AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 199

A/D
Analogue
A state where change between a start and finish point occurs gradually rather than by instantaneous steps.
Computers are digital devices - most of the natural world is based on analogue principles, thus the
computer has to perform an analogue to digital (A/D) conversion before it can process data from an
analogue source.
Animation
Cartoons are the best known form of animation - computer animation is based on the concept of moving
graphics to simulate the idea of 'live' movement.
Applications program
A program with a specific task rather than a general purpose software 'tool' such as an assembler, printer
driver etc.
Arcade Game
The type of moving action computer video game where: spacemen invade and are vanquished, insatiable
monsters chase around a maze and gobble up the unwary, figures under the control of the user have to
avoid all manner of unpleasant 'deaths'. Fun and generally good for the reflexes but of little educational
benefit for the computer student.
Architecture
The plan relationship of the databus, peripheral and CPU handling aspects of a microcomputer. Not a
subject that will be concerning readers of this glossary -yet!
Argument
An independent variable. eg. in the expression x+y=z, the terms x,y and z, are the arguments.
Array
A matrix in which data is stored by addressing with thehorizontal'and'vertical' coordinates.
Artificial intelligence AI
A structure in program techniques that enables the program to learn from its past experience.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A commonly used way of representing the numbers,
letters and other symbols that can be entered from the computer's keyboard or invoked using a variety of
other commands. The CPC464 codes are listed in Appendix III.