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synchronous: Having a constant time interval between successive bits, characters or
events. Synchronous data transmission requires both the sending and
receiving devices to use special synchronizing characters to correct variations
in timing between the devices. See also asynchronous.
system disk: A diskette that contains the operating system files that are needed to start
the computer. Any physical diskette can be formatted as a system disk. A
system disk is also called a bootable disk.
system prompt: In MS-DOS mode, one or more characters that indicate that the
operating system is ready for you to enter a command. You can enter an
operating-system command or start a program from a system prompt.
System Configuration Information file (.SCI): This file allows you to create a backup of
the configuration and store it. You will be able to restore the system
configuration from the .SCI file.
striping: See disk striping.
swap area: An area of hard disk that acts as an extension of RAM. Programs, or parts of
programs, that are in active use but currently in a waiting state can be shifted
to this area (swapped out) so that others can run in RAM. It is a form of virtual
memory. Also called a swap file.
T
terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR): A type of program, also called memory resident, that
stays in memory even when you aren't using it.
terminator: A hardware item that must be installed in the last device connected to a bus
to control noise and prevent the signal from oscillating.
token ring: A type of LAN that uses the token-passing access method with a ring
topology.
tracks: One of several concentric rings on a diskette or hard disk that defines a distinct
area of data storage. Tracks are encoded on the disk during formatting.
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