Hardware Compatibility Tests
A suite of tests prepared by Windows Hardware Quality Laboratory (WHQL) that verify hardware and device driver operation under a specific operating environment. These tests exercise the combination of a device, a software driver, and an operating system under controlled conditions to verify that all components operate properly.
hardware tree
A record in RAM of the current system configuration, based on the configuration information for all devices in the hardware branch of the Registry. The hardware tree is created each time the computer is started or whenever a dynamic change occurs to the system configuration.
HCT
See Hardware Compatibility Tests.
HDC
Acronym for hard disk controller. See Disk I/O Controller.
hot docking
A system design to support removing or installing a mobile system in a docking station, while the computer is running at full power.