instruction set. The set of instructions of a computer, of a
programming language, or of the programming languages in a
programming system.
interface. A device that alters or converts actual electrical signals
between distinct devices, programs,
or
systems.
interleave. To arrange parts of one sequence of things
or
events
so that they alternate with parts of one or more other sequences
of the same nature and so that each sequence retains its identity.
interrupt. (1) A suspension of a process, such as the execution of
a computer program, caused by an event external to that process,
and performed in such a way that the process can be resumed.
(2) In a data transmission, to take an action at a receiving station
that causes the transmitting station to terminate a transmission.
(3)
Synonymous with interruption.
I/O.
Input/output.
I/O
area. Synonym for buffer.
irrecoverable error.
An
error that makes recovery impossible
without the use of recovery techniques external to the computer
program
or
run.
joystick.
In
computer graphics, a lever that can pivot in all
directions and that
is
used as a locator device.
k. Prefix kilo; 1000.
K. When referring to storage capacity, 1024. (1024 = 2 to the
10th power.)
Kb.
1024 bytes.
kg. Kilogram; 1000 grams.
Glossary-18