More computerese
Microprocessor.— An integrated circuit which can execute instructions fed into it in suitable code. Not a computer, but an essential component of small computers. Microsecond.— One millionth of a second. Millisecond— One thousandth of a second. Minicomputer.—Now a very vague term, but loosely a small computer which can support a few users at once. Mode.—A state, or condition. A program may change from mode to mode, say from input mode to edit mode, as different stages in a task are completed. Modem.— Contraction of MOdulatorDEModulator. A device used to connect computers to telephone lines for data transmission. Module.— A set of instructions which together carry out some step in a program. Monitor.— l. A screen, used to display output. 2. A type of program which is used to control a computer at a very fundamental level. Multi-tasking.— A multi-tasking computer operates on several tasks at once. These may be for several users, or more than one task for a single user. Multi-user.— A multi-user system allows more than one person to use the computer at once, at separate terminals.
Object code.—Code which is closer to the machine instructions than to high-level language, and which can be turned into machine instructions easily. OEM.— Original Equipment Manufacturer. A company which buys components and software to add to its systems before selling them. Operating system. — A set of programs which manages and controls the operation of a computer system. Operator.— (l) A symbol representing an operation, such as the additional symbol. (2) A person running a computer. OS.— See operating systems. Output— Data and results produced by a program. . Package.— A set of programs acting together to perform a task — for example a word-processing package. Parallel.— Data transmission in which the bits making up a character are transmitted all at once through several channels. Parameter. — A value given to some instruction to operate on. Peripheral.— A device which is attached to a computer, such as a printer, modem, plotter, or extra disk drive. Personal computer.— A small computer, designed to be used by one person at a time. —Jordon de Leete.
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Press, 11 July 1989, Page 32
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350More computerese Press, 11 July 1989, Page 32
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