Command prompt

The characters MS-DOSdisplays to indicate it is loaded and ready to receive instructions. The MS-DOS command prompt ordinarily displays the current operating drive (A> or C>, for example). You can add other information to the command prompt using the PROMPT command.

Configuration

The particular arrangement of the hardware components of your computer. Your configuration, for example, might include a printer and an internal modem, as well as your hard disk and diskette drive.

Control code

A character (generated by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function.

Controller

A hardware component of your computer that oversees the operation of the hard disk or diskette drive.

Coprocessor

An optional integrated circuit (chip) that assists the CPU in performing numeric calculations.

CPU

Central Processing Unit. The integrated circuit (chip) responsible for interpreting program instructions, performing calculations, and controlling input and output operations.

Glossary 5