GIossary
Access speed
The length of time it takes for an information storage device, such as memory or a disk drive, to return a piece of data requested by another device. For example, your computer’s SIMMs return data requested by the microprocessor at an access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds).
Address
A number or name that identifies the location where information is stored in a computer’s memory.
Analog monitor
A monitor that generates, responds to, or acts upon analog data, such as a VGA monitor. Analog data is transmitted by varying the voltage levels in a continuous current and can produce an infinite number of colors or gray shades.
Application program
A software program designed to perform a specific task, such as word processing or creating spreadsheets. Note that an application program is different than an operating system, which controls all the computer’s hardware and software.
ASCll
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized numeric coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols. Each of the 256 ASCII codes occupies one byte of storage. All computers, printers, and programs can use files transmitted in standard ASCII code. Extended ASCII codes can be used only by hardware and software designed to interpret them.
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