AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 215

RAM
Random Access Memory. Memory that may be both read from, and written to, using the internal
circuitry of the computer during the normal course of program execution.
Random number
A number that is generated by the computer program that is neither repeatable, nor predictable.
Raster
A system of 'writing' on the screen where the images are built from a number of horizontal scan
lines. (Raster scan).
Real number
A number that has both integer and fractional parts. ie. both sides of the decimal point are used.
A variable may still be considered real, although when examined at some point in the program
execution, it is only occupying an integer position..
Real time
Events that occur before your eyes, as opposed to those which only become evident after the
termination of the process that produced them.
Recursion
The series of repeated steps (also sometimes imprecisely described as reciprocation) within a
program or routine in which the result of each repeated cycle of events is related to the previous
one.
Refresh
To update information, either on the screen of a VDU, or in the memory. Need not be a
destructive process, but merely reinforcing whatever was already present in memory or on the
screen.
Register
A transient memory location within the CPU that is used for temporary storage.
Remark
A non-executing comment statement in a program that is installed to REMind the programmer
what part of the program is doing, and possibly also to date and time stamp that
particularWition'.
Reserved word
A word which has particular significance to the computer program, and cannot be used other
than in its previously defined context. For example, BASIC will not accept the word N E W as a
variable -it is already'reserved'for another purpose.