Read Only Memory. The portion of the computer’s memory
that contains permanent instructions and cannot be modified.
Unlike RAM, ROM retains its contents even after you turn off
the computer. See also
R A M .
RS-232C
A standard serial interface. The computer has a connector that
lets you attach an RS-232C-compatible device to your computer.
Serial
A way of organizing communications between two pieces of
computer equipment, in which the signals that make up each
character are sent sequentially. See also
Parallel.
Shadow RAM
The function that copies the system BIOS and video BIOS from
ROM into RAM to speed up performance.
SIMM
See Memory Module.
VGA/SVGA
Video Graphics Array/ Super Video Graphics Array. A
high-resolution (640 x 480) display adapter standard.
Write-protect
To prevent a diskette from being overwritten. When a diskette
is write-protected, you cannot erase, change, or record over its
contents.
4 Glossary
