Fast Ethernet
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A reference to versions of Ethernet that have a bandwidth ten times
the original bandwidth specification of 10 megabits per second. So Fast
Ethernet is a reference to Ethernet standards that carry traffic at 100
megabits per second.
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Fat client
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An application architecture where a significant amount of the
processing takes place at the client end (ie user device). The term is also
used to describe the device itself, e.g. a desktop PC. Also known as Thick
client.
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Feasibility
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The part of the application development life-cycle where decisions are
made about whether to go ahead or abandon the project. Issues such as cost,
business case and risk are accessed during the Feasibility stage.
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Firefox
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An open source browser popular with technologists. It is regarded as
technically more advanced than Internet Explorer and is subject to less
malware.
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Firewall
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A type of gateway that controls the flow of data both into and out of
the network. It can be considered as a form or perimeter security or even an
e-bouncer.
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Firmware
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A term used to describe hardware on which the software is
‘permanently’ engraved. Often mentioned when talking about embedded systems.
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Fixed Wireless Access
|
A technology for providing a wireless network between two points
within each other’s line of sight. Eg. Useful for providing phone links
between two villages that sit on either side of an inhospitable valley.
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Frame relay
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An old school data transmission networking protocol. Its relatively high speed is obtained
because it makes the assumption that the underlying hardware is reliable and
so does not do any bit consuming error checking. IP-based networks are
displacing it.
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Front-end
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A collective term to describe those technologies to which the user has
direct contact, eg. PC or printer.
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Front Office
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This is a generic term used for business activities that involve the
customer, eg. sales or help desk.
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FUD
|
Fear Uncertainty and Doubt. A term used to describe the underhand
sales tactics of some unscrupulous IT firms.
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Fuzzy logic
|
A technology that whilst digital in design has the ability to analyse
problems not just digitally, as in Yes/No, True/False, but also in ‘shades of
grey’. The technology is used in eg. correcting a video recording where the
holder has a shaky hand.
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FWA
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See Fixed Wireless Access.
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