2

C

cache memory

A very fast, limited portion of RAM set aside for temporary

 

storage of data for direct access by the microprocessor.

CD-ROM drive

(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 Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) A type of low-

 

power integrated circuit used in computers. See also TTL.

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.

CRT

(Cathode-Ray Tube) The type of video display used in monitors

 

for desktop computers.

D

DC

(Direct Current) The type of current available in the

 

rechargeable battery packs used in portable computers. See also

 

AC.

default

The factory setting your computer uses unless you instruct it

 

otherwise. For example, when powering up, the computer will

 

boot from the default drive.

density

The capacity of information (bytes) that can be packed onto a

 

storage device, such as a floppy disk.

device driver

A software program that a computer must use to recognize and

 

operate certain hardware, such as a mouse or a video monitor.

disk drive

A device that stores data on a hard or floppy disk. A floppy disk

 

drive requires a floppy disk to be inserted; a hard disk drive has

 

a permanently encased hard disk.

Glossary

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Packard Bell MH4000 manual Cache memory, CD-ROM drive, Centronics port, COM1 or COM2, Command, Configuration, Coprocessor