| |
BIOS
- BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System, which is information written
in computer code and stored in the ROM
so that it is available when the computer is turned on. BIOS information
tells the computer how to read information contained on the computer’s
various drives, and includes the boot
strap loader, which is the first code executed when the computer is
turned on.
|
|
| |
bit
- This is an abbreviation for binary digit and is the smallest unit of computer
data. A bit consists of either 0 or 1. Eight bits make up a byte. |
|
| |
boot
sector - The very first sector
on a hard drive. It contains the codes necessary for the computer to start
up. It also contains the partition
table, which describes how the hard drive is organized. Also called
the Master
Boot Record.
|
|
| |
boot
strap loader - The first code executed when the computer
is turned on. |
|
| |
byte
- This is an abbreviation for binary term. A byte is a measurement unit
of computer data that consists of a single character. A single byte usually
consists of 8 bits. |
|
| |
clusters
- Clusters are groups of sectors
where folders and files are stored on the hard drive. |
|
| |
cluster
bitmaps - Used in NTFS
to keep track of the status (free or used) of clusters
on the hard drive.
|
|
| |
cylinder
- The set of tracks
on both sides of each platter
in the hard drive that are located at the same head position. A cylinder
can be visualized as a cross section taken across all the platters of a
hard drive at the same head position.
|
|
| |
drive
geometry - A computer hard drive is made up of a number
of rapidly rotating platters
that have a set of read/write heads on both sides of each platter. Each
platter is divided into a series of concentric rings called tracks.
Each track is further divided into sections called sectors,
and each sector is sub-divided into bytes.
Drive geometry refers to the number and positions of each of these structures.
|
|
| |
disk
partition - A hard drive containing a set of consecutive
cylinders.
Before files can stored on a disk partition
it must be formatted
to create a logical
volume.
|
|
| |
driver
- A driver is a computer program that controls various devices such as the
keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. |
|
| |
extended
partitions - If a computer hard drive has been divided into
more than four partitions,
extended partitions are created. Under such circumstances each extended
partition contains a partition
table in the first sector
that describes how it is further subdivided.
|
|
| |
FAT
- This stands for File Allocation Table. It is used in Windows® to keep
track of where the files are stored on a hard drive, which is formatted
as a FAT volume or file
system.
|
|
| |
file
slack - The unused space on a cluster
that exists when the logical
file space is less than the physical
file space.
|
|
| |
file
system - A disk partition
organized so that files can be stored on it. In Windows®, a disk partition
with a file system on it is called a volume.
The most common types of file systems used by Windows® are FAT
and NTFS.
|
|
| |
fragmented
- In the course of normal computer operations when files are saved, deleted,
moved, etc. the files or parts thereof may be scattered in various locations
on the computer's hard drive or other storage medium. In regard to computer
forensics, fragmented data can frequently yeild important evidence. Computer
forensics techniques allow technicians to locate and examine fragmented
files. |
|
| |
head
- Each platter
on a hard drive contains a head for each side of the platter. The heads
are devices which ride very closely to the surface of the platter and allow
information to be read from and written to the platter. The heads are physically
attached to an arm, which is in turn attached to the head stack assembly.
Usually all heads move together and are positioned together on the same
track.
|
|
| |
inter-partition
space - Unused sectors
on a track
located between the start of the partition
and the partition
boot record. This space is important because it is possible for a user
to hide information here.
|
|
