G
2
3
4
5
6
A
8
G 10
G l o s s a r y
POST
P
ower-
O
n-
S
elf-
T
est. A sequence of self-tests automatically run
by the computer whenever it is turned on or is reset.
PPP
P
oint-to-
P
oint
P
rotocol. A protocol that allows a computer to
connect to the Internet through a dial-in connection and en-
joy most of the benefits of a direct connection, including the
ability to run graphical front ends such as Microsofts
Internet
Explorer
,
Mosaic
and Netscapes
Communicator
. PPP is gen-
erally considered to be superior to SLIP, because it features
error detection, data compression, and other elements of
modern communications protocols that SLIP lacks.
Q - R
RAM
R
andom
A
ccess
M
emory. Memory into which the user can
enter information and instructions (write), and from which
the user can call up data (read). RAM is the working memory
of the computer, into which application programs can be
loaded from a storage device and then executed.
ROM
An acronym for
R
ead-
O
nly
M
emory. Generally, a solid state
storage chip that is programmed at the time of its manufacture
and that cannot be reprogrammed by the computer user.
Routine
A short set of program codes that perform a specific task.
po ro
