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5–26 Learning More About Your Computer
Understanding Computer Terms
program
A set of instructions, written in a programming language understood
by the computer, that tells the hardware what tasks to perform. Some
programs are installed at the factory as ROM chips that cannot be
altered; they are essential for operating the microprocessor. These
programs are called firmware. Most programs are installed as
software from removable storage media. The word “program,”
however, is commonly used for specific type of software applications
that create data files. See data files. See also hardware and software.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The main memory of the computer. It holds a copy of the operating
system (OS), any programs that are running on the computer, and any
data that is being processed. RAM is temporary memory; turning off
the computer clears RAM. The more RAM your computer has, the
faster the programs respond. See main memory, OS, program, and
data file. See also ROM.
random erase
The ability to erase a single file at a time from a CD-ReWritable CD,
freeing up CD space for immediate re-use, just as you would do on a
hard or floppy disk. (Available with CD-RW CDs and DirectCD).
recordable disc
The media used in recordable CD systems. The blank CD is made of a
bottom layer of poly carbonate with a preformed track spiral, which
the recording laser follows when inscribing information onto the CD.
A translucent layer of recordable material is laid on top of the
bicarbonate, then a reflective layer (gold or silver colored). On top
there is a thin layer of lacquer and sometimes a printed label. The
standard recordable CD is “write-once,” which means data written to
it cannot be erased, although it is possible to add data in a later
session. See multi-session. For erasable and rewritable CDs, see
CD-RW.