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 A GLOSSARY FOR BEGINNERS - THE CHEAT SHEET
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==Address. Location of a specific piece of computer information in
computer memory. Also a specific cell location in a spreadsheet
(e.g., address A22 in a spreadsheet: meaning the cell at intersection of
column A, row 22)

==[Alt] key  The key labeled Alt at the left of your keyboard. 
This key is often used by holding down Alt and hitting another key.

==AUTOEXEC.BAT The batch file runs automatically when you start 
your computer it is a text file containing a list of DOS commands.

==Batch file (bat file) A text file containing a list of DOS commands to
be carried out or executed.

==Cell. a single box in a spreadsheet used for data entry.

==Clock/calendar. An optional circuit which keeps the correct time
and date. Many computers contain the circuit as standard equipment.

==[Ctrl] key.  The key labeled Ctrl at the left of your keyboard. This
key is often used by holding down Ctrl and hitting another key.

==Cursor. The flashing bright square your screen which shows where
information will appear when you press a key.

==Database. An organized collection of records or information.

==default. A standard computer setting when nothing otherwise is
specified. Can be changed in many programs temporarily or permanently.
If you are not sure of a setting in a program, it may supply a
defualt value automatically.

==directory.  An imaginary  storage space on your disk which contains
files. 
     
==DOS. Disk Operating System. DOS allows you to input information from the 
keyboard to the computer,run programs, prepare files for disks and other
necessary tasks.
                 
==[Enter] key.  The large key to the right of your keyboard. On many
computers, this is labeled [Return].

==[Esc] key. The key on your computer labeled Esc, meaning Escape.
This key allows you to abort many computer entries and operations.

==Extension. The last part of a filename, preceded by a dot which 
frequently shows the file type.   

==External commands. DOS commands such as FORMAT (and others) which are
retained only on disk and are temporarilly loaded into ram for use
then disappear from ram after a task is complete.

==Field. An area of the screen (frequently a database program) where
data or text is entered. A field is essentially a category of information.

==File. A collection of data on a disk which has been grouped together.
This can be text of a letter, numbers and formulas in a spreadsheet,
or codes to run a program or application.

==Floppy and floppy drive. A permanent magnetic storage medium for
retaining data when the computer is off. Similar to a tape cassette.
It stores data, can be erased and reused and modified.

==Function keys. The keys labeled F1 - F10 on your keyboard.
                                            
==LAN. Local area network. Circuits to allows several or many
computers to talk to each other and share data. Of interest to
business and office computer users, but of only passing interest
to home and home/office users having only one machine.
      
==Macro. A sequence of keystrokes or commands that can be recorded
and played back to execute a program or task of data entry.

==Operating system. Another name for DOS. The essential "core" software
which itself runs other programs.  

==Parameters. Information sent to a program. Example: P is the
parameter of the DOS command dir/p. 

==Path.  A list of subdirectories where DOS searches for information.
You can set this with the DOS PATH command.   

==Password. A word or phrase which must input at the keyboard before
a program or operation can begin.

==RAM. Temporary memory in  your computer (random access memory). 
When  you turn your computer off, all RAM contents are lost.

==Record. A set of information elements in a database. 

==Resident commands. DOS commands such as COPY, TYPE, DIR, DEL which are
retained in RAM instead of disk. Also called internal commands

==Resident programs.  Program which is loaded into your computer
temporarily and remains available until the computer is turned off.
Resident programs are also known as TSR programs (terminate and
stand resident.)



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