User's Manual

Glossary 271
RAM
Acronym for random-access memory. The computer'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 computer.
RAMBUS
Acronym for Rambus
®
DRAM, a type of memory (DRAM) developed by Rambus,
Inc.
RAMDAC
Acronym for random-access memory digital-to-analog converter.
Raw
Unprocessed. The term refers to data that is passed along to an I/O device without
being interpreted. In contrast,
cooked refers to data that is processed before being
passed to the I/O device.
Raw often refers to uncompressed text that is not stored in any proprietary format.
The term comes from UNIX, which supports cooked and raw modes for data
output to a terminal.
RDRAM
Acronym for Rambus DRAM. A dynamic RAM chip technology from Rambus,
Inc. Direct RDRAMs are used in computers. 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.