95
SECTION 3
CD-ROM
Compact disc read only memory. This is a form of digital data storage which is read optically with a
laser rather than a magnetic head. A typical CD-ROM can contain about 600MB of data and is not
subject to be crashing into the surface and destroying the data when there is a failure nor to wear
from reading.
CMOS RAM
Complementary metal oxide semiconductor random access memory. This is a technology for
manufacturing random access memory which requies very low level power to operate.
COMM Port
Abbreviation for communication port. This is your serial interface connection.
Command
An instruction which you give your operating system. Example: run a particular application or format
a floppy disk.
Configuration
The combination of hardware and software that make up your system and how it is allocated for use.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube. A display device which uses a beam of electronic particles striking a luminescent
screen. It produces a visual image by varying the position and intensity of the beam.
Data
The information a system stores and processes.
DC
Direct current. A voltage or current that does not fluctuate periodically with time.
Default Value
A pre programmed value to be used if you fail to set your own.
DIMM
Dual-in-line memory module.
LAN
Local Area Network. An interconnection of computers and peripherals within a single limited geographic
location which can pass programs and data amongst themselves.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. A type of display which makes images by controlling the orientation of crystals
in a crystalline liquid.
Lithium ion Battery
A type of rechargeable battery which has a high power-time life for its size and is not subject to the
memory effect as Nickel Cadmium batteries.
