Quick Reference Guide

Glossary 425
RAM
Acronym for random-access memory. A system's primary temporary storage area
for program instructions and data. Each location in RAM is identified by a number
called a memory address. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn
off your system.
RAMDAC
Acronym for random-access memory digital-to-analog converter.
RAM disk
A memory-resident program that emulates a hard drive.
RAS
Acronym for remote access service, which is a service provided by some Microsoft
Windows operating systems that allows most of the services that would be
available on a network to be accessed over a modem. The service includes support
for dial-up and logon tasks and presents the same network interface as the normal
network drivers used for the NIC.
RBAC
Abbreviation for role-based access control.
RDRAM
Acronym for Rambus DRAM. A dynamic RAM chip technology from Rambus,
Inc. Direct RDRAMs are used in systems. Direct RDRAM chips are housed in
RIMM modules, which are similar to DIMMs but have different pin settings. The
chips can be built with dual channels, doubling the transfer rate to 3.2 GB/sec.
read-only file
A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can
have read-only status if:
• Its read-only attribute is enabled.
• It resides on a physically write-protected diskette or on a diskette in a write-
protected drive.
• It is located on a network in a directory to which the system administrator has
assigned read-only rights to you.
readme file
A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains
information supplementing or updating the documentation for the software or