KERNEL- The main core of an operating system around which the other layers and API's are based. It controls the main resources of the system such as processor, memory, and display.

KEYBOARD BUFFER- A small amount of memory that stores information on key presses over a short time.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUT- The performance of certain actions that would usually require a series of mouse actions through the keyboard. As the name suggests, the shortcut saves time performing certain actions.

KEY DISK- A method of copy protection. Even if the game can be installed to hard drive it requires the original disk to run e.g. SuperStardust.

KEYMAP- A file that alters the characters generated by the computer to a specific language, altering the keyboard layout and any programs that support the Locale.Library. These vary according to the location of the Amiga, using characters specific to the language and alphabet. Keymaps are stored in a directory in DEVS:, other keymaps that are not required are in the Storage drawer.

KICKSTART-Part of the operating system that is stored in the ROM. The ROM vary between 256-512k depending upon the type of Amiga used. This allows the system to boot up quicker and stores a large amount of the operating system.

KILL FILE- A preference file used to delete unwanted e-mail off the server when logging on. This is useful for getting rid of spam or people that you do not like.

KILOBYTE- 1024 bytes of memory.

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