ROM

Read Only Memory. A portion of memory that can only be read and cannot be used for temporary storage. ROM retains its contents even when you turn off the power.

Root directory

The top-level directory in MS-DOS, designated by a \ (backslash). All other d irectories are subdirectories of the root directory or of other subdirectories.

RS-232C

A widely-used, standard type of serial interface. You can easily connect an RS-232C-compatible device to the computer.

Sector

A contiguous section of a disk track that provides an address at which the computer can access data.

Self test

The initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check its hardware.

Serial

The type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time. See Interface and Parallel.

S I M M

See Memory module.

Software

The programs that enable your computer to perform the tasks and functions you indicate.

18 Glossary