ZX Computings - OpenLibra

Microprogram A very low
level Of programming,
normally implemented in ROM
by the processor's
manufacturer, to increase in
effect the set of instructions
which the processor can
obey.
Minicomputer A somewhat
vague term for the middle
range of computers.
Machines addressing up to
64K bytes or words of
memory tend (at the present
time) to be called
microcomputers and
machines able to address
more than 64K memory
locations tend to be called
minicomputers unless they
separate into distinct parts, in
which case it may be called a
mainframe.
Mini floppy The smaller size
of floppy disc. 5'/« "
in diameter.
Modem Acronym for
MOdulator/DEModulator — a
device adapting computer
data for transmission by
telephone line and vice versa.
Monitor The first level of
computer operating systems:
the program which turns
machine code commands into
action, managing input,
output etc.
Operating System The
computer's resident program
which determines how
instructions, input and output
devices, etc are managed.
Overlay A program too long
for the available memory may
be entered and processed by
instalments, each segment
overlaying or replacing the
code previously stored while
the various values allotted to
common variables would
continue from one program to
the next.
Package A set of programs
designed to perform a
common task, eg payroll,
generalised to suit a variety of
users. A turn-key package
may comprise both the
programs and the equipment
on which they run.
Pascal Program language,
designed to facilitate
structured programming
especially on small interactive
machines. Named after
Gabriel Pascal.
Patch A small piece of
computer program inserted in
a longer program to remedy
some bug or defect in it.
Peripheral Device attached to
a computer, eg printer,
plotter, disc unit, but not
necessarily essential to its
use.
PILOT A programming
language for small computers,
designed to be particularly
appropriate for teaching in
schools.
Plotter Computer-driven
graphic display using pen on
paper.
PROM Programmable Read
Only Memory.
RAM Random Access
Memory. Read write memory.
Data may be written to or
read from any location in this
type of memory.
Reset (button) A switch
whereby computer control is
returned to the monitor or
low-level operating system
and all internal variable values
are changed to zero. This
may be the only way of
getting out of some endless
loop which has arisen from a
programming error.
Return Return the key and
corresponding computer
instruction which sends the
contents of keyboard buffer
into a computer's memory for
execution (term derives from
'carriage return' on a
typewriter).
ROM Read Only Memory.
RS232 A communications
interface used for modems
and for serial printers.
Run The instruction to
execute a program.
n-sec Nanosecond, onethousand-millionth
of a
second.
Computer Glossary
122 ZX COMPUTING SUMMER 1982