Glossary-14

proprietary – Refers to software or hardware technology owned by a company or individual that has exclusive rights to it.

protocol – A formal standard or instruction set.

RAM – See memory.

random access memory (RAM) – See memory.

RAS – See remote access server, Remote Access Service.

read-only memory (ROM) – See memory.

real-time clock (RTC) – An battery powered clock inside your computer that keeps time even when the computer is turned off.

refresh rate – The number of times a monitor redraws the display, measured in hertz. A refresh rate of 75 Hz indicates that the monitor updates its display 75 times per second.

remote access server (RAS) – a computer configured as a server that permits authorized access to a network using specially configured dial-up networking. See Remote Access Service.

Remote Access Service (RAS) – A feature of Microsoft Windows NT that permits authorized access to a network using dial-up networking through a specially configured server computer. See remote access server.

right-click– To press the right mouse button.

ROM – See memory.

RTC – See real-time clock.

screen saver – A blank screen or a moving image that automatically is displayed after the computer has not been used for a predetermined amount of time. Screen savers were designed to prevent damage to the screen. As monitor technologies continue to improve and damage is no longer a concern, screen savers are now used to provide privacy and entertainment.

scroll mouse – A device used to move a pointer on the display as well as make selections by clicking the buttons. The scroll mouse also has a scroll wheel located between the two mouse buttons that allows automatic scrolling in documents.

serial port – A device that transfers data one bit at a time through a serial cable.