Siemens RM400 C Series Operating Manual page 196

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.
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RM400 C Models U24802-J-Z146-2-7600