Default drive
The disk drive from which MS-DOS executes your next
command, unless you tell it to do otherwise (by including a
drive designator with the command). Also known as the
current drive.
Delimiter
A character or space used to separate different parts of an
MS-DOS command.
Device
A piece of equipment that is part of a computer system and
performs a specific task, such as a disk drive, a monitor, or a
printer.
Diagnostics
The tests and procedures the computer performs to check its
internal circuitry and set up its configuration.
DIP switch
A small switch on a computer, option card, or printer that
controls a particular function. DIP stands for Dual In-line
Package.
Directory
A list of files stored in a particular area on a disk; part of a
structure for organizing files into groups. A directory listing
shows the name, location, and size of the files in the directory.
A directory can contain both files and subdirectories.
Disk
The collective term for diskettes and hard disks.
Glossary 5