Switch

An option added to an MS-DOS command that modifies the way the command works. Switches are usually preceded by a / (forward slash). For example, if you add the /S switch to a FORMAT command, MS-DOS installs the operating system on a diskette as it formats it. See Parameters.

System diagnostics

A series of checks you can perform on the computer to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly.

System diskette

A diskette that contains the operating system.

Target diskette

The diskette to which you are copying data during a copy or backup operation.

Tracks

Addressable, concentric circles on a disk, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the diskette into separate accessible areas. There are 80 tracks on each side of a double- sided 720KB, 1.2MB, and 1.44MB diskette and 40 tracks on each side of a double-sided 360KB diskette. The number of tracks on a hard disk depends on its capacity.

VGA

Video Graphics Array. A type of high-resolution color display adapter that can display monochrome text and graphics at up to 720 x 400 resolution, 16-color graphics at up to 640 x 480 resolution, or 256-color graphics at 320 x 200 resolution.

Video card

The display adapter card that is installed in one of the computer’s option slots. The video card provides the interface to which you connect the monitor and it controls the way the monitor displays text and graphics.

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