Pathname

The list of directories the MS-DOS operating system must search through to locate a file. For example, the pathname for a file named CONTRACT.TXT that is located in the BUSINESS subdirectory is \BUSINESS\CONTRACT.TXT.

Peripheral device

An external device, such as a printer or mouse, connected to the computer.

Port

An input/output connection on a computer to which you can attach a peripheral device.

Power-on diagnostics

A set of testing routines the computer performs automatically every time you turn it on.

RAM

Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory that runs programs and temporarily stores data while you work. All data stored in RAM is temporarily maintained while the computer is in Suspend mode, but erased when you turn off the computer. See also ROM.

Read/write head

The physical device inside a disk drive that reads and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk.

Real-time clock

A battery-powered clock in the computer that keeps track of the current time and date even when the computer’s power is off.

10G l o s s a r y