Parameter
A qualifier added to a command that tells the computer how to
perform the command (such as what data file to use or what
particular conditions to expect). For example, in the command
FORMAT
A:,
the
A:
parameter tells the computer to format the
diskette in drive A. See also
Switch.
Partition
The area defined on a hard disk to run an operating system.
Also, to divide a hard disk into separate logical drives.
Pathname
The list of directories the MS-DOS operating system must
search through to locate a file. For example, the pathname for a
file named CONTRACT.TXT that is located in the BUSINESS
subdirectory is \BUSINESS\CONTRACT.TXT.
Peripheral device
An external device, such as a printer or mouse, connected to the
computer.
Port
An input/output connection on a computer to which you can
attach a peripheral device.
Power-on diagnostics
A set of testing routines the computer performs automatically
every time you turn it on.
Program
A file that contains coded instructions telling the computer
what to do and how to do it.
Glossay 15