Glossary–8
operating system
A collection of system programs that controls the operation of the system
and allows the user access to data files, input/output devices, and
applications programs. The operating system software performs such
tasks as assigning memory to programs and data, processing requests,
and scheduling jobs. VMS and ULTRIX are the two examples of operating
systems.
output device
A device that accepts data from the system. A printer is an example of an
output device.
peripheral device
A device that provides the CPU with additional memory storage or
communication capability. Examples are disk and diskette drives, video
terminals, and printers.
port
Another term for a connector on a device (such as a computer or server),
used to make a connection to another device (such as a terminal, printer,
or communications device). Connectors are usually on the rear of
equipment.
power-up sequence (power up)
A series of ordered events that occur when you supply power by turning
on the system.
program
The sequence of instructions the system uses to perform a task. See
software
.
program mode
The state in which the computer is controlled by the operating system.
After the operating system is installed, the system always operates in
program mode, unless you put it into console mode. See
console mode
.
prompt
Words or characters that the system displays to indicate it is waiting for
you to enter a command.
RAM
Random-access memory
.
