ZEOS Meridian 400 User Manual Download

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Glossary

Glossary

This glossary provides general definitions of key terms. For an expanded list look in
standard reference books on computers.

Address (Physical) - A specific location in
memory where a unit record, or sector, of data is
stored.

Application Program - Computer program that
actually performs a useful task. Word processors,
spreadsheets, and desktop publishing programs are
application programs.

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 highlighted marker which shows
your position on the screen and moves as you
enter words or numbers.

Diagnostics - The tests and procedures the
computer performs to check its internal circuitry
and set up its configuration.

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.

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.

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 - Integral Device Equipment. Also, IDE is an
acronym for Integrated, Intelligent or Imbedded
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.

Jumper - A small electrical connector that alters
some of the computer’s functions. Short (makes a
connection) or Non-Short (no connection).