Boot

To load a program or an operating system into the computer’s memory.

A sequence or group of eight bits that represents one character.

Character

Anything that can print in a single space on the page or the screen. Includes numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and graphic symbols.

CMOS

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method of making silicon chips.

Code

A system of symbols for representing data or instructions. Also, any software program or part of a program.

Command

An instruction you enter on a keyboard to direct the computer to perform a specific function.

Command prompt

The message that tells you MS-DOS is loaded and ready to receive instructions. The MS-DOS command prompt displays the current operating drive (A > or C > , for example), unless you change the format using the PROMPT command. See also Prompt.

Configuration

The particular setup of your computer hardware. For example, a typical system configuration consists of a main unit with two diskette drives and a monitor, connected to a printer.

Control code

A command (generated when you hold down Ctrl and press another key on the keyboard) that instructs the computer to perform a specific function.

GL-2

Glossary