10 GlossaryportProvides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and externaldevices. A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the de-vice to the computer.processorIn a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.promptA special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a messagethat appears on the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.R RAMRandom Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered andfrom which data is retrieved in a nonsequential manner.readTo extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.ROMRead-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified bythe user except under special conditions.resetThe process of returning a device to zero or to an initial or arbitrarily se-lected condition.resolutionThe degree of screen image clarity. Video display resolution is determinedby the number of pixels on the screen. Resolution is usually specified in pix-els by scan lines, for example, 640 by 480. See pixels.RS-232CStandard interface for serial devices. This port is sometimes referred to asthe serial port.
