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application programs
Software designed to perform specific functions or a group of functions, like solving
business or mathematical problems. Examples of applications include word processing,
communications, or database management.
architecture
A general term for the design and construction of computer systems, particularly hardware,
but also operating systems and networks. The circuitry within a chip is called its
architecture; for example, Intel architecture can refer to a computer based on the Intel
Celeron, Pentium II, or Pentium III chips.
archive
Copying one or more files to a different location for long-term data storage, especially for
backup and security purposes. Files can then be added to or deleted from the archive. Also
refers to the location where data is stored.
ASIC
Application Specific Integrated Circuit. A chip designed for use on a particular circuit
board, or for a very narrow range of use. The digital signal processor chip on a modem is an
ASIC.
asynchronous
Refers to operations that do not require the clocks of communicating devices to be
coordinated. Instead, the devices send signals to each other indicating readiness to receive
or send. Compare synchronous.
asynchronous cache
The slowest, most inexpensive type of secondary SRAM cache, running at speeds of 15 to
20 ns.
ATA
AT Attachment. A standard for connecting hard drives or other devices to an AT bus;
synonymous with IDE.
AT bus
The AT bus system with support chips (DMA, PIC, etc) and a 16-bit bus slot. The AT bus is
strictly defined by ISA.
audio
Relating to or capable of producing sound. Multimedia computers make extensive use of
audio.
AVI
A digital movie format created by Microsoft. AVI is short for "audio/video interleave," a
method of including a digital movie and its accompanying sound in the same file. Files in
the AVI format have the .AVI extension.
B
bad sector
Part of a hard drive or diskette drive storage medium that doesn't hold data. Formatting
generally detects and marks these areas so they won't be used. Certain utility programs do,
too, and it is a good idea to run this type of utility occasionally to prevent data loss if the
condition of the drive changes.
2 Glossary
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