User`s guide

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Glossary
This glossary provides general definitions of key terms. For an expanded list look in
standard reference books on computers.
Address - A number or expression representing the
physical location of a device or a piece of data.
Application Program - A word processor,
spreadsheet, desktop publisher or other program that
allows interaction with the user.
AUTOEXEC.BAT File - An MS-DOS batch file
containing commands which execute automatically
when you turn on your computer.
Batch File - A file containing several commands that
execute in sequence as a group, or batch. MS-DOS
batch files must have a filename extension of .BAT.
Boot - Short for Bootstrap. Transfer of a disk operating
system program from storage on floppy disk or hard
disk drive to computer’s working memory.
Boot Disk - A disk with an operating system installed
which loads the system on power up.
Character - Anything that can print in a single space
on the page or the screen. Includes numbers, letters,
punctuation marks, and graphic symbols.
Command Processor - The part of an operating
system that processes commands entered by you. The
command processor in MS-DOS is contained in the
COMMAND.COM file.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. The piece of hardware
which interprets instructions, performs the tasks you
indicate, keeps track of stored data, and controls all
input and output operations.
Crash - A malfunction in the computer hardware or
software, usually causing loss of data.
Cursor - The arrow, vertical I-beam or other screen
object that shows where you can click to select
something onscreen. See Insertion point.
Diagnostics - The tests and procedures the computer
performs to check its internal circuitry and set up its
configuration. See POST.
DIP Switches - Small switches on a piece of hardware
such as a CPU, a printer, or an option card. DIP switch
settings control various functions and provide a system
with information about itself. DIP stands for Dual In-
Line Package.
Directory - A list of the files stored on a disk or a part
of a disk. Often depicted onscreen by a small folder.
Disk Drive - The physical device which allows the
computer to read from and write to a disk. A floppy
disk drive has a disk slot into which you insert floppy
disks. A hard disk drive is permanently fixed inside the
system unit.
DMA - Direct Memory Access. Process where a hard
drive, LAN adapter or other device transfers data
directly to/from system RAM, bypassing the CPU.
DOS - Disk Operating System. A computer program
which continuously runs and mediates between the
computer user and the Application Program, and
allows access to disk data by disk filenames. The Disk
Operating System controls the computer’s input and
output functions. See Operating System.
File - A group of related pieces of information called
records, or entries, stored together on disk. Text files
consist of words and sentences. Program files consist
of codes and are used by computers to interpret and
carry out instructions.
Floppy disk - a flat piece of flexible plastic coated
with magnetic material and used to store data
permanently.
Format - To prepare a new disk (or erase an old one)
so it can receive information. Formatting a disk divides
it into tracks and sectors which create addressable
locations on it.
Hard Disk Drive - Commonly called rigid disk drives,
or fixed disk drives. Unlike floppy disks, hard disks
are fixed in place inside the system unit. They can
process data faster and store many more files than
floppy disks.
Hardware - Any physical component of a computer
system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU.
IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics. An IDE drive has
the controller electronics built into the drive itself and
is connected directly to the mainboard or to an adapter
card.
Insertion Point - A blinking vertical marker which
shows where you can type words or numbers.
Sometimes called Text Cursor. See Cursor.
Jumper - A small electrical connector that alters some
of the computer’s functions. Short (makes a
connection) or Non-Short (no connection).
Kilobyte (KB) - A unit used to measure storage space
(in a computer’s memory or on a disk). One kilobyte