Glossary-6 User’s Manual
Glossary
delete: To remove data from a disk or other data storage device.
Synonymous with erase.
device driver: A program that controls communication between a specific
peripheral device and the computer. The CONFIG.SYS file contains
device drivers that MS-DOS loads when you turn the computer on.
dialog box: A window that accepts user input to make system settings or
record other information.
disk drive: The device that randomly accesses information on a disk and
copies it to the computer’s memory. It also writes data from memory
to the disk. To accomplish these tasks, the unit physically rotates
the disk at high speed past a read-write head.
disk storage: Storing data on magnetic disk. Data is arranged on
concentric tracks much like a phonograph record.
display: A CRT, LCD, or other image producing device used to view
computer output.
documentation: The set of manuals and/or other instructions written for
the users of a computer system or application. Computer system
documentation typically includes procedural and tutorial information
as well as system functions.
DOS: Disk Operating System. See operating system.
driver: A software program, generally part of the operating system, that
controls a specific piece of hardware (frequently a peripheral device
such as a printer or mouse).
Dual Pointing Device: Pointing device consisting of AccuPoint and Touch
Pad. Both of these device can function together or separately. See
AccuPoint and Touch Pad.
DVD-R (+R, -R): A Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable disk can be written
once and read many times. The DVD-R drive uses a laser to read
data from the disc.
DVD-RAM: A Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory is a high-
capacity, high performance disc that lets you store large volumes of
data. The DVD-ROM drive uses a laser to read data from the disc.
DVD-ROM: A Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory is a high capacity,
high performance disc suitable for play back of video and other
high-density files. The DVD-ROM drive uses a laser to read data
from the disc.
DVD-RW (+RW, -RW): A Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable disc can be
rewritten many times.
E
echo: To send back a reflection of the transmitted data to the sending
device. You can display the information on the screen, or output it to
the printer, or both. When a computer receives back data it
transmitted to a CRT (or other peripheral device) and then
retransmits the data to printer, the printer is said to echo the CRT.
erase: See delete.