Processor speed

See Operating speed

Program

A file that contains coded instructions and tells a computer what to do and how to do it.

Prompt

A message the screen displays to request information or tell you what action you need to perform next. See also Command prompt*

RAM

Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store data while you work. All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off or reset the computer; so you must store any data you want to keep on disk.

Read

To move data from one area to another. For example, when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen.

Read/write head

The physical device inside a disk drive that reads data from and records data on the magnetic surface of a disk.

Real- time clock

A battery-powered clock inside the computer that keeps track of the time and date, even when the computer is turned off.

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