ZX Computings - OpenLibra

ZX COMPUTING SUMMER 1982
Computer Glossary
or to reply to his
enquiries as soon as
they are expressed. In
some business
activities, as also in
program writing, this
leads to much faster
progress than would
otherwise be possible.
Interface The
interconnection
arrangements
between a computer
and devices, such as
printer or modem,
attached thereto.
Interpreter A program
to translate a high
level language
(typically BASIC) to
rpachine language and
to execute each
instruction, line by
line, immediately.
Interrupt A signal
which suspends
processing to allow
some other command
to be obeyed.
I EEE Institute of
Electronic and
Electrical Engineers (in
USA) — a body which
has set a number of
standards for more
orderly interchange of
information between
various electronic
devices, including
computers.
I/O Input/Output.
Impact (printer) One
which forms
characters by striking
a ribbon on to paper
and can therefore
produce carbon
copies.
Integer BASIC
Concerned only with
whole numbers,
cutting off any
fractions or decimal parts.
Kilo (K) Abbreviation
of Kilo, normally
meaning 1 000, but
1024 (2 10 ) when referring
to memory.
Kansas (City) A standard for
recording programs and data
on cassette tape, named after
the city where a conference
was held, at which the
standards were agreed.
Light Pen A stylus with a light
sensor which allows a
computer to identify the point
at which a Video Display Unit
fVDUJ screen is being
touched.
Line Printer A computer
peripheral which prints a
whole line at a time, instead
of doing each character
sequentially.
Load To copy a program leg
from tape or disc) into
memory, ready for execution.
LSI Large Scale Integration
the combination of circuit
elements in a small silicon
chip.
Machine Language (code) The
lowest (and tediously
detailed) level of program
instructions. All higher level
coding must be converted to
machine language (by
compiler or interpreter) before
a processor can obey it.
Mainframe A relatively large
computer.The term derives
from times before integrated
circuits, when processors
were wired up with large
numbers of separate
components mounted on
circuit cards or boards which
were in turn mounted in metal
racks or frames enclosed in
one or more large metal
cabinets.
Matrix (printer) Printer whose
characters are formed by
selecting a pattern of dots
from a matrix typically five
dots wide and seven high.
Memory Immediate access
data storage, directly
addressable by a central
processor and typically
comprising a combination of
RAM and ROM.
Micro (also u) Prefix signifying
one millionth. Also used
descriptively of something
very small, though not as
small as nano- or pico-.
Microprocessor An LSI chip
holding a complete processor
(arthmetic logic unit and
control unit).
121