Epson Equity I User Manual page 53

Operating system
A set of software routines which control the way programs run on a
computer, and supervise all input and output to and from the system.
Parallel
A method of organizing communications between two pieces of
computer equipment in which the signals that make up each character
are sent simultaneously.
Partitioning
Dividing a hard-disk drive into sections for use by different operat-
ing systems.
Port
A connector for one of the computer's interfaces.
Program
The complete sequence of computer instructions necessary to do cer-
tain functions.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A memory device, usually a set of chips, structured so that any item
of data can be accessed quickly. RAM is usually volatile- that is, data
stored in RAM is lost when the power is turned off. The programs you
use and write, and the data they create, are temporarily stored in RAM
while you work.
Resetting
Reloading the computer's operating system, so you can restart work
after a serious error, or begin using a different operating system. Reset-
ting clears the computer's memory, so you should reset only when it is
really necessary.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
A memory chip that can only be read and cannot be used for tempo-
rary storage. ROMs retain their contents even while the power to the
computer is off.
RS-232C
A widely-used standard for serial interfaces. Devices that are RS-
232C compatible can be connected to the Equity with very little
difficulty.
Serial
A method of communications between two pieces of computer
equipment in which the signals that make up each character are sent one
bit at a time.
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