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Compaq P5000 Series User Manual

Page 171

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171

R

RAM

Acronym for random-access memory. Also called “main
memory” or “working memory.” RAM is the active
memory of a printer, into which programs are loaded.
This memory can be read from or written to at any time.
RAM is also termed “volatile” because whatever
information is in RAM is lost when power is turned off or
interrupted.
See also ROM.

read

To retrieve data from memory (RAM) or from mass
storage (hard disk, floppy diskette, etc.).

reset

To turn off, deactivate, disable, or return to a previously
determined state.

resolution

A measure expressing the number of component units in
a given range used to create an image. In printing, this is
expressed as the number of dots per inch (dpi)
horizontally and vertically.

ROM

Acronym for read-only memory. Programs, instructions,
and routines permanently stored in the printer.
Information in ROM is not lost when power is turned off.
ROM cannot be written to-hence the term “read-only.”
See also RAM.

roman

A type style in which the characters are upright. This
sentence is printed in a roman type style.

S

sans serif

A typeface or font in which the characters do not have
serifs. This font is sans serif.

serial communications

The sequential transmission of data, in which each
element is transferred in succession.

serial matrix

A type of printing technology used in some impact
printers. Data are sent to the printer through either a
serial or a parallel interface, but the print head must
receive the data serially in order to form each character.
The moving print head uses pins to form whole
characters one at a time and one after the other. The pins
print dots according to programmed matrix patterns. A
line matrix printer also forms characters with dots in
matrix patterns, but it feeds print data in parallel to many
hammers mounted on a rapidly oscillating shuttle. The
hammers fire simultaneously to print entire lines at a
time.