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Program
A disk file that contains coded instructions telling a computer what to
do and how to do it.
Prompt
A message displayed on the computer screen that tells you what action
you need to perform next.
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 the computer, so you must store any data
you want to save on a diskette or hard disk.
Read
To copy 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 in the computer that keeps track of the current
time and date even when the computer’s power 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 the computer’s RAM.
ROM
Read Only Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory that can
only be read and cannot be used for temporary storage. ROM retains its
contents even when you turn off the power.
Root directory
The top level directory in MS-DOS, designated by a \ (backslash). All
other directories are subdirectories of the root directory.
Glossary
GL-9