Compaq 277958-001 manual See folder

Understanding Computer Terms

disc image

A single large file which is an exact representation of the whole set of data and programs as it will appear on a CD in terms of both content and logical format. This may be an ISO 9660 image or some proprietary format such as the .cif format used by Easy CD Creator.

discussion group

A group discussion held on the Internet on a topic of mutual interest. Instead of meeting in a classroom, students may meet for group discussions on the Internet.

directory

See folder.

disk

Low-capacity, removable storage media made of flexible plastic film encased in a hard plastic shell. Since the plastic film is flexible, the 3.5-inch disk is sometimes referred to as a floppy disk.

disk drive

The drive that reads and writes to a disk.

double-click

To push down and quickly release the left mouse button twice in rapid succession to open an item.

download

To receive files from another computer on the Internet.

drive

A device that reads and sometimes writes to storage media. Examples are CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, Zip, diskette, and hard drives.

driver

Software that enables the operating system (OS) to recognize and operate devices installed in or attached to the computer, such as a printer. All drives that use removable media and all peripheral devices have drivers. You can download updated drivers from the manufacturer’s Web site. See drive and peripheral. See also OS.

5–10 Learning More About Your Computer