Glossary
control code - A code that initiates some kind of physical control action that is not printed (such as line feed and tab),
turns off an external device, or, in combination with other characters, defines unique commands (for example, pressing
the Ctrl and C keys might tell the system to abort a program); a numeric value that instructs the system or an external
device to perform a specific instruction.
controller - Electronic circuitry that allows communication between the system unit and an external device.
conventional memory - Also called main memory and RAM; internal RAM up to 640 Kb, accessed by MS-DOS
directly.
coprocessor - An auxiliary processing unit designed to speed up the processing of certain types of information.
CPU - See central processing unit.
CRT - Abbreviation for cathode ray tube, a common term for a television-like computer monitor.
CRT Adaptor - A hardware option that allows you to use a CRT with your computer.
cursor - A special graphic character on the screen (usually a block or underline shape, sometimes blinking) that
indicates the next position at which a character will be entered or deleted from the keyboard.
data - Information that is input to your system and is then processed by mathematical and logical operations so that,
ultimately, it can be output in a sensible form. It usually consists of numerals, letters, or symbols that describe an
object, idea, condition, relationship, or other information.
data base - A collection of related information; usually a large number of date files stores in one or more storage
medium.
Glossary 5