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Glossary
computer system: A central processing unit with its associated devices
such as disk drives, keyboard, and screen, and essential software
such as the operating system and device drivers.
configuration: (1) The set of components in a computer system (such as
memory, printers, and disk drives). (2) How parts of the system are
set up. For example, the configuration of the serial port includes the
baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits.
configuration (.CFG) file: A file that contains the operating
specifications and attributes of a device or program, or contains
information about a file or user. For an expansion board, it provides
such information as switch settings, interrupts, DMA, I/O ports, and
system memory.
controller: An electronic device that automatically operates a unit or
regulates a process. For example, the computer's built-in disk drive
controller takes information from the computer and translates it into
a form usable by the hard drive. Unlike an adapter, which in its
simplest form can be hardware only, a controller always includes
firmware or software. A controller can take a number of forms, such
as a chip on the motherboard or an add-in board. See also adapter,
firmware, hardware, software.
conventional memory: The first 640 KB of random access memory
(RAM) where the operating system runs programs and stores
information. Also called base memory.
cursor: A symbol that indicates the current position on the screen. The
shape of the cursor varies, depending on the program you're using
and what you're doing.
D
data: Information that a computer can process. The word "data" is
actually plural for "datum," meaning a single piece of information.
data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the number of
bits used to represent a character. If data bits = 7, the computer can
generate 128 unique characters, if data bits = 8, the computer can
generate 256 unique characters.
decimal: The base-ten numbering system normally used by people.
Computers, in contrast, generally use binary or hexadecimal
numbering systems. See also binary, hexadecimal.
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