Siemens RM400 C Series, Operating Manual

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RM400 C Models U24802-J-Z146-2-7600
Glossary
cache
A cache is a temporary storage area with very short access times between
primary storage (RAM) and other parts of the
central processing unit
. It is used
to shorten the access times to RAM. It also speeds up access times to periph-
erals
.
cartridge
A cartridge is a housing which contains magnetic tape and protects it against
dust and mechanical damage. It also makes tape easier to handle. The
available tape formats are quarter-inch (QIC), 4 mm and 8 mm.
central processing unit (CPU)
The CPU of a computer consists of a set of components responsible for
handling logical and arithmetical operations and data transfer between
resources.
Centronics interface
The Centronics interface provides 8-bit parallel
data transmission
to the system
printer.
configuration
The configuration of a computer system is the sum of its hardware compo-
nents. The predefined base configuration can be expanded up to a maximum
configuration.
console
The
terminal
via which a computer system can be operated. The console
displays all system messages and provides the user with direct access to the
system. A color monitor may also function as a console.
controller
A controller is an intelligent control unit for
peripherals
or data lines. It more or
less independently controls data input and output between the central
processing unit and a peripheral device.
data transmission
Data transmission refers to the exchange of data via cables between systems
which are at different locations. Data transmission is used wherever data inter-
change on data storage media (such as magnetic tape or floppy disk) is not
suitable, typically because it would take too long.