CMOS

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method of making low power silicon chips.

Code

A system of symbols for representing data or instructions. Also any software program or part of a program.

Command

An instruction you enter (usually on a keyboard) to direct your computer to perform a specific function.

Command prompt

The symbol or message that tells you MS-DOS is loaded and ready to receive instructions. The default command prompt in MS-DOS also displays the current operating drive; if it is drive A, the command prompt looks like this: A >. See also Prompt.

Configuration

The particular setup of a group of components. For example, a typical system configuration consists of a computer with one diskette drive and one hard disk drive and a monitor, connected to a printer.

Control code

A command (generated when you hold down Ctrl and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs your computer to perform a specific function.

Coprocessor

An optional device that enables the computer to process certain mathematical calculations faster.

Copyprotected program

A type of program that cannot be copied. Some copy-protected programs require you to leave the program diskette in the diskette drive while you are using it. Some also require the computer to be running at 8 MHz instead of 20 MHz.

Glossary 3