CPU

Central Processing Unit. The primary computer device that interprets instructions, performs the tasks you indicate, keeps track of stored data, and controls all input and output operations. See also Microprocessor.

The highlighted marker or pointer that shows the screen position at which keystrokes will appear when typed or where the next mouse command will be executed.

Cylinders

The vertical alignment of tracks in a hard disk that can be lined up under one read/write head. The number of tracks on a disk is equal to the number of cylinders times the number of heads. See also Trucks.

D a t a

Information, such as text or graphics, stored or processed by a computer.

Data diskette

A formatted diskette on which you store data files (as opposed to program files).

Default

Any value or setting choice that the computer or a program makes when the user does not specify an alternative. A default value stays in effect unless you override it temporarily by changing the value or you reset the default value itself.

6Glossary