GDI (Graphics Device Interface)
The Windows XP component responsible for drawing graphics objects. Cheaper printers use GDI as the print processor. Windows Vista and later have a redesigned display/print architecture called Windows Presentation Foundation, but retain compatibility with GDI applications.
global address
In an IPv6 address, an address that is unique on the Internet (equivalent to public addresses in IPv4).
GP registers
(General Purpose registers) Registers that store data from the CPU's basic instruction set. 32-bit processors have 32-bit GP registers for the x86/IA-32 instruction set; 64-bit processors are so-called because they have 64-bit GP registers. CPUs also support larger registers to optimize graphics processing.
GPT (GUID - Globally Unique Identifier- Partition Table)
A modern disk partitioning system allowing large numbers of partitions and very large partition sizes.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication)
Standard for cellular radio communications and data transfer. GSM phones use a SIM card to identify the subscriber and network provider. 4G and later data standards are developed for GSM.
haptic feedback
Tactile response on a touchscreen device, typically a slight vibration of the surface, although the entire device can vibrate in certain responses.
hardware RAID solution
A method of creating volumes from an array of physical disks by using a plug-in controller card or the motherboard, independently of the installed OS.
HAV (Hardware Assisted Virtualization)
Instruction set extensions (Intel VT-x and AMD-V) that facilitate the operation of virtual machines.
HBA (host bus adapter)
A component allowing storage devices to exchange data with a computer system using a particular interface (PATA, SATA, SCSI, and so on).
heuristic
Monitoring technique that allows dynamic pattern matching based on past experience rather than relying on pre-loaded signatures.
HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) Cable
A cable Internet connection is usually available along with a cable telephone/television service (Cable Access TV [CATV]). These networks are often described as Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) as they combine a fiber optic core network with coax links to consumer premises equipment, but are more simply just described as "cable." Consumers interface with the service via a cable "modem" (actually functioning more like a bridge).
host controller
A hardware component of the USB subsystem responsible for recognizing when a USB device is attached or removed from the system, monitors the device status, provides power to the USB devices, and controls the flow of data between the USB host and USB devices.
hub
An OSI layer 1 (Physical) network device used to implement a star network topology on legacy Ethernet networks.
Hubs may also be known as "multiport repeaters" or concentrators. They are the central points of connection for segments and act like repeaters so that every segment receives signals sent from any other segment.