Technology / Computers Glossary

QuickTime Player: A multimedia technology developed by Apple Computer. Developed to display video, sound, animation, graphics, text, music and 360 degree virtual reality (VR) scenes. Apple makes its QuickTime . . . View Full Definition

QWERTY Keyboard: The modern standard keyboard or typewriter keyboard. Gets its name from the characters across the top row, from left to right. Q-W-E-R-T-Y.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID first appeared in tracking and access applications during the 1980s. It is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags/transponders and is coming int . . . View Full Definition

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): A high-frequency signal radiated by improperly shielded conductors. RFI can interfere with the operation of other electronic devices.

Rambus In-Line Memory Module (RIMM): RIMM is a synchronous dynamic random access memory (RAM) module that is used on newer motherboards. RIMM's are manufactured by Rambus Corporation.

Random Access Memory (RAM): All memory accessible at any instant by a processor. Called random because of the random placement of information within the memory bank. Operates at very high speeds on a high speed bus, to the CPU.

Ranging: The process of automatically adjusting transmit levels and time offsets of individual modems, in order to make sure the bursts coming from different modems line up in the right timeslots and . . . View Full Definition

Raster Graphics: A technique for presenting a picture as a matrix of dots. It is the digital counterpart to the analog method that was used in TV for decades. There are several standards pertaining to raster . . . View Full Definition

RDRAM: Rambus DRAM technology is a system-wide, chip-to-chip interface design that allows data to pass through a simplified bus. Rambus uses a unique RSL (Rambus Signaling Logic) technology. Rambus . . . View Full Definition

Read-Only Memory (ROM): Stands for Read-Only Memory. A semiconductor-based memory system that stores information permanently and does not lose its contents when power is switched off. ROMs are used for firmware, su . . . View Full Definition

Real Player: Developed by RealNetworks, this is a cross-platform multi-media player.

Real Time: The actual time in which a program or event takes place. In computing, it refers to a mode under which data is received and processed so quickly that it appears to the user to be instant.

RealAudio: This is a method of playing sounds invented by Rob Glasser that creates a buffer between the supplying server and your computer. The file is played without downloading it completely.

Reboot: To restart a computer. In DOS, you can reboot by pressing the Alt, Control and Delete keys simultaneously. This is called a warm boot. You can also perform a cold boot by turning the compute . . . View Full Definition

Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC): A computer processing architecture that requires fewer instructions to run applications, thus increasing processing speed.

Redundant: Array of Inexpensive (or Interconnected) Disks. A performance enhancing method of storing the same data in different places on multiple hard disks. Unnecessary redundancy can cause problems . . . View Full Definition

Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): A category of disk drives that employ two or more drives in combination for fault tolerance and performance. RAID disk drives are used frequently on servers but aren't generally necessary fo . . . View Full Definition

Refresh: Generally, to update something with new data. For example, some Web browsers include a refresh button that updates the currently display Web pages. This feature is also called reload. To rec . . . View Full Definition

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