Command

An instruction you enter or select to direct a computer program to perform a specific function.

Command prompt

The symbol or message that displays on the screen to tell you that the operating system is loaded and ready to receive instructions. The default MS-DOS command prompt displays the current drive and directory. If you are logged onto drive C, the command prompt may look like this: C : \>.

Configuration

The particular setup of your computer’s internal and external components. A typical configuration consists of a computer with a certain amount of memory, one diskette drive, and one hard disk drive connected to a monitor, printer, and keyboard.

Control code

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

Conventional memory

The memory in the computer below 1MB that is available to MS-DOS and application programs-usually 640KB. Also called base memory or main memory.

Copy-protected program

A program containing a software “lock” that prevents it from being copied. Some of these programs require you to leave the program diskette in the drive while you use it. See also Automatic speed and Key disk.

Glossary 5