Toshiba A10 ユーザーズマニュアル

User’s Manual

Glossary-3

Glossary

adaptor:  A device that provides a compatible connection between two 

units. For example, the computer’s internal display adapter receives 

information from the software and translates it into images on the 

screen. An adapter can take a number of forms, from a 

microprocessor to a simple connector: An intelligent adapter (one 

that is capable of doing some processing) may also be called a 

controller.

alphanumeric:  Keyboard characters including letters, numbers and other 

symbols, such as punctuation marks or mathematical symbols.

alternating current (AC):  Electric current that reverses its direction of flow 

at regular intervals. 

analog signal:  A signal whose characteristics such as amplitude and 

frequency vary in proportion to (are an analog of) the value to be 

transmitted. Voice communications are analog signals.

application:  A group of programs that together are used for a specific task 

such as accounting, financial planning, spreadsheets, word 

processing and games.

ASCII:  American Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII code 

is a set of 256 binary codes that represent the most commonly used 

letters, numbers, and symbols.

asynchronous:  Lacking regular time relationship. As applied to computer 

communications, asynchronous refers to the method of transmitting 

data that does not require a steady stream of bits to be transmitted 

at regular time intervals.

backup:  A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in case the 

original file is lost or damaged.

binary:  The base two number system composed of zeros and ones (off or 

on), used by most digital computers. The right-most digit of a binary 

number has a value of 1, the next a value of 2, then 4, 8, 16, and so 

on. For example, the binary number 101 has a value of 5. See also 

ASCII.

BIOS:  Basic Input/Output System. The firmware that controls data flow 

within the computer. See also firmware.

  Derived from "binary digit," the basic unit of information used by the 

computer. It is either zero or one. Eight bits is one byte. See also 

byte.

Bluetooth:  A short-range radio technology designed to simplify wireless 

communication among computers, communication devices and the 

Internet.

board:  A circuit board. An internal card containing electronic components, 

called chips, which perform a specific function or increase the 

capabilities of the system.