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Program
A disk file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer
what to do and how to do it.
Prompt
A message the screen displays to request information or tell you
what action you need to perform next. See also Command
prompt.
RAM
Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s
memory used to run programs and store data while you work.
All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off or reset the
computer; so you must store any data you want to keep on a
diskette or hard disk.
Read
To move data from one area to another. For example, when you
open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from
the disk and displays it on the screen.
Read/write head
The physical device inside a disk drive that reads and records
data on the magnetic surface of a disk.
Real- time clock
A battery-powered clock inside the computer that keeps track
of the time and date, even when the computer is turned off.
Reset
To reload a computer’s operating system so you can retry a task
or begin using a different operating system. Resetting erases all
information in RAM.
16 Glossary