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APPENDIX ________________________________________________ ___
I/O
Stands for Input/Output and refers to any device that sends information to and accepts information
from the computer. A disk drive is an example of an I/O device.
K
Refers to Kilo or 1,024 in computer terms. Frequently used to describe memory or disk capacity in
byt~s.
A disk that holds 81 K, actually holds 82,944 characters.
Machine Language
Refers to the digital or binary code that is the language a computer works in. When
you use a high-level language (like BASIC), the software must convert your instructions into machine
language before the computer can take action.
Modem
An abbreviation for the term "modulator-demodulator". A modem is a device used to change
computer signals into
sjgnal~
that can be sent along a telephone line. When the signals are received by
another modem, they· are translated back into computer signals.
Operating System
Refers to the group of programs that control the computer's internal functions and
tells the components of the system how to work together. (Also see
definitio~
for CP/M.)
Peripheral
An external device that communicates with a computer. Printers and disk drives are exam-
ples' of peripherals.
Programming
Refers to the process of writing instructions (a program) in a language that a computer
can understand and act on.
RAM
Stands for Random Access Memory, which is the portion of the computer's memory that is used for
programs, data manipulation and temporary data storage. When you load a program into memory, it goes
into RAM.
~ince
RAM is only a temporary memory, everything in it is lost when the power is turned off.
ROM
Stands for Read Only Memory, which is the portion of the computer's memory which is pre-
programmed and not loaded from a software disk. The information in this memory tells the computer how to
operate internally. For example, the message you see on the 820's screen when you turn it on comes from
the ROM.
Software
Refers to computer programs which can be loaded into memory from a disk (or other media).
The software can be an Operating System (such as CP/M), programs for accounting or word processing, or
a BASIC language program that you wrote yourself.
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