| A | B |
|---|
| hard disk | one or more rigid platters; nonremovable |
| track | recording band forming a full circle on a disk |
| cylinder | all tracks of the same number |
| cluster | smallest unit of disk space used to store data |
| file allocation table | stores file name, file size, & date the file was last changed |
| secondary storage | stores programs and data when they are not being processed |
| magnetic disk | most widely used storage medium for all types of computers |
| formatting | process that prepares the diskette so it can store data and includes defining tracks, cylinders, and sectors |
| recording density | one factor determining diskette storage capacity |
| access time | time required to find and retrieve data |
| fixed disk | another name for hard disk |
| backup | creating a copy of important programs and data |
| defragmentation | reorganizing data so that it is stored in contiguous clusters |
| cd-rom | one type of optical disk |
| solid state storage | uses the latest in RAM technology |
| boot sector virus | replaces the program used to start the system |
| file virus | inserts virus code into program files |
| trojan horse | virus that hides within a legitimate program |
| time bomb | performs a certain activity on a certain date |
| worm | copies itself repeatedly until no disk space is left |
| user ID | a code that identifies the user |
| biometric device | one that verifies personal characteristics to authenticate the user |
| software piracy | the illegal copying of computer software |
| encryption | process of converting plaintext into ciphertext |
