Diagnostics
The tests and procedures the computer performs to check its internal circuitry and set up its configuration.
DIP switch
Dual Inline Package switch. A small switch on a computer, option card, or printer that controls a particular function.
Directory
A list of files stored in a particular area on a disk; part of a structure for organizing files into groups. A directory listing shows the name, location, and size of the files in the directory. A directory can contain both files and subdirectories.
Disk
The collective term for diskettes and hard disks.
Disk drive
The physical device that allows the computer to read from and write to a disk. A diskette drive has a disk slot into which you insert a diskette. A hard disk is sealed inside a protective unit.
Diskette
A flat piece of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material used to store data permanently.
Display adapter card
A circuit board that can be installed in one of the computer’s option slots to provide the monitor interface. A display adapter card controls the way the monitor displays text and graphics. (In the Equity 386SX/16 PLUS, a VGA display adapter is built into the system board.) Also known as Video card.
6 Glossary