Pathname

The list of directories the 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

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

Port

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

Power-on diagnostics

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

Program

A disk file that contains coded instructions telling the computer what to do and how to do it.

Prompt

A message on the screen that requests information or tells you the action you need to perform next.

R A M

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 erased when you turn off the computer, so you must store any data you want to save on a diskette or hard disk.

16 Glossary