head. A device
that
reads, writes,
or
erases
data
on
a
storage medium; for example, a small electromagnet
used
to
read, write,
or
erase data
on
a magnetic disk.
interface. A device
that
alters
or
converts actual
electrical signals between distinct devices, programs,
or
~
systems.
joystick.
In
computer graphics, a lever
that
can
pivot in
all directions
and
that
is used as a locator device.
Kb. Kilobyte; 1024 bytes.
load.
In
programming,
to
enter
data
into storage
or
working registers.
magnetic
disk.
(1)
A flat circular plate with a
magnetizable surface layer
on
which
data
can
be
stored
by
magnetic recording. (2) See also diskette.
Mb. Megabyte; 1,048,576 bytes.
microprocessor.
An
integrated circuit
that
accepts
coded instructions for execution;
the
instructions may
be
entered, integrated,
or
stored internally.
modem (modulator-demodulator). A device
that
converts serial (bit
by
bit) digital signals from a
business machine
(or
data
communication equipment)
to
analog signals
that
are suitable for transmission in a
telephone network.
The
inverse function is also
performed
by
the
modem
on
reception
of
analog
signals.
Glossary-4