GW-BASIC

Microsoft’s extended version of the BASIC programming language. GW-BASIC is included on your Operating 2 diskette.

Hard disk

A sealed mass storage device used to store data permanently. A hard disk can process data more rapidly and can store many more files than a diskette.

Hardware

Any physical component of a computer system, such as a monitor, printer, keyboard, or CPU.

Hexadecimal

A base 16 numbering system commonly used by programmers.

Hidden file

A file whose name is not listed by the DIR command. MS-DOS stores two hidden files in the root directory of your hard disk. Some application programs also create hidden files.

High-density

Atype of diskette. High-density 3 1/2-inch diskettes can be formatted to store 1.44MB of data.

Input/output (I/O) port

See Port.

Interface

A hardware or software connection that is used to transmit data between equipment or programs.

Internal command

An MS-DOS command, such as DIR or ERASE, that is not stored in a separate program file. Internal commands may be executed from any drive or directory.

Kilobyte (KB)

A unit used to measure storage space in a computer’s memory or on a disk. One kilobyte equals 1,024 bytes.

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