Glossary-5
microprocessor
A semiconductor central processing unit that is the principal component of a
microcomputer. Usually contained on a single chip that includes an arithmetic logic unit,
control logic, and control-memory unit.
millisecond
(ms) One-thousandth of one second; 0.001 second.
mode
A method of operation; for example, the system operates in either normal or power-saving
modes.
modem
MOdulator-DEModulator. A device that links computers over a telephone line.
nonvolatile memory
Storage media that retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in
your system is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip which is backed
up by an internal battery. The backup battery preserves the clock/calendar data and system
configuration parameters stored in CMOS. See volatile memory.
operating system
Set of programs that manage the overall operation of the computer.
overwrite
Storing information at a location where information is already stored, thus destroying the
original information.
parallel interface
Interface that communicates eight bits at a time.
parallel printer
A printer with a parallel interface.
parameter
A characteristic of a device or system.
