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 displays the current drive and directory. If you are logged onto drive A, the command prompt looks like this: A>.

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 the computer to perform a specific function.

Conventional memory

The memory on the main system board (up to 640KB) used by MS-DOS and application programs. Also called base memory or main memory.

Coprocessor

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

4Glossary