AMSTRAD cpc 6128 User Instruction page 453

Digital
Describes the transition of a changing quantity in terms of discrete steps rather
than by a continuous process. The opposite of analogue.
Digitiser
A means of plotting analogue information into a computer. Commonly referred to
in conjunction with graphics tablets.
Directory
A section of disc containing entries for each file on the disc. A list of the contents
ofadisc.
Disc (or disk)
A flat, thin circular piece of plastic, coated on one or both sides with a magnetic
oxide surface and used as a medium for storing data. The disk is housed in a
protective envelope, with access for the reading head provided by a 'window'. On a
3" disc the window is covered by a metallic shutter, which automatically slides
across when the disc is out ofthe disc drive.
Disc drive
The mechanism used to spin and access the data on the surface of the disc.
Documentation
The manuals that are supplied with computers or software to explain how
th~y
are operated.
DOS
Disc Operating System. The software that controls all the operations of a disc
drive.
Dotmatrix
A rectangular grid of dots on which a character can be displayed by the selection
of certain dots.
Double sided
A disc that can store information on both sides. A double sided disc drive can
access both sides of a disc without the need to turn the disc over.
Appendix 2 Page 10
Glossary