Glossary [G]


Term
Description
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format. A data compression format used to compress and transfer graphic images into digital information that can be displayed on the computer screen. Because of their smaller size, this format is used widely on the Internet for the transfer of graphic files. The files have a .GIF extension.
Gigabyte
A gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 bytes (typically rounded off to a billion bytes). Often used to describe the capacity of storage devices such as hard drives. 1024 Mb = 1 GB.
GPF Error
A General Protection Fault is an error that occurs in Windows 3.x when a software program tries to access or use an area in memory (an address) that is not available or already allocated to another program. This error often ends in a frozen application that forces the user to reboot the computer.
Graphics Accelerator
A type of video adapter that can boost video speed and performance through the use of an on-board processor.
Graphics
File
Format
Standardized file formats that describe methods of representing an image. See Bitmapped Image and Vector Image.
Graphics Interchange Format
See GIF.
Gray-Scale
Animage produced by using varying shades of gray, ranging from black to white.
Green Standards
Standards that are meant to be environmentally friendly. A computer or peripheral can go into "doze mode" or "sleep mode" after a certain period of non-use to help conserve energy.
Grounding Mat
An antistatic mat that helps prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging your computer when your working inside the case. These mats often have a cord that attaches to an electric outlet making contact only with the ground receptacle.
Grounding Strap
An antistatic wrist strap that attaches to the computer case or an antistatic mat while you're working on a computer. This safely discharges static buildup and helps prevent damage to the computer through electrostatic discharge (ESD).
GUI
Graphical User Interface. An operating system (such as Windows) with an interface or working environment that uses graphics and icons on the screen for running programs or entering information.