Windows Server 2008 Glossary - E

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

For more Windows Server terms, see either the Windows Server 2008 R2 Glossary or the Windows Server 2003 Glossary.

Glossary - E

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EFI

A type of interface between a computer, firmware, hardware, and the operating system. EFI defines a new partition style called GUID partition table (GPT). EFI serves the same purpose as the basic input/output system (BIOS) found in most x86-based computers.

EFS

A Microsoft file-based encryption technology that enables users to encrypt files and folders on NTFS volumes. EFS helps protect the confidentiality of data by ensuring that only authorized users can decrypt the encrypted files or folders.

elevated privilege

A privilege to access system resources and objects outside of the standard access control checks. A process running with an administrator’s full access token is running with elevated privileges.

elevation prompt

A dialog box that appears when a user is requested to confirm whether an administrative process should be permitted to start. An elevation prompt will either be displayed as a consent prompt or a credential prompt, depending upon Group Policy settings and user account type.

encrypt

To programmatically disguise content to hide its substance.

Encrypting File System

A Microsoft file-based encryption technology that enables users to encrypt files and folders on NTFS volumes. EFS helps protect the confidentiality of data by ensuring that only authorized users can decrypt the encrypted files or folders.

event

Any occurrence in the system or an application that requires an entry to be added to a log.  Do not use as a synonym for task or activity.

exemption certificate

An X.509 certificate that serves to exempt computers from NAP health checks. Server computers can use exemption certificates to participate in IPsec-protected communications on NAP-enabled networks.

Explain text

Help text that is displayed when viewing the properties of most Group Policy settings.

extended partition

A type of partition that you can create only on basic master boot record (MBR) disks. Extended partitions are useful if you want to create more than four volumes on a basic MBR disk. Unlike primary partitions, you do not format an extended partition with a file system and then assign a drive letter to it. Instead, you create one or more logical drives within the extended partition. After you create a logical drive, you format it and assign it a drive letter. An MBR disk can have up to four primary partitions or three primary partitions, one extended partition, and multiple logical drives.

Extensible Firmware Interface

A type of interface between a computer, firmware, hardware, and the operating system. EFI defines a new partition style called GUID partition table (GPT). EFI serves the same purpose as the basic input/output system (BIOS) found in most x86-based computers.

external key

A file that contains information to access cryptographically locked data, which is stored away from the system, such as on a USB flash drive.

external key file

A file that contains the external key and is stored on an external media device. The name and contents of the file are internal to Microsoft and can change from version to version.