File

A group of related pieces of information called records, or entries, stored together on a disk. Text files consist of words and sentences. Program files consist of code and are used by computers to interpret and carry out instructions.

Filename

A name of up to eight characters that MS-DOS uses to identify a file.

Floppy disk

See Diskette.

Format

To prepare a new disk (or erase an old one) so that it can store information. Formatting a disk divides it into tracks and sectors and creates addressable locations on it.

Graphics

Lines, angles, curves, and other non-alphanumeric data.

GW-BASIC

Microsoft’s extended version of the Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A programming language designed to be easy to use and understand.

Hard disk

The enclosed unit used to store data permanently. Unlike a diskette, it is fixed in place inside the computer. It can process data more rapidly and 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 frequently used by programmers. Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be represented by a two-digit hexadecimal number.

Glossary

GL-5