Media Share 9/MEDIASHARE_09.ISO/educatio/pcl570.zip/GLOSSRY.TUT

Text File | 1993-02-05 | 36KB | 753 lines

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                           A GLOSSARY FOR BEGINNERS

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       ACCESS TIME. Time required for computer to locate and read data
       from disk or memory. Average access time for a hard drive is
       determined by time required for head to locate and move to the
       specified track and for disk to spin around until desired data
       sector is beneath head.

       ADAPTER BOARDS or CARDS. Plug in circuit boards which can
       contain functions such as modems, monitor display circuits, FAX
       capabilities, floppy or hard disk control circuits and other
       functions. Adapter boards are plugged into empty slots on the
       main "motherboard" of the computer.

       ADDRESS. Location of a specific piece of computer information in
       computer RAM memory. Also a specific cell location in a spreadsheet
       (e.g., address A22 in a spreadsheet: meaning the cell at
       intersection of column A, row 22.)

       ALGORITHM. A sequence of software steps which represent a
       formula, method or sequence of operations to accomplish a task.

       ALPHANUMERIC. Containing both letters and numbers.

       ALT KEY.  The key labeled Alt at the left of your keyboard.
       This key is often used by holding down Alt and hitting another
       key.

       ANSI. Acronym for American National Standards Institute which
       promulgates electronic and computing standards. ANSI is also
       used in connection with the small software program contained
       within DOS called ANSI.SYS which can control screen color,
       keyboard functions and cursor position.

       ASCII. This acronym stands for American Standard Code for
       Information Interchange and represents a standard file format
       which uses numbers to represent keyboard characters. In the
       ASCII system, binary numbers from 0 to 127 represent upper and
       lowercase letters of the alphabet. A block of eight zeros and
       ones represent these characters. ASCII files, a related concept,
       are text files which DO NOT contain extraneous codes or control
       characters and are PURELY text. Word processing document files
       which contain exclusively text without control characters are
       ASCII files.

       ASIC. Application specific integrated circuit.

       ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE. Also known as machine code, the is a low
       level, high efficiency language which provides rapid software
       execution and results, but is somewhat difficult and
       specialized. Basic or Cobol are high level languages. Assembly
       is a low level language.

       ASYNCHRONOUS. Serial type communications between computers such
       that each bit at a time is individually transmitted. On an IBM
       compatible computer, bits are sent in blocks of eight characters
       made up of zeros and ones.

       AUTOEXEC.BAT. This batch file runs automatically when you start
       your computer. It is a text file containing a list of DOS
       commands which you can customize with your word processor or
       other editor to have the computer start a program, menu or other
       software as you wish.

       BAK FILES. Some software programs save older copies of data in
       backup or BAK files. The extension is added to the file name so
       that older data can be retrieved if necessary.

       BASIC. Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A high
       level programming language which usually is provided with DOS in
       the file GWBASIC, or BASICA. Provides programming capabilities
       which are relatively easy to learn and use.

       BATCH FILE (or BAT file). A text file containing a list of DOS
       commands to be carried out or executed. It is a small text program
       which can be altered or created with your word processor or text
       editor.

       BAUD. Bits per second. A speed measurement associated with modem
       communications or data transfer between the computer and
       printer, modem or another computer.

       BENCHMARK. A software program or testing method which allows
       similar computers or software programs to be compared.

       BIDIRECTIONAL. Works in both directions. Frequently associated
       with printers which print in both directions left to right then
       immediately right to left. This saves printing time.

       BINARY. Computer numbers represented by zeros and ones.

       BIOS. Basic Input and Output System. Software related to DOS
       which controls input and output operations.

       BIT. A single binary digit. Represented electronically as a
       digit one or zero inside a computer. In reality a bit is held
       by a transistor switch inside an integrated circuit chip. If the
       transistor switch is "on" the bit represented is one. If the
       transistor switch is "off" the bit represented is zero. Bits
       make up larger bytes.

       BOOTING or BOOTSTRAP. Refers to initial starting sequence which
       involves many software and hardware operations such as loading
       DOS, checking memory, initializing printer, etc. A reference to
       the computer "pulling itself up by the bootstraps." A warm boot
       can be done by pressing together the keys: CTRL, ALT and DEL.
       A cold boot is complete machine shutdown followed by turning
       computer on again.

       BUBBLE MEMORY. Specialized type of memory created by magnetizing
       small regions of magnetic material within an integrated circuit.
       This memory is nonvolatile and will not be lost when power is
       removed. Relatively expensive and slow in performance and thus
       not commonly used.

       BUFFER. An area of memory used to hold data temporarily. Buffers
       are used to hold files sent to the printer, data from the modem
       or hard drive or other computer inputs and outputs. The
       advantage of a buffer is that the computer is free to do
       some other work while the buffer handles the data transfer.

       BUG. A computer or software program error. To debug is to locate
       and remove an error.

       BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM or BBS. A computer which can be accessed
       with a modem and which contains capabilities to send and receive
       message, send and receive software or exchange information.

       BUS. Circuits which connect devices together. The main electronic
       path that data takes in a computer. Within the IBM PC the
       original 62 pins and 8 slots were connected together in a bus or
       interconnected arrangement which later became an industry
       standard.

       BYTE. For the IBM PC family of computers, a byte is an 8-bit
       unit of memory which represents one character, for example the
       letter E. Up to 256 different values are possible for a single
       byte.

       CACHE. A high speed area of RAM memory which holds data being
       read to or from a disk drive. Saves time in frequently used data
       which does not have to be repeatedly found on the slower disk
       drive versus the speedy CACHE in memory.

       CELL. A single box in a spreadsheet used for data entry.

       CHARACTER. Letter, number or 8 bit item of computer data.

       CHIP. Integrated circuit consisting of silicon or other rare
       earth material which has thousands or millions of semiconductors
       etched into a tiny area.

       CISC. Complex Instruction Set Computer. A different method of
       computing compared to RISC or reduced instruction set computing.
       Many instructions are required to accomplish a given operation
       on a CISC machine compared to a RISC machine which is an newer
       emerging technology using inherently higher speed processor
       chips with fewer internal instructions. The IBM PC and clones
       use older CISC technology.

       CLOCK/CALENDAR. An computer circuit which keeps the correct time
       and date. Many computers contain this circuit as standard
       equipment. Software programs access the clock/calendar device to
       date and timestamp your files and provide other "date and time
       sensitive" operations.

       CLOCK SPEED. The timing frequency that a computer uses to
       regulate and synchronize the timing of its operations. Usually
       this timing speed is measured in Megahertz or millions of cycles
       per second. For example one might say that a computer operates
       at 12MHz (million cycles or operations per second).

       CLUSTER. Two or more sectors on a circular disk track. Each track
       is usually divided into two clusters.

       COMMAND LINE. The DOS command line where you type in a DOS
       command to cause work to be done. Example:   C>Diskcopy a: b:
       is a command line which will perform a computer task.

       COMPOSITE VIDEO. All colors of a single computer monitor are
       combined in a single electrical input line. An inexpensive
       manufacturing method which produces fair resolution at a reduced
       price.

       CONSOLE. A reference to a computer. Console within the DOS
       software CONSOLE is often referred to as CON and various
       commands are given such as COPY CON PRN or COPY CON FILENAME.
       Console in this sense means the keyboard.

       CONVENTIONAL MEMORY. The first 640K of RAM memory.

       CONTROL KEY. See CTRL key.

       COPROCESSOR A specialized integrated circuit which assists the
       main processor with math intensive operations and can speed some
       software packages.

       CPS. Cycles per second or characters per second.

       CPU. central processing unit. The primary integrated circuit
       chip which controls computer operations.

       CTRL KEY.  The key labeled Ctrl at the left of your keyboard.
       This key is often used by holding down Ctrl and hitting another
       key. Also called control key.

       CURSOR. The flashing bright square your screen which shows where
       information will appear when you press a key.

       CYLINDER. A set of disk tracks at a specific location of a hard
       drive platter or set of platters which can be read or written
       simultaneously by the read/write heads. Conceptually, a cylinder
       looks something like an empty tin can with the top and bottom
       removed.

       DAISY WHEEL. A printer with a spinning typewriter wheel which
       spells out letters and characters. An early design printer.

       DATABASE. An organized collection of records or information.

       DATA BUS. An electronic pathway which carries pulses of
       electricity to and from the various integrated circuits and
       components inside a computer. Usually a data bus consists of
       between 8 and 32 conductive wires or lines, each capable of
       delivering the bits and bytes which make up computer data.
       Generally the more lines which make up the bus, the faster the
       data can travel. Older computers use 8 bit data buses. Newer
       PC's use 16 bit busses which can move data more rapidly.

       DEFAULT. A standard computer setting when nothing otherwise is
       specified. Can be changed in many programs temporarily or
       permanently. If you are not sure of a setting in a program, it
       may supply a default value automatically. For example a
       spreadsheet might "default" to blue background with white
       letters. This default could be changed by instructions to the
       software program.

       DIP. Dual inline pins. A type of integrated circuit chip having
       small pins extending in rows from either side of a plastic or
       ceramic chip package.

       DIRECTORY. An imaginary storage space on your disk which
       contains files.

       DISK CONTROLLER. A circuit board which provides primary control
       for hard or floppy disks.

       DMA. Direct memory access. Refers to some devices in the computer
       such as drives or memory which can transmit and receive data
       without using the CPU. This speeds software and data operations.

       DOCUMENTATION. Printed instructions or manuals.

       DOS. Disk Operating System. DOS allows you to input information
       from the keyboard to the computer, run programs, prepare files
       for disks and other necessary tasks.

       DOT MATRIX. Type of printer which uses tiny pins or wires to
       strike a ribbon and paper to produce images or characters. Older
       printers were 9 pin. Newer, high resolution printers use 24
       pins.

       DRIVE A. The first floppy drive.

       DRIVE B. The second floppy drive.

       DRIVE C. Usually this is a hard drive.

       DUPLEX. Communications between computers which features data
       transmission in both directions. Full duplex provides
       simultaneous transmission in both directions. Half duplex allows
       transmission in both directions, but never at the same time.

       EEPROM. Integrated circuit memory chip. Electrically erasable
       read only memory.

       EGA. Enhanced graphics adapter. High resolution circuit for
       monitor.

       EISA. Extended Industry Standards Association.

       EMS. Expanded memory specification. Standard for using additional
       memory with IBM compatible computers. Memory is above the normal
       640K.

       EPROM. Erasable Programmable read only memory integrated circuit
       chip.

       E-MAIL. Electronic Mail. Sending and receiving messages via
       computers which link two or more users together. Messages are
       stored and retrieved as needed by individuals in the network and
       can be transmitting vast distances using ordinary telephone
       lines or other wiring. Not necessarily FAX messages, although
       these can be incorporated in into an E-Mail network in addition
       to voice, photos, illustrations and text.

       ESDI. Enhanced small disk interface. A hard drive specification
       which allows high speed data transfer. Rates of up to 10
       megabits per second are possible.

       ENTER KEY. The large key to the right of your keyboard. On
       many computers, this is labeled also labelled the Return key.

       ESC KEY. The key on your computer labeled Esc, meaning Escape.
       This key allows you to abort many computer entries and
       operations.

       EXPANDED MEMORY. Computer RAM memory which can be accessed only
       through a "window" or "page frame" set up inside the first 1
       Megabyte of RAM. The usual limit of expanded memory is 32MB.
       Segments of this memory are quickly "paged in and out" of the
       memory window to create an illusion to the central processing
       chip of a large amount of memory. Something like flipping the
       pages of a cartoon book to animate a story. Many applications
       such as spreadsheets and databases can use this memory to handle
       large tasks.

       EXTENDED MEMORY. RAM memory which extends from the normal 1MB
       DOS limit to the top address limit of the CPU. Using special
       software it is possible to convert extended memory to expanded
       memory. Extended memory is useful for simple software tasks like
       RAM disks, print buffers and other applications, but is not as
       useful as expanded memory for applications such as spreadsheets
       and many databases.

       EXTENSION. The last part of a filename, preceded by a dot which
       frequently shows the file type. In the filename MYFILE.TXT the
       extension is TXT. As an aside, TXT is usually a text file. A
       file extension ending in TMP might mean a temporary file. A file
       extension ending in WKS refers to a Lotus 123 spreadsheet file.

       EXTERNAL COMMANDS. DOS commands such as FORMAT (and others)
       which are retained only on disk and are temporarily loaded into
       ram for use then disappear from ram after a task is complete.
       They must be available on disk whenever used and are not
       normally stored in memory.

       FAT. File allocation table. A special area on a disk drive which
       keeps track of the parts of a file which may be scattered
       across the disk. The FAT tells the drive head where to locate
       the portions of data.

       FAX BOARD. An internal expansion board which can be plugged into
       the PC to allow sending and receiving of FAX documents. These
       documents can be stored on disk and later printed on a printer
       or discarded. FAX boards also allow sending and receiving of FAX
       documents to several clients in a row and even calling at times
       of reduced telephone rates such as the early morning hours - all
       completely unattended.

       FIELD. An area of the screen (frequently a database program)
       where data or text is entered. A field is essentially a category
       of information.

       FILE. A collection of data on a disk or in memory which has been
       grouped together. This can be the text of a document, numbers
       and formulas in a spreadsheet, or codes to run a program or
       application.

       FLOPPY OR FLOPPY DISK. A permanent magnetic storage medium for
       retaining data when the computer is off. Similar to a tape
       cassette. It stores data, can be erased and re-used and
       modified.

       FONT. Typefaces of a character. Size and shape of character can
       change. These families of typefaces or fonts have name such as
       Helvetica, Courier, etc

       FORMAT. To prepare a blank disk to receive data. Formatting
       involves testing the disk for possible errors and preparation of
       a file allocation table.

       FRAGMENTATION. The process which gradually allows files on disk
       to become widely scattered - thus slowing file retrieval.
       Defragmentation involves a software reconfiguration which brings
       file piece together in contiguous proximity for rapid access and
       is a routine maintenance item.

       FUNCTION KEYS. The keys labeled F1 - F10 on your keyboard. Some
       computers have 12 function keys. F1 traditionally is the help
       key in most program and provides instructions.

       GAME PORT. A plug in port on the back of the computer which can
       accommodate joysticks or other game playing input devices.

       GIGABYTE. One billion bytes.

       GLOBAL. A software instruction or adjustment which will affect
       data or program parameters throughout an entire software
       application, document or hardware device.

       HARD DISK, HARD DRIVE, WINCHESTER DRIVE. Permanent, non-removable
       storage device within the computer.

       HAYES COMPATIBLE. Modems that comply with standard HAYES
       instruction commands which are considered an industry standard.
       ALso known as the AT command set which stands for "attention" in
       a HAYES modem.

       HEADS. A reference to the read/write heads of a floppy or hard
       drive. They are small electromagnetic coils attached to an arm
       which moves freely over the surface of the spinning platter or
       disk. Electric pulses to these coils creative small fields of
       magnetism on the spinning surface below the heads.

       HEXADECIMAL. Numeric system using base 16. Most memory locations
       in a computer are calculated and displayed in hexadecimal
       notation due to memory design considerations.

       HIDDEN FILES. Files which are present but have been temporarily
       hidden using DOS commands. Cannot be seen on an ordinary
       director listing or search.

       HIGH LEVEL FORMATTING. Is a process performed to a hard disk
       after low level formatting (see below). This high level format
       creates the directory structure of the disk (or file allocation
       table area) which DOS will later use.

       HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE. Computer programming language which is
       relatively easy to learn and use. Examples: BASIC, COBOL,
       PASCAL.

       IC. Integrated circuit. Also known as chips.

       INK JET. This is a reference to a type of printer which forms
       characters and images by spraying tiny jets of ink on either
       plain paper or specially coated paper stock.

       INTEGRATED SOFTWARE. A type of software package which frequently
       combines several standard software applications into one entity.
       Frequently an integrated package will contain a spreadsheet,
       database, word processor and perhaps and modem or telephone
       dialing program.

       INTERLEAVE FACTOR. The spacing of non-consecutive sectors around
       the track of a hard disk. Usually this is given as a ratio.
       Optimal interleave spaces these non-consecutive sectors for
       optimum speedy data retrieval from the hard disk. Example: an
       interleave of 1:1 is considered very fast in hard drive
       performance characteristics.

       INTERNAL COMMANDS. Commands of DOS which are loaded into RAM
       memory and do not require the DOS disk to be present to
       function. Examples: DIR, COPY, RD

       INTERPRETER. Software program which translates high level
       programming instructions into low level machine or assembly code
       which the CPU can process.

       KILOBYTE or K.  Refers to one thousand bytes. More precisely this
       is 1024 bytes.

       LAN. Local area network. Circuits to allow several or many
       computers to talk to each other and share data. Of interest to
       business and office computer users, but of only passing interest
       to home and home/office users having only one machine.

       LASER PRINTER. Type of printer that uses a rapidly scanning laser
       beam to build characters on a rotating drum which in turns
       transfers images to toner ink and paper.

       LOW LEVEL FORMAT. A preliminary process which is usually done to
       a hard drive to prepare it for accepting data. Low level
       formatting establishes tracks and sectors on the disk so the
       drive can accept data and locate it for later retrieval.
       Normally this will destroy all previous data!

       LQ. Letter quality printer

       MACRO. A sequence of keystrokes or commands that can be recorded
       and played back to execute a program or task of data entry thus
       saving you keystrokes. In telecommunications (modem) software,
       macros are also referred to as scripts.

       MAINFRAME. Large or corporate computer as compared to a smaller
       desktop computer.

       MASS STORAGE. All disk-oriented forms of data storage such as
       hard and floppy disks, optical disks and backup tape drives.

       MEGABYTE or MEG. One million characters or memory areas.

       MEMORY. A temporary storage area inside your computer. Usually
       within individual integrated circuit chips. Data stored in
       memory disappears when the power is turned off and must be
       stored on a diskette or other non-volatile memory device. Also
       called RAM (random access memory) or simply RAM.

       MEMORY ADDRESSABILITY. The number of separate individual memory
       locations in RAM with which the CPU is capable of communicating.

       MEMORY CACHE. An area in RAM memory, usually about 8K to 128K in
       size, which the CPU can use to store frequently accessed data
       rather than going to a hard drive or floppy disk. This speeds up
       operations.

       MENU. Display of choices or options.

       MFM. Modified frequency modulation. An early standard for hard
       disk data storage and transfer.

       MHZ. Megahertz or one million cycles per second. Derived from the
       name of Rudolf Hertz, an early electrical researcher.

       MILITARY TIME. A numerical time designation featuring 24 hours
       in a day. For example, 1300 hours means 1PM. 2400 hours is
       midnight. Basically, add 12 to the number of hours if a PM time
       is shown. Military time is the standard used by most computers
       for clarity.

       MODEM. Derived from MODulator DEModulator which allows computers
       to transfer information over phone lines.

       MODES. When referring to CPU chips there are three modes: real,
       protected and virtual which address memory in various ways.

       MOUSE. Hand operated pointing and selection device which serves
       as alternate input to the keyboard.

       MTBF. Mean time between failures. A measurement of relative
       reliability related to components such as hard drives or other
       devices.

       MULTITASKING. A computer which can perform several operations at
       the same time.

       NLQ. Near letter quality printer.

       NULL MODEM CABLE. Special electrical cable used to transfer data
       between two computers.

       ON LINE SERVICE/BBS/BULLETIN BOARD. Computers connected to
       telephone lines which users can access by modem. Messages to
       other users can be left and retrieved. Software can be sent
       (uploaded) or retrieved (downloaded), databases can be searched
       for information.

       OPERATING SYSTEM. Another name for DOS. The essential "core"
       software which itself runs other programs and talks to the
       keyboard and printer. There are other operating systems besides
       DOS. For example UNIX, OS/2, Windows, CPM.

       OS/2. Operating system 2. A proposed update to the DOS operating
       system.

       PAGING. The ability of software and hardware to store a portion
       or segment of software instructions on the hard disk and then
       retrieve it a later time. This allows conservation of limited
       RAM memory.

       PARAMETER. Information sent to a program. Example: /p is the
       parameter of the DOS command DIR/p. Parameters modify a software
       command.

       PARITY CHECK. An error detection method used to test RAM memory
       chips and assure reliable data transfer.

       PARKING THE HEADS. Refers to the process of running a software
       program to cause the read/write heads of a hard disk mechanism
       to move to a track area of the disk which is of low use or is a
       designated safe zone. Somewhat like lifting the needle from a
       phonograph record and placing it on the "needle rest." This
       prevents the possibility that the heads will drop or otherwise
       gouge into the soft magnetic surface of the platters below. The
       heads are usually parked while the disk is spinning and once
       parked the machine is turned off. A few expensive hard drives
       automatically park the heads, but this is not common for most
       hard drive units.

       PARTITION. A subdivision which is created by the FDISK utility
       of DOS. A partition can be used to subdivide a hard disk into
       more than one logical drive (e.g., C: and D:) or run various
       operating systems from the same disk such as DOS and Unix. It is
       usually established after a preliminary high-level format
       process.

       PATH. A list of subdirectories where DOS searches for
       information. You can set this with the DOS PATH command. The
       path command is usually set within the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
       mentioned above. See the DOS path command for syntax.

       PASSWORD. A word or phrase which must input at the keyboard
       before a program or operation can begin.

       PLATTER. The physical disk medium of a hard drive or floppy
       system onto which data is recorded and read back. Usually a
       platter refers to a hard drive disk which is aluminum and coated
       with a metallic iron oxide.

       POINTING DEVICE. Mice, trackballs, light pens and so on allow
       input to the computer in addition to the more conventional
       keyboard.

       PRESENTATION GRAPHICS SOFTWARE. Programs which produce charts, text
       or images for businesses presentations. The illustration or chart
       is designed on the computer screen and then finally output to a
       lecture slide, overhead transparency, printed sheet or even
       computer screen image which will later be viewed.

       PROMPT. See system prompt.

       PROTECTED MODE. A unique feature of the 80286 (and later) Intel
       CPU chip to access RAM memory beyond the 1MB limit as well as
       manage and protect multiple software programs in memory.

       PROTOCOL. Software standards and software programs which ensure
       reliable data transfer without error loss.

       RAM. Temporary memory in  your computer (random access memory).
       When you turn the computer off, all RAM contents are lost until
       replaced from data stored on a disk.

       REAL MODE. A unique feature of the 80286 (and later) Intel CPU
       chip which allows simulation of the 1MB memory limit and
       instructions of the older 8086 CPU which allows operation of
       older software programs. This is an example of "downward" or
       "backwards" compatibility.

       REBOOT. Touch the Control (Ctrl), Alt (Alt) and Delete (Del)
       keys all at the same time. This restarts your computer without
       turning it off. This is also know as a "warm reboot" as compared
       with a "cold reboot" which means complete shutdown with via the
       on/off switch.

       RECORD. A set of information elements in a database. For example
       the data Mr. Smith including his address, income, telephone
       number and occupation would together constitute a single record.

       RELATIONAL DATABASE. A database software package which can
       interrelate multiple databases (e.g., parking ticket database
       AND policemen on the force AND parking meters which are out of
       order - each of these databases is a separate file, but a
       relational database can interrelate them and produce very
       complex reports and find unique relationships.) Relational
       databases often contain complex command languages, application
       generators, query systems, specialized report writers, SQL
       support and more.

       RESIDENT COMMANDS. DOS commands such as COPY, TYPE, DIR, DEL
       which are retained in RAM instead of disk. Also called internal
       commands. They are available at all times when DOS is in
       operation.

       RESIDENT PROGRAM. Program(s) which are loaded into your computer
       temporarily and remain available until the computer is turned
       off. Resident programs are also known as TSR programs (terminate
       and stay resident.) Resident programs are "popups" such as
       calendars, calculators and other devices.

       RGB. Red, green blue. Reference to type of monitor or display
       system. RGB monitors on early computers were frequently
       associated with the CGA or low resolution color display
       standard.

       RLL. Run length limited. Hard disk data storage and transfer
       scheme. Provides fifty percent high data density storage than
       older MFM system.

       ROM. Read only memory chip. Memory is not lost when computer
       turned off.

       ROOT DIRECTORY OR ROOT. The main directory on a disk. You are
       not in a lower subdirectory area (e.g., C:\doc\wp\files) but in
       the main directory (e.g., C:\)

       SCSI. Small computer systems interface. Frequently pronounced
       "scuzzy." A hard drive scheme which allows multiple hard drives
       to be attached and high data transfer rates.

       SCANNER. A device which can convert a printed image such as a
       photo or illustration to a digital image within the computer
       memory. Some scanners use OCR (optical character recognition) to
       scan text documents containing printed words and convert them to
       text characters in the computer as if a person had typed the
       document. These scanned documents or illustrations can then be
       edited, transmitted or stored as desired.

       SECTOR. The smallest unit of storage on a hard or floppy disk
       consisting of 512 bytes - typically there are either 17 or 26
       sectors per track on a hard drive.

       SERIAL. Data is transmitted one bit at a time. In comparison,
       parallel data transfer sends eight bits at a time.

       SIMM. Single inline memory module integrated circuit.

       SIP. Single inline pins.

       SOURCE. When doing file or disk copies, refers to the originating
       disk or file.

       SPOOL or SPOOLER. Simultaneous peripheral operations on line. A
       memory storage buffer which holds data which can be fed to
       printer, modem or other device while main processor is used for
       other applications.

       SYSTEM PROMPT. When you look at your monitor screen and see the
       DOS display such as:   A>   or   C>    you are looking at a
       system prompt. You must next give DOS a command to run a program
       or perform a DOS operation.

       TARGET. The file or disk to which data is sent.

       TRACTOR. Printer with sprocket feed which handles paper
       perforated along the edges.

       TRACK. Concentric rings or circles of data sectors on a disk
       platter which contain data and mark position points for the
       read/write heads.

       TROJAN HORSE. Type of software which may contains hidden code
       which will damage data.

       TSR. See resident programs. TSR is an acronym for "terminate
       and stay resident" and is a type of software program.

       TURBO. High speed computer setting which operates the CPU
       at high clock speeds.

       USER GROUP. Computer club.

       VAPORWARE. Announced software product which has not yet shipped.

       VIRUS. Software program which is self-replicating and can cause
       loss or damage to data or other software programs.

       VOLATILE. Memory which can be lost if power is turned off.

       VIRTUAL 8086 MODE. A unique operating feature of the Intel 80386
       CPU chip that can provide several DOS software programs with a 1MB
       section of RAM memory which each act like a "separate small 8086
       computer" which is running in real mode.

       WINDOWS. Software package from Microsoft Corporation which
       provides ease of use featuring point and click menus and
       screens. Also refers to capability of any software package to
       open a small window on the screen over an existing software
       package or to split the screen into subdivisions so that several
       documents or data sets can be examined simultaneously.

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