Glossary
This glossary explains many of the terms found in this manual as well as other computer -related terms you many
encounter.
access -The ability to obtain data from or place data into internal memory, or a floppy or the hard disk.
access shutter - A metal door on a floppy diskette that slides open to allow the computer to save or retrieve data.
adaptor - A device that connects an option to the computer.
application program - Program that instructs the operating system to perform specific tasks by using either
predesigned programs, such as a word-processing program, or programming languages such as BASIC, that allow you
to design your own programs.
archiving - The process of storing back-up copies of data files in a specific location.
ASCII - An acronym for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange; an agreed-upon standard for the
assignment of numeric values to letters, digits, punctuation marks, and control codes. The system processes only
numbers even though characters, letters, and graphic symbols appear on the screen. The ASCII list is a set of numeric
values for the most frequently used characters. The system converts these numeric values to their binary equivalents.
asynchronous communications software - Software that primarily is used to communicate with a subscription
information service, send or receive electronic mail, or process using a remote system.
backlight - A feature that allows you to control background brightness for better readability.
Glossary 1