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 trans-
ferred. 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 ter-
minal, 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 soft-
ware 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.
delete
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, mea-
surable or statistical that a computer
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 batter-
ies.
default: The parameter value automat-
ically selected by the system when you
or the program do not provide instruc-
tions. Also called a preset value.
delete: To remove data from a disk or
other data storage device. Synonymous
with erase.
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