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APM
Advanced Power Management. An API developed by Intel and Microsoft that allows developers to include power management in the BIOS. APM defines a layer between the hardware and the operating system that effectively shields the programmer from hardware details.
application programs
Software designed to perform specific functions or a group of functions, like solving business or mathematical problems. Examples of applications include word processing, communications, or database management.
architecture
A general term for the design and construction of computer systems, particularly hardware, but also operating systems and networks. The circuitry within a chip is called its architecture; for example, Intel architecture can refer to a computer based on the Intel Celeron™ or other Pentium II chips.
archive
Copying one or more files to a different location for
ASIC
Application Specific Integrated Circuit. A chip designed for use on a particular circuit board, or for a very narrow range of use. The digital signal processor chip on a modem is an ASIC.
asynchronous
Refers to operations that do not require the clocks of communicating devices to be coordinated. Instead, the devices send signals to each other indicating readiness to receive or send. Compare synchronous.
asynchronous cache
The slowest, most inexpensive type of secondary SRAM cache, running at speeds of 15 to 20 ns.
ATA
AT Attachment. A standard for connecting hard drives or other devices to an AT bus; synonymous with IDE.
AT bus
The AT bus system with support chips (DMA, PIC, etc) and a
audio
Relating to or capable of producing sound. Multimedia computers make extensive use of audio.