Serial

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

Shadow RAM

The feature provided by your computer that enables it to copy ROM BIOS information into the RAM area of memory to speed up processing.

SIMM

See Memory module.

Subdirectory

A directory or group of files that branches down from another subdirectory or from the root directory.

Switch

An option added to a command that modifies the way the command works. Switches are usually preceded by a / (forward slash). See also Parameter.

System diagnostics

A series of checks you can perform on your system components to make sure they are functioning correctly.

System diskette

A diskette that contains the operating system.

16 Glossary