The part of the computer that contains indicators and controls, such as the power switch, hard-disk drive access indicator, and power indicator.

conventional memory

The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all computers. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS(r) programs are limited to running in conventional memory.

coprocessor

A chip that relieves the computer's processor of specific processing tasks. A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing. A graphics coprocessor handles video rendering. The Intel® Pentium® processor, for example, includes a built-in math coprocessor.

cpi

Abbreviation for characters per inch.

CPU

Abbreviation for central processing unit. See also processor.

cursor

A marker, such as a block, underscore, or pointer that represents the position at which the next keyboard or mouse action will occur.

DAT

Acronym for digital audio tape.

dB

Abbreviation for decibel(s).

dBA

Abbreviation for adjusted decibel(s).

DC

Abbreviation for direct current.

Dell Diagnostics

A comprehensive set of diagnostic tests for your Dell computer. To use the diagnostics, you must boot your computer from the Dell Diagnostics Diskette. Refer to your

Acronym for random-access memory digital-to-analog converter.

read-only file

A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can have read-only status if:

Its read-only attribute is enabled.

It resides on a physically write-protected diskette or on a diskette in a write-protected drive.

It is located on a network in a directory to which the system administrator has assigned read-only rights to you.

readme file

A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains information supplementing or updating the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented, and list known problems or other things you need to be aware of as you use the software or hardware.

real mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher processors, real mode imitates the architecture of an 8086 processor.

refresh rate

The rate at which the monitor redraws the video image on the monitor screen. More precisely, the refresh rate is the frequency, measured in Hz, at which the screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye. The higher refresh rates are also noninterlaced.

RFI

Abbreviation for radio frequency interference.

RGB

Abbreviation for red/green/blue.

ROM

Acronym for read-only memory. Your computer contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. Unlike RAM, a ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your computer. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your computer's boot routine and the POST.

rpm

Abbreviation for revolutions per minute.