GIossary
Access speed
The length of time it takes for an information storage device,
such as memory or a disk drive, to return a piece of data
requested by another device. For example, your computer’s
SIMMs return data requested by the microprocessor at an
access speed of 70ns (nanoseconds).
Address
A number or name that identifies the location where
information is stored in a computer’s memory.
Analog monitor
A monitor that generates, responds to, or acts upon analog
data, such as a VGA monitor. Analog data is transmitted by
varying the voltage levels in a continuous current and can
produce an infinite number of colors or gray shades.
Application program
A software program designed to perform a specific task, such
as word processing or creating spreadsheets. Note that an
application program is different than an operating system,
which controls all the computer’s hardware and software.
ASCll
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A
standardized numeric coding system for representing
characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols. Each
of the 256 ASCII codes occupies one byte of storage. All
computers, printers, and programs can use files transmitted in
standard ASCII code. Extended ASCII codes can be used only
by hardware and software designed to interpret them.
Glossary 1