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A physical input/output socket on a computer where you can connect a peripheral device.
Tests that the computer runs to check its internal circuitry and configuration each time you turn it on.
The sequence of characters you type after you turn on the computer in order to access and use your system. A
A disk file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it.
PromptA message the screen displays to request information or tell you what action you need to perform next. See also Command prompt.
Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store data while you work. All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off or reset the computer; so you must store any data you want to keep on a diskette or hard disk.
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