File

A collection of information called records, or entries, stored together on a disk under a single name. Text files consist of words and sentences. Program files consist of codes and are used by computers to interpret and execute commands. See also Filename.

Filename

A name assigned to a file that distinguishes it from other files in a particular directory on a disk. MS-DOS filenames can be up to eight characters long and consist of letters, numbers, and certain punctuation marks.

Fixed disk

See Hard disk.

Format

To prepare a new disk (or an old one you want to reuse) so that the data you store on it can be used by your operating system. Formatting divides a disk into tracks and sectors and creates addressable locations where your operating system can find your data.

Graphics

Screen or file data such as lines, angles, and curves. A graphics program creates images by joining individual pixels on the screen to represent virtually any shape desired.

Hard disk

An encased storage device containing one or more disk platters used to store large amounts of data. Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is fixed in place. It can process data more rapidly and store many more files than a diskette. Also called fixed disk.

10 Glossary