Toshiba R30-A Manuale Utente

184

Glossary

controller

—A device that controls the transfer of data from a

computer to a peripheral device and vice versa. For
example, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, and printers all
require controllers.

CPU

—See

Central Processing Unit (CPU).

CPU cache

—A section of very fast memory residing between

the CPU and the computer’s main memory that temporarily
stores data and instructions the CPU will need to execute
commands and programs. See also

cache, L1 cache, L2

cache.

cursor

—An on-screen symbol (usually a flashing vertical line)

that indicates the position where characters will appear
when you enter data.

Desktop

—Offers the traditional look and feel of the Windows

desktop found in Windows

7 and earlier releases of the

Windows

operating system.

default

—The setting selected by a program when the user does

not specify an alternative setting.

device

—A component attached to the computer. Devices may

be external (outside the computer’s case) or internal (inside
the computer’s case). Printers, disk drives, and modems are
examples of devices.

device driver

—A program (called a “driver”) that permits a

computer to communicate with a device.

dialog box

—An on-screen window displayed by the operating

system or a program giving a direction or requesting input
from the user.

Direct Current (DC)

—The type of power usually supplied by

batteries. DC flows in one direction. Compare

Alternating

Current (AC).

Direct Memory Access (DMA)

—A dedicated channel,

bypassing the CPU, that enables direct data transfer
between memory and a device.