Glossary

POST Power-On Self-Test. A series of tests your computer performs when you switch the computer on.

RAM Random Access Memory. This memory is used to hold programs and data temporarily.

resolution A measure of the visible detail on a screen or printout. Screen resolution is measured in ‘pixels across’ by ‘pixels down’ by ‘number of colors’. Printer resolution is measured in dpi (dots-per-inch).

ROM Read-Only Memory. Computer memory used to store parts of the computer’s operating system permanently. ROM chips can contain instructions and data.

Setup program Used to set the computer’s configuration, for example the amount of memory installed. The setup program is stored in ROM on the system board.

shadow RAM A method of relocating the system and/or video BIOS from slower ROM chips to faster RAM to improve system performance.

SIMM Single In-line Memory Module. These memory modules can provide a 32-bit data path.

Sound files Files containing sound data. Sound files are usually stored in one of four formats, with the extension .WAV, .MID, .VOC, or .CMF.

True color Also known as RGB

color or 24-bit color. True color graphics systems are usually equipped with at least 24 bits per pixel. In the 24-bit system, for instance, three primary colors in the color graphics system—red, green and blue—are allotted 8 bits each. There are 28, or 256 intensities each for red, green and blue. This translates to a total palette range of

16.7million colors (256 x 256 x 256). Because the human eye cannot detect the subtlety available in a palette of

16.7million colors, this range makes it possible to compute what appears to be gradual shading.

video controller A chip or expansion card which converts signals in the computer into displayable signals.

video RAM Memory that enables or speeds up drawing to the screen or increases resolution or color options.

VOC files Proprietary digital audio format developed by Creative Labs, Inc. Most digital audio adheres to the Microsoft WAV format.

WAV files A Microsoft file format for storing digital audio data.

Windows RAM (WRAM) Dual- ported memory, which allows for simultaneous input of data from the graphics controller and output of data to the display.

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