GIossary
Access speed
The time it takes for a device, such as memory or a disk drive,
to return data. For example, your computer’s SIMMs return
data requested by the microprocessor at an access speed of 70ns.
Address
The location where information is stored in a computer’s
memory.
Analog monitor
A monitor that generates or responds to analog data. Analog
data is transmitted by varying the voltage levels in a
continuous current and can produce an infinite number of
colors or gray shades.
Application program
A software program that performs a specific task, such as word
processing. Note that an application program is different than
an operating system, which controls the computer’s hardware
and software.
Asynchronous
Data transmission in which one machine sends data to another,
one character at a time, at intervals that do not need to be
synchronized to a timing device, such as a system clock.
AUTOEXEC.BAT file
The batch file your computer runs automatically whenever you
load MS-DOS. It configures the installed system devices and
sets various user preferences. See also
Batch file.
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