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- format
Disks need to be formatted to be used in a particular operating system, since each operating system will physically store data on the disk in a different way. To format a disk is to lay out the physical arrangement and organisation of the tracks on a disk. Each track is divided into a number of equal-length blocks (called sectors). A sector is the smallest addressable portion of a track and is the smallest unit of data that is written to, or read from, a disk. 
- format check
A validation check to ensure a data item matches a previously determined pattern. An example is whether the data is valid as a UK postcode (which usually consists of two letters, two or three numbers and two letters). - format painter
A way of copying the format of some content to other content, e.g. a format painter can be used in a spreadsheet to make the format of one cell (width, font size, etc.) the same as another. - formula
A formula is a mathematical equation, e.g. used in spreadsheets to perform calculations on the data. - forum
An online discussion group. - forward
An email is forwarded when it is sent on to another recipient by the original recipient. - forward
A browser has forward and back buttons to navigate through pages recently viewed. - fourth-generation computer
The type of computer used today. Fourth-generation computers are similar to third-generation computers, except a much greater use of large-scale integration of components on silicon chips, which resulted in increasing similarity of design. A large fall in the cost of internal memory, and higher speed and capacity of external storage, led to new applications and new methods of programming. Also, people realised that standardisation of software, particularly operating systems, was necessary. - fourth-generation language
Often abbreviated to 4GL. The term is used to describe languages aimed at end-users rather than specialist computer professionals. A characteristic of these languages was the recognition that computing power was becoming more freely and more cheaply available, and that popular software would be that which could reduce the time taken to develop users - fraction
A part of a whole number, for example, 3/4 or 7/8. - fragmented
After a disk has been used for a while, the files on it may become split up and different parts of the same file may be stored in different places on the disk - i.e. fragmented. This slows down disk operations. Defragmenting a disk is when these separate parts are collected together again, so speeding up the disk accesses. - frame rate
The frequency with which video frames are displayed, measured in frames per second. The higher the frame rate, the better the quality. - frame-by-frame
To display a video file one frame (image) at a time, rather than continuous playback. - frames
In a web design context, these divide parts of a web page into two or more independent parts, or frames. Each frame displays a separate HTML file. - frameset
An HTML page which describes how the frames are laid out, for example, how many there are. - free text fields
An area in a form where the entry of data is not restricted (for example, multiple choice or radio buttons) but which will allow a user to enter any text they want. - freeware
Freeware is software which has a licence allowing free use (and usually distribution) of the software. The licence usually does not allow alteration or sale. The author usually provides little, if any, help and support. In the UK freeware is often called public domain software. - freeze
The term used to describe the situation when a computer system unexpectedly stops working, and does not respond to inputs. - frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A list of frequently asked questions and answers about a topic. - friction feed
Friction feed is a printer mechanism for advancing paper by gripping it between rollers.
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