Glossary - IBM RT PC Options Installation

adapter. A printed circuit card that
changes the operation of a computer.
address. (1) A name, label, or number
identifying a location in storage, a device
in a network, or any other data source. (2)
A number that identifies the location of
data in memory.
all points addressable (APA) display.
A display that allows each pel (picture
element) to be individually addressed. An
APA display allows for images other than
ASCII characters to be displayed.
American National Standard Code for
Information Exchange (ASCII). The
code developed by ANSI for information
interchange among data processing
systems, data communication systems,
and associated equipment. The ASCII
character set consists of 7-bit control
characters and symbolic characters.
APA. All points addressable.
ASCII. See American National Standard
Code for Information Exchange.
asynchronous transmission. In data
communications, a method of transmission
in which the bits included in a character
or block of characters occur during a
specific time interval. However, the start
of each character or block of characters
can occur at any time during this interval.
byte. The amount of storage required to
represent one character; a byte is 8 bits.
color display. A display device capable
of displaying more than two colors and
the shades produced via the two colors, as
opposed to a monochrome display.
component. The modules, diodes,
capacitors, resistors, jumpers, and other
electronics parts on a printed circuit card.
computer. A functional unit that can do
mathematical computations and logical
operations without human intervention
during the actual processing.
connector. A part of the system unit
or remote controller to which cables for
display stations, printers, and other
devices are attached. The word connector
is used instead of jack and plug in this
book.
decimal. Pertaining to a system of
numbers to the base ten; decimal digits
range from 0 through 9.
diagram. A drawing that explains how
something works or is arranged, rather
than showing its appearance.

Glossary

Glossary X-1