boot
The process of loading the operating system into memory.
bps
(bits per second) The number of bits transferred in one second during serial communication, such as modem transmission.
byte
A group of eight bits.
C
cache memory
A very fast, limited portion of RAM set aside for temporary storage of data for direct access by the microprocessor.
(Compact Disk ROM drive) A type of mass storage device that reads information from a compact disk.
Centronics port
An industry standard parallel port. See also parallel port.
CGA
(Color Graphics Adapter) A type of video display system that provides low- resolution text and graphics on TTL monochrome and color monitors.
CMOS
(Complimentary
COM1 or COM2
The name you can assign a serial port to set or change its address. See also serial port.
command
An instruction that directs the computer to perform a particular operation.
configuration
The way in which a computer is set up to operate. Some configurable options include CPU speed, serial port designation, and memory allocation.
coprocessor
See math coprocessor.
CPU
(Central Processing Unit) See microprocessor.
