Subdirectory

A directory or group of files that branches down from another subdirectory or from the root directory.

Switch

An option added to an MS-DOS command that redirects the way the command works. Switches must be preceded by a / (forward slash). For example, if you add the /S switch to a FORMAT command, MS-DOS installs the operating system on the diskette as it formats it.

System diagnostics

A series of checks you can perform on the computer to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly.

System diskette

A diskette that contains the operating system.

Target diskette

The diskette that you are writing or copying data to during a copy or backup operation.

Tracks

Addressable, concentric circles on a diskette, resembling the grooves on a record, which help to divide the diskette into separate accessible areas. There are 80 tracks on each side of a double-sided 720KB diskette and 40 tracks on each side of a double-sided 360KB diskette.

Wildcard

A character that represents an unknown character or group of characters. The wildcard character * (asterisk) represents a group of characters, and the wildcard character ?

(question mark) represents a single character.

Write

To store data on a disk.

Write-protect

To prevent a diskette from being overwritten by setting the write-protect switch on a 3 +-inch diskette or by placing a write-protect tab over the notch on the side of a 5 $ -inch diskette. When a diskette is write-protected, you cannot erase, change, or record over its contents.

Glossary

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