potentiometer. A variable resistor with three terminals, one
at
each
end
and
one
on
a slider (wiper).
power supply. A device that produces the power needed to
operate electronic equipment.
,,-.....,
printed circuit. A pattern of conductors (corresponding to the
wiring
of
an electronic circuit) formed
on
a board of insulating
material.
printed-circuit board. A usually copper-clad plastic board used
to
make a printed circuit.
priority. A rank assigned to a task that determines its precedence
in receiving system resources.
processing program. A program that performs such functions
as
compiling, assembling,
or
translating for a particular programming
language.
processing unit. A functional unit that consists
of
one
or
more
processors and all
or
part
of internal storage.
processor.
(1)
In a computer, a functional unit
that
interprets and
executes instructions. (2) A functional unit, a
part
of
another
unit such as a terminal
or
a processing unit, that interprets and
executes instructions. (3) Deprecated term for processing
program. (4) See microprocessor.
program. ( 1) A series
of
actions designed to achieve a certain
result. (2) A series of instructions telling the computer how to
handle a problem
or
task. (3)
To
design, write, and test computer
programs.
programmable read-only memory (PROM). A read-only memory
that can be programmed by the user.
programming language. (1)
An
artificial language established for
expressing computer programs. (2) A set
of
characters and rules
with meanings assigned prior to their use, for writing computer
programs.
Glossary-27