252
Glossary
WDT See watchdog timer.
word A unit of data storage in memory that consists of 16 bits. All data areas con-
sists of words. Some data areas can be accessed only by words; others, by
either words or bits.
word address The location in memory where a word of data is stored. A word address must
specify (sometimes by default) the data area and the number of the word that
is being addressed.
work area A part of memory containing work words/bits.
work bit A bit in a work word.
work word A word that can be used for data calculation or other manipulation in program-
ming, i.e., a `work space’ in memory. A large portion of the IR area is always
reserved for work words. Parts of other areas not required for special pur-
poses may also be used as work words.
write protect switch A switch used to write-protect the contents of a storage device, e.g., a floppy
disk. If the hole on the upper left of a floppy disk is open, the information on
this floppy disk cannot be altered.
write-protect A state in which the contents of a storage device can be read but cannot be
altered.