372 Glossary

R

RAM (random access memory)—Volatile memory that can be written

 

 

to as well as read. By volatile, we mean that information in RAM is

 

lost when you turn off your computer. This type of memory is used

 

for your computer’s main memory. See also memory. Compare

 

ROM.

 

random access memory—SeeRAM.

 

read-only memory—SeeROM.

 

reboot—Seeboot, restart.

 

removable disk—A disk that can be removed from a disk drive. A

 

diskette is one example of a removable disk.

 

resolution—A measure of the sharpness of the images that can be

 

produced by a printer or displayed on a screen. For a printer,

 

resolution is expressed in dots per inch (dpi). For a screen, it is

 

expressed as the number of pixels available horizontally and

 

vertically.

 

restart—Synonymous with reboot. To reset the computer by reloading

 

the operating system without turning the computer off. See also

 

boot.

 

RJ-11—A modular connector used on most U.S. telephone systems and

 

direct-connect modems. The RJ-11 connector is a 6-wire connector.

 

ROM (read-onlymemory)—Non-volatile memory that can be read but

 

not written to. By non-volatile, we mean that information in ROM

 

remains whether or not the computer is receiving power. This type

 

of memory is used to store your computer’s BIOS, which is

 

essential instructions the computer reads when you start it up. See

S

also BIOS, memory. Compare RAM.

select—To highlight or otherwise specify text, data, or graphics with the

 

 

intent to perform some operation on it.

 

serial—Processes that occur one at a time. In communications, it means

 

the transmission of one bit at a time sequentially over a single

 

channel. On your computer, the serial port provides a serial interface

 

between a computer and an appropriate device. Compare parallel.

 

shortcut—Seekeyboard shortcut.