Microprocessorsee CPU.Parallel

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

Power-on diagnostics

A set of testing routines the computer performs automatically every time you turn it on.

RAM

Random Access Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory that runs programs and temporarily stores data while you work. See also ROM.

Real-time clock

A battery-powered clock in the computer that keeps track of the current time and date even when the computer’s power is

Off.

R O M

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.RS232C

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

Glossary 3