| Glossary of Terms |
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R
RAID
(See "Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks (RAID)".)
RAM
(See "Random Access Memory (RAM)".)
random access
Allowing direct access to any item regardless of its location within memory or storage device.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
So called because it provides equally rapid access to every item of information stored, regardless of location. This contrasts with sequential access devices, such as tape, where items of information can be accessed only in the sequence in which they were originally stored. Unlike ROM, RAM can be compared to a blackboard or slate, on which you can write, erase what you wrote, and write something else again and again. It holds programs and data which may be instantly needed by the Processor from moment to moment, and it acts as a scratch-pad for storing intermediate results in calculations.
Re-boot
Start up the system again.
read
Retrieve data from a file or database, without changing it.
(Also see "read/write access.".)
read/write
Able to read from and/or write to files in data storage.
read/write access
Access rights both to view and to alter data.
Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks (RAID)
A fault-tolerant disk architecture which protects systems during a read or write process. Originally the word 'inexpensive' was used instead of 'independent' because low-cost 3.5 inch and 5.25 inch disks were used. RAID disk systems enable the replacement of faulty disks without a long period of down time.
refresh rate
The frequency with which a VDU receives its display signals. Under 60Hz refresh rates will produce noticeable screen flickers. Higher refresh rates allow higher screen resolution.
relational database
A database in which items in different tables are inherently related via common elements. Strictly, to qualify as a true relational database, the data structure and relationships must follow strict rules, that guarantee logical coherence and ensure that information can be accessed from the maximum possible number of viewpoints. These rules were developed by Dr E.F. Codd of IBM.
remote
In another geographical location.
remote access
Access to a network in another location
resident font
Any of the fonts that come already loaded in the printer's memory when it is shipped. Because most printers can accept additional fonts, resident fonts refers only to those fonts that are always present. They are stored in ROM, which does not lose its contents when the computer is turned off.
resolution
The clarity or fineness of detail attained by a monitor or a printer in producing an image. In relation to computer monitors, resolution is defined as the number of pixels that can be displayed on a monitor�s screen at one time. For example, a monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution can display up to 1024 pixels horizontally by 768 pixels vertically. In relation to printers, resolution generally refers to the output of printers like dot-matrix, ink-jet and laser models. Print resolution is measured in dots per inch, or dpi, and ranges from about 125 dpi for low-quality dot-matrix printers to about 300 dpi for a laser printer.
ribbon
A disposable module containing an inked fabric ribbon.
rich text format
An interchange format from Microsoft for the exchange of documents between Word and other document preparation systems.
RJ-45 port
Standard port on a 10-BASE-T adapter.
roping
Roping describes an image distortion that gives solid straight lines a helical or twisted appearance. This problem is caused by poor convergence.
RS232
A standard for serial transmission of data between two devices. This defines the pin and plug in terms of size, shape and number of pins. An interface based on the RS232 standard.
Several glossary definitions supplied and copyrighted by:
Microsoft® Corporation. To order the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary, call Microsoft Press at 800-MSPRESS.
MDA Computing Ltd. For MDA Computing�s complete glossary of terms, go to www.mdagroup.com.
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