Glossary
and flat spots arranged in a continuous spiral track, which is read at a constant speed.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) The part of a workstation that interprets and executes instructions.
child directory See subdirectory.
click To press and release a mouse but- ton. The term comes from the fact that pressing and releasing most mouse buttons makes a clicking sound.
cluster A group of workstations connected via a Local Area Network (LAN). One workstation, the cluster server, performs as a
cluster client A cluster node that does not have a local
cluster node A member of a group of workstations connected via a Local Area Network (LAN). One workstation, the cluster server, performs as a server to the cluster. See also cluster, cluster client, cluster server.
cluster server A workstation that provides file access, login access, file trans- fer, printing, and other services across a network to a defined cluster of systems (cluster nodes) connected via a LAN. See also cluster, cluster client, cluster node, host.
command An instruction that you enter into the system at a prompt, to execute a program or perform a task. See also shell command.
command argument Information you provide on a command line to describe the object (usually a file or directory) to be operated on by the command.
command interpreter A program that reads lines of text from standard input (typed at the keyboard or read from a file) and interprets them as requests to execute other programs. An
command option Information you provide on a command line to indicate any special action you want the command to take. See also default.
configuration The arrangement of a workstation or network as defined by the nature, number, and chief characteristics of its functional units. More specifically, the term configuration may refer to a hardware configuration or a software configuration.
control key sequence A keystroke combination used as a shorthand way of specifying commands. To enter a control key sequence, you hold down the control
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