Toshiba E300 manual See also cache, L1 cache, L2 cache, Directory-Seefolder

196 Glossary

CPU cache—A section of very fast memory residing between the CPU

	and the computer’s main memory that temporarily stores data and
	instructions the CPU will need to execute commands and programs.
	See also cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.
	cursor—An on-screen symbol (usually a flashing vertical line) that
	indicates the position where characters will appear when you enter
	data.
D	default—The setting selected by a program when the user does not
	specify an alternative setting.
	device—A component attached to the computer. Devices may be
	external (outside the computer’s case) or internal (inside the
	computer’s case). Printers, disk drives, and modems are examples of
	devices.
	device driver—A program (called a “driver”) that permits a computer to
	communicate with a device.
	dialog box—An on-screen window displayed by the operating system or
	a program giving a direction or requesting input from the user.
	Direct Current (DC)—The type of power usually supplied by batteries.
	DC flows in one direction. Compare Alternating Current (AC).
	Direct Memory Access (DMA)—A dedicated channel, bypassing the
	CPU, that enables direct data transfer between memory and a
	device.
	directory—Seefolder.
	disable—To turn a computer option off. See also enable.
	disc—A round, flat piece of material, designed to be read from and
	written to by optical (laser) technology, and used in the production
	of optical discs, such as CDs and DVDs. Compare disk.
	disk—A round, flat piece of material that can be magnetically influenced
	to hold information in digital form, and used in the production of
	magnetic disks, such as hard disks. Compare disc. See also hard
	disk.
	disk drive—The device that reads and writes information and programs
	on external media or hard disk. It rotates the disk at high speed past
	one or more read/write heads.