Table of Contents
Advertisement
radio frequency interference (RFI) shield: A metal shield enclosing the printed circuit
boards of the printer or computer to prevent interference with radio and TV
reception.
random access memory (RAM): High-speed memory which holds a copy of the
operating system, any currently executing programs, and any information
undergoing processing. RAM is volatile, which means that all information in
RAM is lost when its power supply is turned off.
read-only memory (ROM): A type of memory which the computer can access but cannot
change. It contains information that controls the computer's basic operation.
ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that the information stored in ROM
is permanent—it is not lost when you turn off the computer.
real time: An operating mode in which data is received, processed, and the results
returned immediately.
reboot: See boot, restart.
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): A group of hard disks that are managed
as a unit to provide increased performance and various levels of error recovery
and fault tolerance. The technique can be implemented in software using
standard disk controllers, or it can be designed into the disk controller itself.
Registry: The central information database for Windows 95/98. It holds hardware-specific
information and stores configuration details for programs, reducing the need
for initialization (.INI) files.
remapping: Redefining a computer component. For example, remapping the keyboard
refers to assigning a new symbol or letter for some or all of the keys.
remote console: An input/output device that consists of a keyboard and monitor and is
physically separate from the computer to which it is connected.
removable disk: A disk that can be removed from the computer and used to transfer files
to another computer or to hold backup copies. Diskettes are an obvious
example, but removable hard disks are available. In addition, there are high
capacity removable disks which only work in proprietary drives.
328
Advertisement
Table of Contents
