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Glossary – Texas Instruments 4000M User Manual

Page 287

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random-access memory (

RAM

) — A type of internal memory

used for the temporary storage of information. The contents
of

RAM

can be altered, allowing information stored there to

be processed. Unlike read-only memory, information in

RAM

is usually lost when power is turned off. For this reason,
information in

RAM

must be saved on a storage device

before the computer is turned off. Also called main memory
and system memory.

read — To access information from a storage device.

read-only memory (

ROM

) — A type of internal memory that

contains permanent instructions for your computer. The
contents of

ROM

cannot be altered. For this reason,

essential instructions are permanently stored in

ROM.

These instructions, such as those that execute the self-test,
are not lost when the computer is turned off.

resolution — The contrast between the display and the
background on a screen.

ROM — See read-only memory.

self-test — An automatic check the computer performs
every time it is turned on.

set up — See configure.

software — Computer programs, usually supplied on
floppies or on

ROM

. Contrast with hardware.

system board — An internal circuit board that holds the
integrated circuits for the microprocessor, memory, and
clock in your computer.

working copy — A copy of a floppy that is used in
day-to-day operations while the original is kept in storage.
This term also can mean a floppy that has both an
operating system and an application on it.

Glossary

Glossary 13