System diskette

A diskette that contains the operating system and can be used to boot the computer.

Tape drive

The physical device that allows you to insert large-capacity magnetic tape cartridges for compact data storage and backup.

UNIX

An operating system that supports multitasking and is especially suited to multi-user environments. UNIX is compatible with a range of computers, from personal computers to mainframes. See also Operating system.

VGA

Video Graphics Array. A high-resolution display adapter that provides a variety of video modes. Your computer’s built-in VGA controller supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 on a compatible monitor, depending on the amount of video RAM.

Video curd

See Display adapter card.

Write

To transfer data to a storage device (such as a disk) or an output device (such as a monitor or printer). See also Read.

Write-protect

To protect the data on a diskette from being changed by setting the write-protect switch on a 3.5-inch diskette or by placing a write-protect tab over the notch on a 5.25-inch diskette. You cannot change data on a write-protected diskette.

14 Glossary