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GLOSSARY
Glossary-5
compatibility: 1) The ability of one
computer to accept and process data in
the same manner as another computer
without modifying the data or the media
upon which it is being transferred. 2)
the ability of one device to connect to or
communicate with another system or
component.
components: Elements or parts (of a
system) which make up the whole
(system).
computer program: A set of instruc-
tions 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 compo-
nents in your system (such as the
terminal, printer, and disk drives) and
the settings that define how your system
works. You use the Hardware Setup,
MaxTime or 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 com-
puter 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 auto-
matically 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.
delete