handwriting recognition:

A technique used by computer systems to recognize characters and other symbols written by hand. It is also a category of software applications that reads words or letters by a user and attempts to correctly enter the writing as if it were typed on a keyboard.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive):

Serves as the computer's long term memory and as its file cabinet.

Hot Plugging:

The ability to add or remove devices on a computer while it's running. The operating system automatically recognizes the change. Hot plugging and hot swapping are interchangeable terms.

Hot Wire:

The ability to connect power to peripherals. Technologies capable of this include PCMCIA, USB and IEEE 1394.

HPA (High Performance Addressing):

A passive-matrix LCD display technology that is faster and higher contrast than regular LCD displays. HPA monitors are cheaper to make, and popular with laptop makers looking to build low-cost, high-quality products.

iDEN (Integrated digital enhanced network):

A proprietary digital technology developed by Motorola and used exclusively by Nextel networks. iDEN combines the features of a cellular wireless telephone network with the two-way radio capability and message paging functions of a CB radio or walkie-talkie.

IEEE 1394:

A newer and faster external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of up 400 Mbps. A single 1394 port can be used to connect up to 63 external devices. 1392 supports Plug and Play, hot plugging and provides power to peripheral devices. 1394 supports faster data transfer rates and is more expensive. Products supporting the 1394 standard go under different names depending on the manufacturer. 1394 is primarily used for devices that require large throughputs such as video cameras.

InFLEXion:

A voice pager technology used in the transmission and storage of voice messages. It uses the ReFLEX protocol providing privacy and guaranteed message delivery with message receipt acknowledgement.

InFLEXion:

A voice pager technology used in the transmission and storage of voice messages. It uses the ReFLEX protocol providing privacy and guaranteed message delivery with message receipt acknowledgement.

IO BUS:

The input/output bus used to transmit data from the cache and the RAM to the PC disks.

IrDA (Infrared Data Association):

A hardware/software standard which allows your computer to communicate with other devices via an infrared light. This transfers data without cables but the devices must be within several feet of each other and with a clear line of sight between them to work.

Kilobit (Kbps):

Unit used to measure how fast data is transferred between devices on a network. One kilobit is equal to 1,024 bits.

Kilobit (Kbps):

Unit used to measure how fast data is transferred between devices on a network. One kilobit is equal to 1,024 bits.

Kilobyte:

A kilobyte is a unit of measure for data storage. One kilobyte is equal to 1,024 bytes or 8,192 bits.

L2 Cache (Level 2 cache):

A type of cache, normally external in nature. But some manufacturers are building internal caches to speed up computer processing. L2 cache speeds up processing an average of 25% over an external L2 cache

Laptop Computer:

A portable computer small enough to sit on your lap, but larger than a handheld computer. The term laptop is used interchangeably with notebook.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display):

The technology used in portable computer video screens that blocks light rather than emitting it thereby using less power. These displays use either a passive matrix or an active matrix display grid, and are typically thinner.

LiIon (Lithium Ion):

The Lithium Ion battery is lightweight and does not suffer from memory effect. It also delivers a higher run time average and about 80% more power per ounce. Similar to NiMH technology, LiIon batteries have a life expectancy of 500 charge and discharge cycles. LiIon batteries are typically used in mid- to high-priced portables.

Local Bus:

Introduced to circumvent the delay due to the vast differences in speeds between the CPU/Memory Bus and the IO Bus.

MB (Megabyte):

A unit of measure for data storage. One Megabyte is equal to 1,024 kilobytes, 1,048,576 bytes, or 8.4 million bits.

Megabit:

Refers to one million bits. Networks are often measured in megabits per second (Mbps.)

Megabyte (MB):

When used to describe data storage, a megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes.

Memory:

Chips that hold information that the PC needs to use. These chips are connected directly to the microprocessor.

MHz (Megahertz):

1 MHz represents 1 million cycles per second. The speed of microprocessors, called clock speed, is measured in megahertz.

Microprocessor:

A computer's main processing chip, also called the CPU.

Modem:

A modem converts information from analog to digital and vice versa. Digital information is represented in a series of 1's and 0's. Analog information varies continuously such as a sound wave. When you send an e-mail for example, your modem converts the digital e-mail message to analog.

Monitor Port:

A port which connects an external monitor to a laptop computer. This port can also be used to connect a portable projector for presentations.

MPEG (Motion Pictures Experts Group):

One of the most widely used video compression standards for PCs, it allows your computer to display video at 352 x 240 pixels with a rate of up to 30 frames per second.

Multifunction cards:

A PC card that incorporates multiple peripherals such as a network adapter and modem.

NAM (Number Assignment Module):

A memory device built into a cellular phone that stores the phone number and some limited user information. Phones with mulitple NAMs give the option of registering with more than one cellular service provider within one or more locations or markets.

N-AMPS (Narrowband AMPS):

A system overlay technology that allows enhanced digital-like features such as Digital Messaging Service to phones in analog networks. N-AMPS increases the bandwidth efficiency and capacity three-fold by using 10KHz channel spacing instead of the 30KHz used by AMPS. There are a total of 2,496 voice channels in N-AMPS networks.

NiCad (Nickel Cadmium):

The Nickel Cadmium battery is quick to charge, last for approximately 700 charge and discharge cycles, and work well in extreme temperatures. However, they suffer from memory effect if not completely discharged each cycle.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride):

The Nickel Metal Hydride battery runs almost 75% longer on each charge than NiCad batteries but only last for about 500 charge cycles. NiMH batteries, however, are resistant to memory effect. Made from non-toxi materials, NiMH batteries are also environmentally safe.

NMT (Analog):

NMT is a wireless analog service used in Asia and Russia.

Notebook Computer:

A portable PC that is about the same size as a sheet of A4 paper, about 5cm thick, and usually weighs less than six pounds. Notebook computers use flat-panel screen technology to achieve the smaller footprints and battery technology for portability. They offer similar power and features as a desktop PC, including the same CPUs and memory or disk drive capacity, but often cost more.

PACS (Personal Access Communications Systems):

Limited cell size networks for urban and suburban applications such as pedestrian venues, commuting routes and indoor campus use, where user density is high.

PalmOS:

The computer operating system used with the PalmPilot and Palm series of handheld digital personal assistants, as well as other organizers including Handspring and IBM. The system comes with a number of built-in applications including dates, address book, to-do list, memo pad and calculator. In addition, PalmOS interfaces with infrared devices and TCP/IP. Other operating systems for handheld devices include Windows CE and EPOC.

Palmtop or palmsize computer:

A small, general purpose, programmable, battery-powered computer capable of handling numbers and text. Also known as a handheld computer.

Parallel:

Refers to processes that occur simultaneously. Parallel means that a device is capable of receiving more than 1 bit at a time, and several bits in parallel. It is also capable of sending data in 2 directions simultaneously. Most modern printers are parallel.

Parallel Port:

A parallel interface that connects an external device such as a printer. On PCs, the parallel port uses a 25-pin connector and is used to connect printers, other computers and other devices that require higher bandwidth.

Passive Matrix:

A flat-panel display which uses LCD's aligned on a thin wire grid. Passive matrix is not as bright as an active matrix display but is lower in cost and has less battery drain.

PC:

A computer designed to be used by one person at a time.

PC Card:

PC cards were developed to add memory to portable computers and are the size of a credit card. The card also defines the physical attributes of portable computer peripherals.Also known as PCMCIA.

PCMCIA:

A group of more than 500 companies that sets international standards to promote interchangeable peripherals among manufacturers. Also referred to as a PC Card which can be used for adding modems, miniature disk drives, network adapters, and other functions to your portable computer.

PCS (Personal Communication Services):

Sometimes called digital cellular, PCS uses the 1900 MHz band rather than the 800MHz used for cellular, and uses digital technology for transmission and reception. This higher radio frequency results in less signal breakup, static and dropped calls.PCS is available for TDMA, CDMA, GSM/NA1900 and PACs technologies.

PDA (personal digital assistant):

A pocket-sized portable computer used for storing names, phone numbers, addresses, tasks and appointments. Data can be entered manually using a pen-like stylus, or by downloading data from the primary computer. They are lightweight, reliable and easy to use.

PDC (Personal Digital Cellular):

One of the world's three main digital wireless standards, ranking alongside GSM and D-AMPS. All 35 million users are in Japan.

Pen computer:

A computer, usually too small to accommodate a keyboard, that uses handwriting-recognition technology. Users input data by writing with an electronic pen (called a stylus) on a screen or tablet.

Peripheral:

A device which can be attached to a PC and is controlled by its processor. Examples include a printer, modem, or joystick.

Peripheral device:

Any external device attached to a computer such as printers, disk drives, display monitors and keyboards.

PIM (personal information manager):

A software application or hardware device that helps users organize their information such as reminders, lists and dates. Many PIMs also include calendar, scheduling and calculator functions.

Plug and Play:

The concept of adding new components to a PC such as an external modem without having to manually configure anything. The operating system automatically configures it for you.

POCSAG (Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group):

A one-way paging protocol that supports numeric and text paging at data rates of 512, 1,200,and 2,400 bits per second. Most traffic occurs at 1,200 bits per second.

Pointing stick:

Alternative to an external mouse and similar to a miniature joystick. You can use the tip of your finger to move the rough textured eraser sized pointer in the direction you want the cursor or arrow to go.

Port:

Part of the PC that is used for passing data in and out of a computing device. Normally located in the back of a PC, the port can be serial or parallel.

Port Replicator:

Replicates a portable computer's input/output (I/O) ports including parallel, serial, comunications, video, mouse and keyboard, for easy attachment to external non-portable peripherals such as a printer, monitor or keyboard. The connecting cables attach to the replicator rather than the laptop.

Portable computer:

A computer small enough to carry. Term is interchangeable with laptop, notebook, subnotebooks, handhelds, palmtops and PDAs.

Power management:

Methods used to efficiently direct power to different components of a system. This is particulary important in portable devices which rely on battery power. The life of a battery between charges are extended significantly by powering down components not in use.

PPTP (Point-to-point Tunneling Protocol):

A technology for creating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which use the public Internet for private connections between certain nodes of a network. PPTP is used to ensure the secure transmission of messages from one VPN node to another.

RAM (Random Access memory):

Random Access Memory is a temporary storage area that the processor uses to execute programs and hold data.Once the RAM becomes full, informatio has to be removed to make space for the current task being performed. A PC with limited RAM will take longer to perform the simplest task because the information in RAM is being constantly replaced. RAM requires a constant electric supply to keep information intact. There are two types of RAM: Dynamic RAM and Static RAM. Static RAM is faster but places a heavier drain on power.

ReFLEX:

A two-way alphanumeric paging protocol with broadcast speeds of up to 25.6Kbps for pager receive and 9.6Kbps for pager response channels. The ReFLEX system allows standard paging features and also provides short message communication capability between pagers and various other e-mail enabled PCs and terminals.

Resume:

A power management feature that restores a portable computer from a power-suspended state to full operation.

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing):

Ideal for handheld computers, RISC microprocessing design processes a small number of simple instructions very quickly. Pipelining allows RISC chips to process more than one instruction at a time. A RISC processor's memory is stored on the chip itself (Level 1 cache.) L1 cache doesn't conserve memory well and slows down the processor as a result.

ROM:

Read Only Media chips cannot be written to and contain information which never chanes. When the PC is turned on the information in the ROM chip is used to test the RAM. ROM does not require a constant electric supply to keep the information intact.

Serial:

Serial data transfer refers to transmitting one bit at a time.

Serial Port:

A port, or interface, used for serial communication. Only 1 bit is transferred at at time. It can be used for almost any time of device including modems, mice and printers.

Sleep mode:

A powered-down mode used by portable computers and peripherals such as displays and disk drives to conserve battery life.

Smart battery:

A type of battery that uses electronic circuitry to provide its host device with status power information so the system can conserve power intelligently.

STN (Super Twisted Nematic):

The least expensive and most basic form of passive-matrix LCD display.

Stylus:

The writing instrument for a handheld computer that accepts handwritten text or lines as input. The term comes from the Latin word stilus, or "stake."

Subnotebook computer:

A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a regular laptop computer. These devices typically have smaller keyboards and screens but provide similar functionality.

Suspend:

A power management feature that turns off a portable computer but saves its current working state.

SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array):

The current standard for color depth and video graphics screen resolution.

TACS (Total Access Communications Systems):

The original analog network system launched in 1985 by Vodafone. Used in the U.K., China, Asia, Japan, and Italy, TACS is also called ETACS, ITACS, IETACS, NTACS, and JTACS. It operates using the FDMA transmission method.

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access):

Voice transmission technology that allows multiple users (8 or more) to share a channel by taking turns transmitting short bursts of voice. It divides radio frequencies into time slots, then allocates slots to multiple calls to support simultaneous data channels. TDMA is used by the GSM digital cellular system and supports advanced calling systems and paging.

TFT (Thin Film Transfer):

The most common type of active matrix laptop display.

Touchpad:

A touch sensitive pad on a laptop that causes a corresponding movement of your cursor or arrow. Often an alternative to an external mouse.

Ultraportable:

A portable computer that has a full sized keyboard and screen. Lighter and thinner than most laptops.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator):

Another way of referring the an Internet address of a file.

USB (Universal Serial Bus):

Used for connecting peripherals to a PC (up to 127) off of a single port with the devices in a daisy chain. USB supports plug and play installation and hot plugging as well as data transfers rates of 12Mbps. USB is expected to replace serial and parallel ports.

Voice recognition:

Special software that recognizes spoken words which allows users to dictate text or control the system. Some systems require users to say each word slowly and distinctly (called discrete speech) while more sophisticated systems allow users to speak naturally (called continuous speech.)

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory):

This is a form of high speed dynamic RAM for use with video cards.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol):

An open and global specification for wireless data communications. WAP allows users to access information instantly and securely using a handheld wireless device such as a mobile phone, pager, smart phone or communicator over the Internet. WAP supports most wireless network technologies and is supported by portable computing operating systems.

Windows CE:

A version of the Windows operating system designed by Microsoft for portable devices.

XGA (Extended Graphics Array):

A more advanced version of SVGA, XGA has a higher color depth and resolution.

XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language):

A hybrid between HTML and XML specifically designed for Net device displays.

Xmodem:

A file transfer protocol for modems, which sends data from an Internet host to a PC. The data is sent without acknowledgement from the computer receiving the data.

Ymodem:

A file transfer protocol for modems, which sends data from an Internet host to a PC. The data is sent without acknowledgement from the computer receiving the data. Supersedes Xmodem.

Zmodem:

A file transfer protocol for modems, which sends data from an Internet host to a PC. The data is sent without acknowledgement from the computer receiving the data. Supersedes Ymodem.

Zoomed video:

A PC card standard that lets a computer run its operating system or application software directly from a PC card.

Zoomed video port:

Allows specially designed PC cards to send signals directly to the computer's video adapter bypassing the system processor and data bus.This allows full screen video to run at full speed freeing up the processor for other tasks.

<Fn> key:

Special function key found on portable computers that changes the functions of the F-keys. Pressing the FN key in combination with a function key can control functions like sound volume, mode, and screen brightness.