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Power On Self Test (POST): A set of routines that are stored in ROM and performed
when you start or reset a computer. They test system components such as the
processor(s), memory, disk drives, mouse and keyboard to make sure they are
connected and working correctly.
power up: To turn on a computer, or any peripheral device that has its own power supply.
processor: See central processing unit.
program: A set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. Programs call for
information (input), which is entered at the keyboard or by means of a pointing
device, or obtained from a file. The computer processes the data, according to
the instructions in the program, and sends the results to a device such as a
screen, a printer or a disk. See also application, macro, utility.
prompt: An audible or visible signal, such as a beep or a screen message, that tells you
that you need to do something or that a process is complete. See also system
prompt.
properties: Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT treat windows, icons,
applications, disk drives, documents, folders, modems, and printers as self-
contained objects. Each object has its own properties, such as the object's
name, size, position on-screen, and color. You can change an object's
properties using the Properties dialog box. See Windows Help for more
information on changing properties.
protocol: A set of rules and conventions that makes it possible to transfer information
between computers. If you're transmitting a file, both modems must use the
same protocol—just as two people talking on the telephone must speak the
same language to communicate effectively.
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