Prompt
A message displayed to request information or tell you what action to perform next. See also Command prompt.
R A M
Random Access Memory. The area of the computer’s memory used to run programs and store data while you work. All data in RAM is erased when you turn off or reset the computer.
Read
To gather data from one source (such as a disk) and transfer it to a device (such as a screen or a printer). For example, when you open a file stored on disk, the computer reads the data from the disk and displays it on the screen. See also Write.
Read/write head
The physical device inside a disk or tape drive that reads data from and writes data to the magnetic surface of the disk or tape.
A clock inside the computer that keeps track of the time and date, even when the computer is turned off, by using power from a backup battery.
Refresh rate
The frequency with which a monitor can redraw a screen image. The faster the refresh rate, the less the screen will flicker.
Reset
To restart a computer without turning it off. You can reset your
computer by pressing. Resetting erases all data stored in RAM and reloads your operating system.
12 Glossary