Glossary 13

port
Any connection by wh ich data can e nt er or leave a co mputer or per ipheral.
Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external
devices. A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the device to
the compu ter.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.
prompt
A special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message that
appears on the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.
R
RAM
Random Access Memor y. A storag e d e vice into whic h data is enter ed and from
which data is r etrieved in a no ns equential ma n ner. On the syst em board, RAM is
semiconduct or-based memor y that can be r ead and writt e n t o by the micropr ocessor
or other har d ware devices . In RAM, dat a can be directly a nd randomly r ead or
written (wit h any choice for the address) . It’s the stor age location f or data tha t
needs to be immediately available for every application in use on your computer.
read
To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. M emory in whic h stored data c a nnot be modifi ed by the user
except under special conditions.
reset
The process of retur ning a device t o z ero or to an init ia l or arbitra r ily selected
condition.
resolution
The degree of screen image clarity. Video display resolution is determined by the
number of pixels on the screen. Resolution is usually specified in pixels by scan
lines, for example, 640 by 480. See pixels.
RS-232C
Standard interface for serial devices.
S
SEC
Single-Edge Contact. The SEC cartridge containing the Pentium processor. See
Slot 1.
serial interface
An interface that communicates information one bit at a time.