Dictionary of Amiga Terms This glossary provides definitions of terms used in The AmigaDOS online Reference manual.

acceleration
An option, selected through the Input editor, that causes the
pointer movement to increase as the mouse is moved at a constant
speed. Acceleration provides a higher degree of control for small
mouse movements and less control, but greater mouse speed, for
large movements.

action gadget
A gadget in a window that performs an operation in the window
when you select the gadget. Common action gadgets are Save,
Continue, and Caneel.

active
Used in reference to the screen, Shell window, or Workbench
window that is accepting input..

Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA)
An Amiga custom chip set that delivers more displayable colors
and improved performance.

alias
An alternative name for an AmigaDOS command or command
string, specified with the ALIAS eommand.

AmigaDOS
The disk operating system (DOS) used by Amiga computers. A
disk operating system provides the basic functions of the
computer.

AppIcon
An icon created and used by an application.

application
A program or collection of programs that perform a speci fic task,
such as a word processor, database, or video title.

App Window
An application window into which you can drag an icon to load
the icon fle into the application. The MultiView window and
Amiga file requester are AppWindows.

archive
1. (n) A backup copy of a file or files.

2. (v) To copy files to disk or tape for backup purposes.

argument
An additional piece of information, such as a file name, value, or
option, included along with a command. This information
determines the exact action of the command.

argument passing
Specifying parameters on the command line for a program or
command to follow.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
A standardized format for text that assigns code numbers to
characters, allowing the exchange of information between
different types of computers.

aspect ratio
The proportion of an image's height to its width.

assign
To link a logical device name to a directory name with the
ASSIGN command. This lets programs that use that directory use
a single device name in all cases. For example, the device name
T: is commonly assigned to the directory name RAM:T.

attributes
A series of flags stored with every file. Attributes indicate file
type and control the operations (read, write, delete, and so forth)
permissible on the file. Also called protection bits.

autoscroll
To automatically move a screen when the pointer reaches the
edges of the viewable area.

backdrop
A special type of window that has no borders, is as large as the
screen, and is always behind all other windows on the screen.

backup
A copy of a file on disk or tape used to replace lost data.

back up
To make a backup copy.

baud rate
The speed at which a device receives or transmits information in
serial communication. Roughly equivalent to bits per second.
binary
The base-2 number system that uses only the digits 0 and 1.

bit
A single binary digit (1 or 0).

bitplane
An area of RAM that holds screen graphics data. Each bit in a
bitplane controls one screen pixel. The number of bitplanes for a
screen controls the maximum number of simultaneous colors
possible for that screen.

block
l. A contiguous series of bytes (usually 512) treated as a single
logical unit in RAM or permanent storage media.

2. A user-marked area of a text file.

boot
To start the system by reading the information needed from a
storage device, such as a floppy or hard disk, into the computer's
memory. Also refers to items used in this process: the boot disk.
(See reboot.)

bootable
Refers to a device from which the Amiga can boot. A bootable
disk must contain all the system files needed for the computer to
start operation.

Bridgeboard
An expansion board from Commodore that allows hardware
emulation of PC-compatible computers.

brush
An IFF graphics file, usually a section cut from a full-sized
picture.

buffer
A temporary storage area in R.AM.

bug
An error in software or hardware.

busy pointer
An image of a stopwatch that appears in place of the normal
pointer when the Workbench is busy and cannot accept further
input. Also called the wait pointer.

byte
A unit of memory consisting of eight bits, usually equivalent to
one character.

cache memory
A temporary area in memory with extremely fast access that
improves the system performance.

catalog
The files that contain the system texts and messages translated to
a different language.

CD-ROM
A read only storage media. Stores upward of 550 MB on a disk
similar to an audio compact disc.

check box
A gadget that lets you turn an option on or of£ When a check
mark appears in the box, the option is selected, or on.
chip
A miniaturized electronic circuit, housed in a small, black,
rectangular block edged by metal connector pins. A computer is
made up of a variety of specialized chips.

Chip RAM
The area of RAM accessible to the Amiga's custom chip set. This
memory is used for graphics and sound data. Also called graphics
memory.

clear
l. To change a bit or flag to its 0, off, or disabled state. Opposite
of set.

2. To erase a screen or window display.

CLI (Command Line Interface)
A means of communicating with a computer by issuing commands
from the keyboard. The Shell is the Amiga's CLI.

click
To press and release a mouse button. Refers to the selection (left)
mouse button unless otherwise specified.

Clipboard
An area in memory that is used to store text and graphics while
they are being transferred between programs.

close
To remove a window from the screen, to end a program, or to
finish the access to a data file.

close gadget
A gadget that can appear in the upper left corner of a window to
allow you to close the window.

cold boot
To boot the Amiga from a powered off state.

color correction
A printing option, selected through the PrinterGfx editor, that
tries to better match the colors of a printout to the colors on the screen.

command
A statement given to the Amiga to perform a task or achieve a
result.

command history
A feature of the Shell that allows you to recall previously entered
command lines by using the cursor keys.

command line
The line on which commands and their arguments are typed.
Also, all the information that has been typed on the line.

console window
A window used for the input and output of text, such as a Shell
window.

Control-key combination
A key combination that performs a special function, entered by
holding down Ctrl while pressing another key on the keyboard.
Some Control-key combinations are executed as soon as they are
pressed, such as when Ctrl+C is used to abort the execution of an
AmigaDOS command. Some produce a reversed character image
and have no immediate effect.

coprocessor
A separate processor chip that assists the CPU by performing
specific tasks, such as mathematical computations or rapid data
transfer.

copy and paste
The act of copying a block of text or graphics and inserting it at a
new location.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The "brain" of a computer; the integrated circuit chip primarily
responsible for executing the instructions in a program.

current directory
The current location in the directory structure. The directory
AmigaDOS uses as the default directory to operate within, if no
other directory is specified.

current window
The highlighted window that accepts input from the keyboard. A
Shell window is current when it is opened.

cursor
A highlighted rectangle or vertical bar on the screen used to
indicate text position.

cycle gadget
A gadget for selecting one of several options. One option is
displayed at a time and as the gadget is selected, the other
options become visible. The displayed option is the selected
option.

cylinder
A logical division of a magnetic storage disk. Amiga 3.5 inch
floppy disks are divided into 80 cylinders during the formatting
process.

data
A collection of information.

dead key
A key, or key combination, that modifies the output of the next
key to be pressed. For example, on an American keyboard, Alt+H
superimposes a caret (^ ) symbol over the next key to be pressed.
Alt+H is a dead key combination.

debug
To find and fix mistakes in software or hardware.

default
A value or action assumed if you have not specifed something
else.

Default Tool
A tool specified in a project icon's Information window. When the
project icon is opened, the Default Tool is automatically loaded
and run.

delete
To erase or discard a file, buffer, or other stored item.

delimiter
A special character marking the beginning and end of a string.

density
The number of printer dots per inch. Many printers support
several print densities. Usually, the higher the density, the
darker and sharper the printout.

depth gadget
A gadget that may appear in the upper right corner of a window
or screen for moving that window or screen in front of or behind
other windows or screens. This is sometimes referred to as depth
arranging.

destination
The device, directory, or file that is receiving information.

device
A physical mechanism, such as a printer or disk drive, or a
software entity (logical device), such as CON: or NIL:, used as a
source or destination for information.

device name
A short name, such as DFO:, PCl:, or PRT:, that identifies a
particular hardware or software device. Device names must end
in a colon (:).

directory
A subdivision in a computer's filing system used to organize files
and other directories (subdirectories). Directories are represented
on the Workbench by drawer icons.

disk
A medium for mass storage of computer data. Most computer
disks store information magnetically; optical (laser-read) disks
are also used.

disk drive
A storage device that reads and writes data from and to a storage
disk, such as a floppy disk.

disk operating system (DOS)
The software that controls the basic input and storage functions
of a computer.

display box
A rectangular box, usually under a scroll gadget or next to a
selection gadget, that displays the current selection. You cannot
edit a display box.

display mode
A name given to the set of parameters, such as resolution and
scan frequency, that define a screen. For example, a High Res
display mode is 640 pixels wide and 200 pixels high (for NTSC
Amigas).

dithering
l. Creating smoother color or grey-scale shading of screen or
printed displays by alternating pixel color or density. The
PrinterGfx and PrinterPS Preferences editors provides several
settings for automatic dithering of printed graphics.
2. Creating the illusion of a color by using a pattern of other
colors. For example, creating the illusion of purple by alternating
pixels of red and blue.

double-click
To quickly press and release the selection button twice.

drag
To move an icon, window, gadget, or screen across the display by
pointing to the object, holding down the selection button, and
moving the mouse.

drag selection
The process of selecting several icons at once by holding down the
selection button and using the mouse to draw a box around the
icons you want to select. When you release the mouse button, all
the icons in the box are selected.

drawer
A subdivision of a disk storage area. A drawer corresponds to an
AmigaDOS directory.

drive name
The device name assigned to a disk drive, such as DFO: or DHl:.

dump
A printout of the image displayed on the screen.

ECS (Enhanced Chip Set)
The upgraded versions of the Amiga's Agnus and Denise
coprocessor chips. The Enhanced Chip Set offers additional
display modes (ECS modes) and expands previous graphics
capabilities. Many of the benefits of the ECS are available only in
conjunction with Release 2 or higher of the operating system.
editor
A program that lets you create and/or modify certain types of
files. The Amiga provides Preferences editors to change Prefs
settings and the text editors, MEmacs and ED, for changing text
files.

escape sequence
A sequence of characters, beginning with the Escape character,
that performs a special function when entered on a command line
or printed as part of a string. Escape sequences are typically used
to alter the style of type used by a printer or in a console window.

execute
To carry out the instructions in a command line, program, or
script.

extended selection
The process of selecting several icons at once by holding down
Shift while selecting each icon with the mouse.

extension
A sequence of characters beginning with a period, such as .info,
added to the end of a filename to identify the type of file.

Extra Haltbrite
A special graphics mode that doubles the number of colors on the
screen by duplicating existing colors at half their brightness.

Fast RAM
General memory used by programs and data. As the name
implies, normally faster than Chip RAM.

field
The screen area behind the text of a Workbench icon label. The
color of the field can be changed with the Font editor.

file
An organized collection of data referred to by a name and stored
on some type of media.

File system
The organization and software that controls the data, files, and
directories stored on a volume. The primary types of Amiga file
systems are FFS (FastFileSystem) and OFS (OldFileSystem).

floppy disk
A removable magnetic storage medium. The Amiga uses 3.5 inch,
double-sided, floppy disks in a rigid plastic case.

font
Also called typeface. A particular design of a set of letters,
symbols, and numbers used for text display, such as Topaz and
Helvetica. Fonts are usually available in several sizes, defined in
points ( 10 point,12 point, and so on).

format
l. To prepare a disk for use with the Amiga. Formatting a disk
erases all previously stored data.

2. A way of describing the proper syntax for AmigaDOS
commands.

fragmentation
A scattered distribution of data on a disk or in memory. Disk
fragmentation results in slower disk performance; memory
fragmentation can prevent some programs from running properly.

function keys
Keys at the top of the Amiga keyboard, labeled Fl to F10, that
can be programmed to perform special tasks.

gadget
Any of various programmed graphic images that may appear in a
window, requester, or screen and can be manipulated with the
mouse to perform a certain function. Each gadget is of a specific
type and performs a specific action. Most gadgets appear raised
and when selected, appear to sink into the screen.

genlock
A piece of hardware that allows Amiga graphics to be overlaid
onto another video source, for example, from a camera or VCR. A

genlock is typically used for applying titles or captions to video
media.

ghosting
Displaying menu or gadget items on the screen less distinctly
than normal to indicate that they are currently unavailable.

graphics memory
See Chip RAM.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)
A visually-oriented system allowing you to tell a computer what
to do by manipulating graphic symbols rather than by typing in
commands. The Workbench is the Amiga GUI.

HAM (Hold And Modify)
An Amiga graphics mode that allows the full Amiga color palette
to be displayed on the screen.

handshaking
The electronic protocol required for serial communication between
two computing devices.

hard disk
A high-speed, large-capacity mass-storage device from which the
disks usually cannot be removed. Often called a hard drive or
hard disk drive.

hierarchical
A term used to describe the multi-leveled AmigaDOS file
structure in which directories can contain other directories and/or
files.

history buffer
A section of memory that stores the most recent commands for a
given Shell.

hold down
To continually press a mouse button until instructed to release it.

hot key
A key or key combination used by Commodity Exchange programs
to open a hidden window.

hot spot
The pixel in a pointer, normally the tip of an arrow or the center
of a crosshair, that must be touching an object on the screen to
select it.

icon
An image appearing on the screen to represent a disk, drawer,
project or tool. Icons can be moved and selected with the mouse
to allow you to work with the items they represent.

IFF (Interchange File Format)
The standardized format in which the Amiga stores picture,
sound, and other types of data.

.info file
A file containing the image and position data for an icon (referred
to as "dot-info").

initialize
A synonym for format.

input buffer
An area of memory used during serial communication to hold
incoming information.

interlace
A property of some Amiga display modes that doubles the vertical
screen resolution.

Internal
Refers to an AmigaDOS command that is built into the Shell,
rather than loaded from disk.

KB (Kilobyte)
1024 bytes. Often abbreviated as K.

keyboard shortcut
A method for performing a mouse action by pressing a key or key
combination.

keymap
A file that determines the arrangement of characters on the
keyboard and determines the meaning of each key. Different
languages have different keymaps.

keyword
A word recognized by an AmigaDOS command or a Tool Type
entry as identifying an argument or specifying an option.
Kickstart
Refers to the portion of the Amiga operating system that is in
ROM.

library
An integrated set of functions and data that can be used by
different programs. Libraries can be found in ROM and in the
LIBS: drawer.

macro
A single command that represents a sequence of commands.
Many editors and applications support the use of macros to
facilitate commonly used command sequences. ARexx programs
are often called macros.

MB (Megabyte)
1024KB (1,048,576 bytes). Often abbreviated as M or Meg.

memory
The Amiga's internal storage circuitry that holds programs and
data. The Amiga has Chip (graphics) memory, Fast (normal)
memory, and ROM (Read Only Memory). The amount of RAM
(Random Access Memory) limits the size and number of
programs that can be operating within the Amiga at one time.

menu
A list of on-screen options, displayed by using the menu button,
from which you can choose commands that control a program.

menu bar
The list of headings that appears across the top of the screen
when the menu button is held down.

menu button
The right mouse button.

menu item
An option that appears in a menu. For example, New Drawer is
the first menu item in the Workbench's Window menu.

modem
A device allowing serial communication over telephone lines.

monitor
A video display terminal on which a computer's visual output is
shown. There are many types of monitors; the Amiga's standard
output uses an analog RGB color monitor to display both graphics
and text.

mouse
The device used to move the pointer on the screen and to
communicate with the Amiga. Its buttons can be used for
displaying menus, and for selecting and dragging icons, windows
and screens.

multiscan
A type of video monitor than can accept several different scan
rates (types of video output).

multitasking
The ability to perform more than one operation, or task, at a time.
The Amiga's multitasking operating system can have several
independent programs running at once. For instance, you could
simultaneously be displaying an animation, playing a sound file,
communicating with another computer, and formatting a floppy
disk.

nonproportional font
A font, such as Topaz, in which each character takes up an equal
amount of space. For example, an uppercase W is allotted the
same amount of space as a lowercase 1. Also called a monospaced
font.

offset
To shift or move over.

open
To make the selected object available for use. Open an icon by
double-clicking on it or by selecting it then choosing the Open
menu item from the Icons menu. When you open a disk or drawer
icon, a window appears, displaying its contents. When you open a
project or tool icon, a program is started.

operating system (OS)
Software, in ROM or supplied on floppy or hard disk, that controls
the basic functions of a computer.

overscan area
The normally unused area surrounding a standard-size screen.
The Overscan editor allows you to expand your screen to fill this
area.

overwrite
To write information to memory, a file, or disk, replacing any
information that previously was stored there.

parallel
An interface port that transfers data one complete byte (8 bits) at
a time, contrasted to a serial interface that sends a single bit at a
time. The Amiga has an external parallel port to which a printer
can be connected.

parent
The window from which another window was generated. The
directory that contains the current directory or drawer.

parity
A method of detecting errors in serial communication by
attaching an extra bit to bytes of data.

partition
A section of the hard disk that the system treats as if it were a
separate drive.

path
The series of volume and drawer names that define the location of
a file.

pattern matching
An AmigaDOS feature that lets you specify file and directory
names by using wildcard characters. With wildcards, you can
create search patterns that allow you to refer to a number of files
whose names share a common text pattern without naming each
file individually.

peripheral
An external hardware device connected to the Amiga.

pitch
The number of characters printed in a horizontal inch.

pixel
The dots of light that make up the Amiga screen display. A pixel
is the smallest unit of display information on a given screen.
Derived from "Picture Element".

point
1.(v) To place the mouse pointer so that its hot spot is touching
the object pointed to.
2.(n) The unit of measurement of vertical font size. Traditionally
this is 1/72 of an inch; on the Amiga it means one screen pixel.

pointer
An image on the screen, usually arrow-shaped, that moves as you
move the mouse. Use the pointer to select icons and gadgets and
to choose menu items.

PostScript printer
A high-resolution printer that can accept text and graphics
information in the PostScript page description language.

Preferences (Prefs)
A Workbench drawer containing editors that let you configure
and customize your Amiga environment, such as changing the
colors of your screen and setting the specifications for
communication through the serial port.

printer driver
A program that enables the Amiga to communicate with a given
printer. A printer driver works as a translator between a
computer and a printer, taking the information in a standardized
form (ASCII characters and ANSI escape sequences) from the
computer and presenting it to the printer in a format that the
printer can understand.

program
A series of instructions that tell the Amiga how to perform certain
tasks. Applications and system software are programs.

project
A file in which information created or used by a tool is stored. For
example, files created with a text editor or paint program are
projects.

prompt
A message or symbol that indicates that text input to the
computer is expected.

protection bits
(See attributes.)

pseudo-icon
An icon that is displayed for an object that does not have a .info
file when the Show All Files menu item is chosen.

pure
Describes a command or program that can be made resident. If a
file is pure, the p attribute is set.

qualifier
A key, such as Shift, Ctrl, or Alt, that changes the Amiga's
interpretation of a simultaneous or subsequent keystroke or
mouse click. Commonly used with Commodity Exchange programs.

radio button
A circular gadget beside an option on a list. To select an option,
select its radio button. You can only select one option from the
list at a time.

RAM (Random Access Memory)
Part of the Amiga's internal memory that can be used for data
storage and is directly accessible by the CPU. Applications are
loaded into RAM from disk and use additional RAM to process
and store data while the computer is on. Data in RAM is lost
when the Amiga is rebooted or powered off.

Ram Disk
A section of RAM set aside to function as if it were a disk drive.
This is much faster than a physical drive, since there are no
mechanical elements.

read
To retrieve stored information.

Read Only
If disk status is Read Only, you can only look at the contents of
the disk, you cannot alter them.

Read/Write
If disk status is Read/Write, you can both look at and alter the
contents of the disk.

reboot
To reset the Amiga by pressing Ctrl, left Amiga, and right Amiga.
This is roughly equivalent to turning the power off, then on again.
Memory is reset. Also called warm boot.

redirect
To change the source or destination of a command's input or
output from the default by using the special characters < or >.

requester
A window that appears when the system needs a response from
you. A requester contains action gadgets that give you a choice of
continuing or aborting the operation in progress. To exit the
requester, you must select one of the displayed gadgets.

resident
Describes a command or program that has been copied into
memory, with the RESIDENT command, for quicker execution.
Resident commands are specially set up to prevent reloading on
subsequent executions. Only pure fles can be made resident.

resolution
The dimensions, in pixels, associated with a particular display
mode. For example, a normal NTSC High Res screen has a
resolution of 640 (horizontal) by 200 (vertical) pixels.

RGB (Red-Green-Blue)
A type of video signal in which the three primary color signals are
sent separately. Standard Amiga output uses an RGB monitor.

ROM (Read Only Memory)
Permanent memory that is pre-programmed with system
instructions and does not change. The contents of ROM are not
affected by user commands or program operation.

root block
The area of a disk that contains the name of the disk and
information pertaining to the disk layout. If the root block is
erased, you cannot retrieve any information from the disk -- it is
effectively blank.

root directory
The main directory on a volume. The root directory is at the top
of the filing hierarchy and is created when a volume is formatted.
All other directories on the volume exist within the root. The root
directory is specified by the volume name followed by a colon.

scaling
Changing the size of an image or font for printing or display.
Usually, a screen image is scaled down to a smaller size for
printing, but you can also enlarge, or scale up, an image.

screen
An area of the display that has certain graphical attributes, such
as resolution and colors. Screens are always at least the full
width of the viewable area. The Amiga can have several screens
with different attributes open and visible at once.

script
A text file containing a series of commands that can be
automatically executed to perform a complex or repetitive task.
An example of a script is the Startup-sequence file executed when
you boot your Amiga.

scroll
To move through the viewing area of a window or list.

scroll arrows
Gadgets that may appear in a window to allow you to move the
viewing area continuously.
scroll bar
The highlighted area within the scroll box that can be dragged to
display the hidden contents of a window. It changes in size to
indicate the portion of the window that is currently visible.
scroll box
The shaded area within which the scroll bar can be dragged. You
can click in the scroll box to move the scroll bar.
scroll gadget
A gadget that can appear in a window to let you move through a
list of options or through the viewing area of a window. A scroll
gadget is made up of the scroll bar, scroll box, and scroll arrows.
scrolling list
The options that appear inside a scroll gadget. If the list is too
long to be displayed in the scroll gadget, you can use the scroll bar
or scroll arrows to move (scroll) through the list.
search path
The list of directories that AmigaDOS uses when it is looking for
a command. Directories are added or removed from the search
path with the PATH command.
select
To choose an item to work with by pointing to it with the mouse,
then clicking the selection button.

selection button
The left mouse button.

selection gadget
A gadget from which you can clioose one of several displayed
options, often used for colors.

serial
An interface port that transfers data a single bit at a time,
contrasted to a parallel interface which sends one complete byte
(eight bits) at a time. The Amiga has an external serial port to
which a modem, MIDI interface, or printer is often connected.
set
To change a bit or flag to its on or enabled state. Opposite of
clear.

Shell
The command line interface used to send typed commands to the
Amiga. The Shell is a console window that supports many special
features, such as command-line history, aliases, and copy and
paste operations.

sizing gadget
A gadget that can appear in the lower right corner of a window to
allow you to enlarge or shrink the size of the window.
slider gadget
A gadget from which you can select a value by dragging a bar
through the gadget. As you move the slider bar, different values
are displayed.

slider value
A number that appears next to a slider gadget to indicate the
currently selected value.

smoothing
A printing option available in the PrinterGfx editor that attempts
to eliminate, or smooth, jagged lines that can sometimes appear
in printouts.

snapshot
To save the positions of a window and/or the icons within it.

source
A device, drawer, or file that is supplying information. For
example, when you copy a disk, the disk you are copying is the
source disk.

stack
A special area of RAM reserved by a program for temporary
storage.

Startup-sequence
An AmigaDOS script file, executed when the Amiga is booted,
that helps set up the hardware and directory systems.

stop bits
Extra bits added to signal the end of a character, used during
serial communication.

string
A piece of text treated as a single unit.

subdirectory
A directory that is within another directory; equivalent to a
drawer within a drawer.

submenu
A secondary menu that appears when some menu items are
highlighted. If a menu item has a submenu, a , symbol appears
to the right of the menu item.

swap
To alternately place different floppy disks into the same drive, as
when performing a single-drive disk copy.

SYS:
The name assigned to the volume that the Amiga searches for its
system files and directories. Usually the volume booted from.

text gadget
A rectangular box in which you can type information, such as a
filename or command. Text gadgets are used by the ftename and
Execute Command menu items, as well as many programs.

threshold
A PrinterGfx value related to color intensity. It determines which
colors are printed as black and which are printed as white during
black-and-white printing.

timestamp
The date and time associated with a file or directoiy. This is
usually the date and time when the file or directory was created
or last modified.

title bar
The top border of a screen or window, which commonly displays
the name of the screen or window.

toggle
An option that can be switched between two states, such as on
and off.

tool
A program that creates or uses data, such as a text editor or paint
program.

Tool Type
An optional parameter that you can enter in an icon's Information
window to control a program. For example, if you enter the
SECONDS Tool Type in the Clock's Information window, the
Clock displays the seconds when it is opened.

Trashcan
A directory for storing files that you want to delete.

type ahead
A feature of the Shell that lets you enter commands as a previous
command's output is being displayed.

User-startup
A user-created file containing specific system settings that are
read and executed during the system startup sequence.
volume
A mounted storage unit, such as a floppy disk or hard disk
partition.

volume name
The name of a volume, as distinguished from its device name.
Renaming a disk changes its volume name, not its device name.

wildcard
A symbol used in pattern matching to represent a range of
possible values, such as when specifying filenames that all start
or end with the same character. The question mark (?), for
example, is used as a wildcard to match any single character.

window
A rectangular screen area that can accept or display information.
A window has a title bar identifying it and may contain gadgets in
its border.

Workbench
The Amiga's icon-based, graphical user interface.

write
To record data in memory or on a storage medium such as a
floppy disk.

write-enable
To allow information to be written onto a storage device. When a
floppy disk is write-enabled or Read/Write, a small, plastic tab is
covering the hole in the corner of the disk.

write-protect
To prevent information from being written onto a storage device.
Floppy disks have a plastic tab that can be moved to write-protect
the entire disk, making it Read-Only. Also called write-inhibit.

zoom gadget
A gadget that may appear in the upper right corner of a window
to allow the window to alternate between two sizes.

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