AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 205

Dumb terminal
A computer terminal that simply acts as a medium for input and output without any processing
of the information passing through. Note that a mindless terminal is one where even the display
drive electronics are absent, and that the screen display information is fed in as pure video..
Editing
Correcting or making changes to data, a program or text.
Editor
A program that is usually in the ROM of the computer that enables the editing process to be
carried out.
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read only Memory. Similar to the PROM, except that the data contained
in the chip can be erased using ultra-violet light and new programming recorded. An EEPROM is
similar, except that it may be electrically erased.
Expression
A simple or complex formula used within a program to perform a calculation on data - the
expression will usually define the nature of the data it can handle.
Fifth generation computers
Mainly large mainframe computers that are promised to arrive with the ability for
self-programming using the developments of artificial intelligence.
File
A collection of information, generally stored on cassette or disk, although RAM files are supported
on some computers.
Firmware
Software contained in ROM - a cross between pure software and pure hardware.
Fixed-point number
A number represented, manipulated and stored with the decimal point in a fixed specified
position.
Floating-point number
A Real number, manipulated and stored with a decimal point permitted to settle in the required
position. The method is particularly useful when dealing with large numbers.