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commands: Instructions that tell the computer and its devices what to
do. You can enter commands from the system prompt or combine
them into programs. See also program.
compatibility: The ability of two computers, programs and/or devices
to operate together. For example if you install a modem that is not
compatible with your computer, the modem will not operate.
component: A part of the computer system. Many components are
combined to create the whole system.
compression: Making things smaller. In computer terms, files are com-
pressed by removing repetitive and blank characters. Depending
on the type of file, this can result in a size reduction of over 90%.
Modems use compression to reduce the amount of time needed to
send or receive a file.
CONFIG.SYS: A file containing commands that customize the way
the computer works. For example, the CONFIG.SYS file allows
you to turn system features on or off, set limits on resources such
as memory, and load some device drivers.
configuration: 1) The set of devices available to the system (such as
terminals, printers, disk drives, etc.). 2) How parts of the system
are set up. For example, the configuration of the serial port
includes the baud rate, parity, data bits and stop bits.
controller: An electronic device that automatically operates a unit or
regulates a process. For example, the computer's built-in disk
drive controller takes information from the computer and trans-
lates it into a form usable by the hard drive. A controller can take a
number or forms, such as a chip on the motherboard or a PC Card.
An adapter may also be called a controller.
conventional memory: The first 640KB of random access memory
(RAM) where the operating system runs programs and stores
information. Also called base memory.
cooling method: The method used to keep the computer's internal tem-
perature at an operating level that is safe for the computer.
Part III: Appendixes
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