IBM PC 300GL Information Manual - page 59
C
cable
. The physical medium for transmitting
signals; it includes copper conductors and optical
fibers.
cache
. A buffer storage that contains frequently
accessed instructions and data; it is used to reduce
access time.
CD
. Compact disc. A disc, usually 4.75 inches in
diameter, from which data is read optically by
means of a laser.
CD-ROM
. Compact disc-read only memory.
High-capacity read-only memory in the form of an
optically read compact disc. See also CD and ROM.
central processing unit (CPU)
. (1) The section of
the microprocessor where arithmetic and logical
operations are performed, and instructions are
decoded and executed. (2) The functional unit that
controls the operation of the computer.
chip set
. An integrated circuit or a set of integrated
circuits that provide hardware support for a related
set of functions, such as the generation of video.
clock
. A device that generates periodic, accurately
spaced signals used for purposes such as timing,
regulation of the operations of a processor, or
generation of interrupts.
clock cycle
. For a microprocessor, the amount of
time that the microprocessor takes to perform at a
given clock speed. Clock cycles are measured in
nanoseconds (ns).
clock speed
. For a microprocessor, the operating
speed of the microprocessor. Clock speed is
typically measured in megahertz (MHz).
CMOS
. Complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor. A technology that combines the
electrical properties of n-type semiconductors and
p-type semiconductors.
code
. A collection of instructions that are in a form
that can be read and processed by a computer.
code page
. An assignment of graphic characters
and control function meanings to all code points;
for example, assignment of characters and meanings
to 256 code points for an 8-bit code, assignment of
characters and meanings to 128 code points for a
7-bit code.
compatibility
. The capability of a hardware or
software component to conform to the interface
requirements of a given computer without adversely
affecting its functions.
computer architecture
. (1) The logical structure
and functional characteristics of a computer,
including the interrelationships among its hardware
and software components. (2) The organizational
structure of a computer system, including hardware
and software.
computer security
. (1) Concepts, techniques,
technical measures, and administrative measures
used to protect the hardware, software, and data of
an information processing system from deliberate or
inadvertent unauthorized acquisition, damage,
destruction, disclosure, manipulation, modification,
use, or loss. (2) Protection resulting from the
application of computer security.
configuration
. The manner in which the hardware
and software of an information processing system
are organized and interconnected.
configure
. To set up a computer for operation by
describing to the system the devices, optional
features, and programs installed in the computer.
connector
. An electrical part used to join two or
more other electrical parts.
control
. The determination of the time and order in
which the parts of a computer and the devices that
contain those parts perform the input, processing,
storage, and output functions.
controller
. A device that coordinates and controls
the operation of one or more input/output devices,
such as workstations, and synchronizes the
operation of such devices with the operation of the
system as a whole.
coprocessor
. In personal-computer systems, a
microprocessor that supplements the operations of
the system microprocessor, enabling the computer to
51