Toshiba Tecra 8100 - Manual (Page 210)

Glossary 4 User's Manual
Tecra 8100 User's Manual – 8100_UK.DOC – ENGLISH – Printed on 13/12/99 as IM8100UK
controller: Built-in hardware and software that controls the functions of a
specific internal or peripheral device (e.g. keyboard controller).
CPS: Characters per second. Typically used to indicate the transmission
speed of a printer.
CPU: Central processing unit. The portion of the computer that interprets
and executes instructions.
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube. A vacuum tube in which beams projected on a
fluorescent screen-producing luminous spots. An example is the
television set.
cursor: A small, blinking rectangle or line that indicates the current
position on the display screen.
D
data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the number of
bits (binary digits) used to make up a byte. If data bits = 7 the
computer can generate 128 unique characters. If data bits = 8 the
computer can generate 256 unique characters.
data: Information that is factual, measurable or statistical that a computer
can process, store, or retrieve.
DC: Direct Current. Electric current that flows in one direction. This type of
power is usually supplied by batteries.
default: The parameter value automatically selected by the system when
you or the program do not provide instructions. Also called a preset
value.
delete: To remove data from a disk or other data storage device.
Synonymous with erase.
Desk Station V Plus: An expansion device that provides the computer
with additional ports, slots and bays.
device driver: A program that controls communication between a specific
peripheral device and the computer. The CONFIG.SYS file
contains device drivers that MS-DOS loads when you turn the
computer on.
disk drive: The device that randomly accesses information on a disk and
copies it to the computer’s memory. It also writes data from
memory to the disk. To accomplish these tasks, the unit physically
rotates the disk at high speed past a read-write head.
disk storage: Storing data on magnetic disk. Data is arranged on
concentric tracks much like a phonograph record.
diskette: A removable disk that stores magnetically encoded data used
on a microcomputer. Also called floppy disk.
display: A CRT, plasma screen, LCD, or other image producing device
used to view computer output.
documentation: The set of manual and/or other instructions written for
the users of a computer system or application. Computer system
documentation typically includes procedural and tutorial
information as well as system functions.