Glossary
Glossary - 3
cache memory
A small, high-speed memory placed between slower main memory and the processor. A
cache increases effective memory transfer rates and processor speed. It contains copies of
data recently used by the processor and fetches several bytes of data from memory in
anticipation that the processor will access the next sequential series of bytes.
CD-ROM
A read-only compact disc. The optical removable media used in a compact disc reader.
central processing unit (CPU)
The unit of the computer that is responsible for interpreting and executing instructions.
client-server computing
An approach to computing whereby a computer – the "server" – provides a set of services
across a network to a group of computers requesting those services – the "clients."
command line interface
One of two interfaces in the AlphaServer operator interface. The command line interface
supports the OpenVMS Alpha and Digital UNIX operating systems. It allows you to
configure and test the system, examine and alter system state, and boot the operating
system.
console mode
The state in which the system and the console terminal operate under the control of the
console program.
console program
The code that firmware executes during console mode.
console subsystem
The subsystem that provides the user interface for a computer system when the operating
system is not running.
console terminal
The terminal connected to the console subsystem. It is used to start the system and to
direct activities between the user and the computer system.
data bus
A bus used to carry data between two or more components of the system.
