Toshiba TECRA A2 manual Glossary-5

Glossary

components: Elements or parts (of a system) which make up the whole (system).

computer program: A set of instructions written for a computer that enable it to achieve a desired result.

computer system: A combination of hardware, software, firmware, and peripheral components assembled to process data into useful information.

configuration: The specific components in your system (such as the terminal, printer, and disk drives) and the settings that define how your system works. You use the HW Setup program to control your system configuration.

control keys: A key or sequence of keys you enter from the keyboard to initiate a particular function within a program.

controller: Built-in hardware and software that controls the functions of a specific internal or peripheral device (e.g. keyboard controller).

co-processor:A circuit built into the processor that is dedicated to intensive math calculations.

CPS: Characters Per Second. Typically used to indicate the transmission speed of a printer.

CPU: Central Processing Unit. The portion of the computer that interprets and executes instructions.

CRT: Cathode Ray Tube. A vacuum tube in which beams projected on a fluorescent screen-producing luminous spots. An example is the television set.

cursor: A small, blinking rectangle or line that indicates the current position on the display screen.

D

data: Information that is factual, measurable or statistical that a computer can process, store, or retrieve.

data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the number of bits (binary digits) used to make up a byte. If data bits = 7 the computer can generate 128 unique characters. If data bits = 8 the computer can generate 256 unique characters.

DC: Direct Current. Electric current that flows in one direction. This type of power is usually supplied by batteries.

default: The parameter value automatically selected by the system when you or the program do not provide instructions. Also called a preset value.

delete: To remove data from a disk or other data storage device. Synonymous with erase.

device driver: A program that controls communication between a specific peripheral device and the computer. The CONFIG.SYS file contains device drivers that MS-DOS loads when you turn the computer on.

User’s Manual Glossary-5