Read Only Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory that contains permanent instructions and cannot be modified. Unlike RAM, ROM retains its contents even after you turn off the computer. See also RAM.

RS-232C

A standard serial interface. The computer has a connector that lets you attach an RS-232C-compatible device to your computer.

Serial

A way of organizing communications between two pieces of computer equipment, in which the signals that make up each character are sent sequentially. See also Parallel.

Shadow RAM

The function that copies the system BIOS and video BIOS from ROM into RAM to speed up performance.

SIMM

See Memory Module.

VGA/SVGA

Video Graphics Array/ Super Video Graphics Array. High-resolution (640 x 480 or greater) display adapter standards.

Write-protect

To prevent a diskette from being overwritten. When a diskette is write-protected, you cannot erase, change, or record over its contents.

4 Glossary