Computer terminology is a specialized and unique language. To the first-time or uninitiated computer owner, this “jargon” can be misleading or confusing.
Each issue, we’ll list some of the common (and not so common) computer terms. These highly simplified definitions will help you better understand your computer and its “lingo.” Spend a few minutes to learn these terms, and you’ll soon be talking like a computer professional.
Bit — Smallest unit of computer information. Eight-bits are required to comprise one-byte. A bit is a binary digit which represents 0 or 1 — providing the computer with a YES/NO (or ON/OFF) alternative.
Byte — The smallest addressable unit in the system, a byte is composed of eight-binary digits (bits) which are taken as a unit. A computer is usually classified by the number of bytes it can store (i.e., a 16K computer stores 16,384 bytes).
Character — A letter, digit, or symbol that represents data. A character and a byte are roughly synonymous.
Command — An instruction to the computer.
EDP — This acronym stands for Electronic Data Processing. And, because a computer is capable of processing large amounts of data at a high rate of speed, the computer is typically considered to be an EDP system.
Keyboard — Hardware unit on the computer (may be separate unit on modular computer system) which is utilized by the operator to type input to the computer. There are different types of keyboards (e.g., the TIMEX 1000 contains a 40-key membrane-type keyboard; the TIMEX 1500 keyboard is equipped with 40-typewriter-style, movable keys).
List — Command to the T/S Personal Computer to display the program in memory on the TV screen. The number of program lines displayed is limited by the physical capacity of the TV screen (i.e., displays the first 22-lines). Program lines not shown because of the screen size limitation can be displayed by a LIST command and the appropriate line number (i.e., LIST 2000).
Print — Execution of this program command causes the TIMEX Personal Computer to produce a TV screen display of that data input from the keyboard.
RAM Expansion Module — It is used to expand the storage capacity of the computer. The TIMEX RAM Expansion Module, for example, increases the storage capacity by 16K (i.e., to 32,768 characters in the T/S 1500).
Run — Command which tells the computer to execute the program.
Statement — Program line consisting of a line or sequence number (i.e. 10) a command (i.e. LET) and the instructions that define the parameters of the instructions (i.e., LET I = 5): 10 LET I = 5.