Term
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Definition
| Software designed for a specific purpose, such as creating databases or spreadsheets, word processing, producing graphics, or just for entertainment |
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Term
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Definition
| the core of the operating system. |
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Term
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Definition
The ability of an operating system to
support two or more programs running at
the same time. |
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Term
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Definition
Multiple programs sharing control of the operating system. It is sometimes referred
to as time slicing. |
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Term
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Definition
| One program dominating the operating system but allowing another program to run while it is idle. |
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Term
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Definition
Commands issued by typing in text at a
command prompt. |
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Term
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Definition
| An operating system interface that allows the user to perform functions by selecting on-screen icons rather than by issuing text line commands. |
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Term
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Definition
A program or collection of data that
forms a single unit. |
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Term
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Definition
A file used to group other files together in a hierarchical file structure. It is analogous to a file
folder in a paper filing system. Directories are referred to as folders
in many operating systems. |
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Term
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Definition
A file that subdivides the contents of
a directory. A subdirectory is analogous to a folder within a folder in a paper filing system.
Subdirectories
are referred to as
subfolders in many
operating systems. |
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Term
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Definition
| A string of characters used to identify a file's location in the directory structure. |
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Term
| Disk Operating System (DOS) |
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Definition
An operating system typically requiring
the user to issue text line commands to
perform operations. |
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Term
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Definition
A floppy disk that contains the files
necessary to run a computer with DOS.
line commands to perform operations.
DOS system boot
disk |
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Term
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Definition
A set of programs that are wholly
contained within the command processor
program (command.com or cmd.exe). |
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Term
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Definition
Individual, executable files that extend DOS's functionality beyond
the limits of its internal commands. |
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Term
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Definition
The second part of a filename. An
extension is typically three characters long and indicates the function of the file. |
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Term
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Definition
The process of starting the computer
and loading the operating system. |
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Term
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Definition
When the electrical power switch is
used to turn on the computer. |
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Term
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Definition
Using the reset button or key combination [Ctrl), [Ait], and [Delete] to restart a computer that is already
running. |
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Term
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Definition
Bootstrap program a short program
that runs the POST, searches for the
Master Boot Record (MBR), loads into
memory some basic files, and then turns the boot operation over to the operating system. |
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Term
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Definition
A computer with two operating systems
installed. |
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Term
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Definition
A computer with more than two
operating systems installed. |
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Term
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Definition
A computer on which more than one
operating system can be executed at the
same time. |
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Term
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Definition
A BIOS function that enables the
automatic detection and configuration
of new hardware components. Also, the automatic assignment of system esources
such as DMA channels, interrupts, memory, and port assignments. |
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Term
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Definition
The programming code used to make
the operating system. |
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Term
| File Allocation Table (FAT) |
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Definition
A table used by the operating system to
record and recall the locations of files on the disk. |
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Term
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Definition
A file that contains information about
the system hardware and software. |
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Term
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Definition
| A database that store configuration information. |
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Term
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Definition
Software that enables proper communication between the computer and
peripheral devices. |
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Term
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Definition
| Compressed files that contain the operating system software. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Software that provides a computer user with a file system structure and with a means of communicating with the computer hardware. |
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Term
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Definition
The top of the directory structure.
A root directory is analogous to a file
cabinet drawer in a conventional, paper
filing system. A root directory is also
referred to as the root. |
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