K: Stands for kilobyte. The unit of measurement for computer memory: 1 K equals 1024 bytes, and it takes one byte to make one character. The Apple IIGS has 256K of RAM (random-access memory), expandable by 1 to 8 megabytes with a memory expansion card, and 128K of ROM (read-only memory).

keyboard: One way to communicate with the computer. It looks like the keyboard on a typewriter, but programmers can make the keys do anything they want them to.

keyboard-based application: An application that accepts input from a keyboard.

keyboard buffer: A special part of memory where keypresses are stored until the computer is ready to act on them.

keypad: See numeric keypad.

key word: A word you designate when you're entering data (information) into certain kinds of data base applications. Later, when you want to retrieve that information, you type the key word.

kilobyte: See K.

label: A strip of paper you stick on a disk to identify it.

language card: An interface card with 16K RAM that can be connected to a 48K Apple II Plus so the computer can operate in Integer BASIC (the first dialect of BASIC available for the Apple II computer) and Applesoft BASIC.

laser printer: A printer that produces typeset-quality printing using laser technology.

Left Arrow: A key you can press (in most applications) to move the cursor one character to the left. In some applications, as the cursor moves to the left, it erases characters.

letter quality printer: See daisy wheel printer.

LF: See line feed.

light pen: A peripheral device shaped like a pen that sends instructions to the computer when you point to choices on the screen. It works only with applications designed to receive input from the light pen.

line break: The end of a line of text on the screen or on a printed page. You can force a line break by pressing Return, or you can let the application break lines for you.

Line feed: Abbreviated LF. An advance to the next line;

LISP: A programming language.

load: To read data or programs into the computer from a disk.

Logo: A computer language that encourages learning through discovery. Easy and fun to learn, but powerful enough for serious programming.

log on: To establish contact with a computerized information service or other remote computer.

low resolution: A graphics mode that can display information using a rectangular array of 40 horizontal by 48 vertical blocks.

machine language: The binary language of 1's and 0's that is the only language the computer understands. All other programming languages, like BASIC, have to be translated into this binary code before the computer can understand them.

macro: A command defined by you (user-defined) that tells the application to carry out a series of commands when you type the macro.

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Glossary