file allocation table (FAT)
A table or list maintained by some operating systems to keep track of the status of various segments of disk space used for file storage. Also referred to as the FAT file system. See also Windows NT File System.
File and Print Services for NetWare (FPNW)
A Windows NT Server component that enables a computer running Windows NT Server to provide file and print services directly to NetWare-compatible client computers.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
An older TCP/IP protocol used for transferring files between different computers. FTP is characterized by a required logon to the remote computer and the ability to browse directories and two-way file transfer. Most of the functions of this protocol have been subsumed by Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP).
firewall
A system or combination of systems that enforces a boundary between two or more networks and keeps intruders out of private networks. Firewalls serve as virtual barriers to passing packets from one network to another.
FPNW
See File and Print Services for NetWare.
Frame Relay
A synchronous High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol–based network that sends data in HDLC packets.
FTP
See File Transfer Protocol.