Epson Y16499100301 RAM, F-7, Port, Read, Parity, Prompt, Program, Glossary, Partition, Peripheral, Read/write head, Power-ondiagnostics

Parity

Data signals sent during communications to detect errors in transmitting or receiving data.

Partition

To divide a hard disk drive into separate sections for use by different operating systems.

Peripheral

A device (such as a printer or a modem) connected to a computer that depends on the computer for its operation.

Port

A physical input/output socket on a computer where you can connect a peripheral.

Power-on diagnostics

See Diagnostics.

Program

A disk file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it.

Prompt

A message displayed on the computer screen that tells you what action you need to perform next.

RAM

Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store 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.

Read

To copy data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen.

Read/write head

The physical device inside a disk drive that reads and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk.

Glossary F-7