Peripheral
A device (such as a printer or a modem) connected to a computer that depends on the computer for its operation.
Port
A physical input/output socket on a computer where you can connect a peripheral device.
The system tests 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
Primary partition
The hard disk partition where the operating system is stored and from which the computer loads the operating system.
Program
A disk file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it.
Prompt
A message the screen displays that tells you what action you need to perform next. See also Command prompt.
1 6 G l o s s a r y