VECTOR GRAPHIC, INC.
VECTOR
4
CP/M
OVERVIEW
To understand
and
best use Vector Graphic's Vector 4
CP/M
Operating
SY'stem,
let's
discuss
how
your
computer
can
work
for
you.
You
or
your company
purchased your computer system
in
order
to
process data,
store
information, or
solve problems. Two
different
elements
of
the
system,
"hardware
ll
and
"software",
work
together
to
accomplish
these
goals.
The
hardware,
the
mechanical and electrical devices, perform physical and
electronic
functions.
The
software,
or
programs
that
have
been
written
for
the
system, perform
logical and mathematical operations which in turn control the hardware.
The
hardware
portion
of
your Vector 4 consists of several components which
perform three basic functions:
• memory,
• processing,
• and input/output.
These
components
are
connected by printed circuit boards, jumper wires, and
other electronic connections. Although each has
its
own
function,
they
relate
together
to
perform
the
work of
the
system.
Different
Types Of Memory
VII-2
The memory subsystem is
divided
into
three
types:
volatile memory, which
means
that
it
can
be
changed
easily;
stable
memory, which is
harder
to
change; and mass memory, which consists
(on
the Vector 4 computer) of one of
two types of disk drives.
The main
type
of
volatile
memory
used
in
the
Vector
4 is called
Random
Access
Memory
(abbreviated as
RAM),
and is used for storing
instructions
for
tasks
which you,
the
user,
have
commanded
the
computer
to
perform. It is
also used for storing
data
which
you
are
either
entering
or
changing. This
type
of
memory must
have
electric
current
running through
it
for
it
to be
active;
it
only "remembers" when the computer is turned on. Random Access
Memory
is stored
in
a number of silicon "chips"
on
the printed circuit board of
your computer.
Stable
memory is also
stored
in
different
types of chips (varieties of
Rea~
Only
Memory
or
ROM
chips). Since
stable
memory
can
hold
its
instructions
even when the machine is turned off,
it
is used for automatic procedures (such
as starting
up
your computer or storing the shapes of the
letters
and numbers
you
see
on
the
screen).
ROM-type memory is more difficult
to
change than
RAM.
7100-0001
9-01-82 - Rev. A
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