FAQ

An Acronym for Frequently Asked Questions, these are lists of questions that occur frequently on Usenet newsgroups, they are posted at regular intervals and archived at several sites. You should always read the FAQ (if there is one) for a group before posting a message, or risk being flamed.

Finger

A Unix command that provides information about users logged in, and can also be used to retrieve the .plan and .project files from a users home directory.

Firewall

A firewall is used on some networks to provide added security by blocking access to certain services in the private network from the rest of the internet, in the same way that a firewall in a building keeps fire from spreading, an internet firewall keeps hackers from spreading.
See also: intranet.

Flame

An offensive or insulting e-mail or Usenet News message, often the result of an error in netiquette.

Font

A character set or typeface family denoting a particular size and style, either for on-screen display or printing, usually on a laser or inkjet printer.

FQDN

Acronym for Fully Qualified Domain Name, an address which specifies a specific machine and it's internet domain. "foley" is not a FQDN, however "foley.ripco.com." is.
See also DNS.

FRAD

Frame Relay Asynchronous Device, a hardware device that interfaces Frame Relay circuits to IP networks.

FSF The Free Software Foundation, backers of HURD and other projects.
See also: OSF.

FSP

A file transfer system similar to FTP, distinguished by the ability for servers to run on any port without requiring special privledges, and the lower system load from FSP servers than from FTP.

FTP

An Acronym for File Transfer Protocol, a method of retrieving files to your home directory or directly to your computer using SLIP/PPP. There are thousands of FTP sites on the Internet offering files and programs of all kinds.

FUD Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. A special set of tactics used by monopolies to stifle and subvert competitors by spreading the (usually false) perception that the alternative choices are unreliable, unstable, or otherwise risky.

FXO

In telecommunications, the Foreign Exchange Office, the FXO interface is the rj-11 connector provided with POTS, this is the interface on the phone itself.

FXS

In telecommunications, the Foreign Exchange Station, the FXS interface, a rj-11 connector providing standard phone signaling for POTS. This is generally the wall jack the phone plugs in to.