Cold start:
The process of booting and initialising an operating system. A cold start of CP/M is performed when the CPM command is used.
Console mode:
CP/M direct mode; the A> appears on the screen, and the system awaits input of a CP/M or utility command.
Corruption:
The destruction or alteration of the contents of a disc file or memory, in an undesirable and potentially unrecoverable manner.
CP/M:
Control Program for Microcomputers. A disc based operating system by Digital Research that provides a standard systems interface to software written for a wide range of microprocessor based computer systems.
Default:
The value assumed in the absence of any user input. For example, when CP/M is started drive A: is assumed to be the default drive.
Directory:
A section of a disc containing entries for each file on the disc. A list of the contents of a disc.
Disc (or disk):
A flat, thin circular piece of plastic, coated on one or both sides with a magnetic oxide surface and used as a medium for storing data. The disc is housed in a protective envelope, with access for the reading head provided by a window. On a 3” disc the window is covered by a metallic shutter, which automatically slides across when the disc is out of the disc drive.
Disc drive:
The mechanics used to spin and access the data on the surface of a disc.
Disc Interface:
The electronic hardware necessary to allow a disc drive to communicate with both the software and internal operation of the attached computer.
Double sided:
A disc that can store information on both sides. A double sided disc drive can access both sides of a disc without the need to change the disc over.
AMSTRAD Disc Drive & Interface | Appendix 1.2 |