| RADCAB |
RADCAB is a mnemonic acronym that helps people evaluate information found online. It was created by Karen... |
| RAID |
Stands for "Redundant Array of Independent Disks." RAID is a method of storing data on multiple hard disks. When... |
| RAM |
Stands for "Random Access Memory," and is pronounced like the male sheep. RAM is made up of small memory chips that... |
| Raster Graphic |
Most images you see on your computer screen are raster graphics. Pictures found on the Web and photos you import from... |
| Raw Data |
Raw data is unprocessed computer data. This information may be stored in a file, or may just be a collection of... |
| Raw File |
A raw file is a collection of unprocessed data. This means the file has not been altered, compressed, or manipulated... |
| RDF |
Stands for "Resource Description Framework." RDF is a specification that defines how metadata, or descriptive... |
| RDRAM |
Stands for "Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory." It is a type of RAM made by Rambus (big surprise) and is the fastest... |
| Readme |
A readme file, often named "READ ME" to get the user's attention, is a text file containing useful information about a... |
| Real Number |
Real numbers include all positive and negative numbers. They may be integers (e.g. -12), rational numbers (e.g... |
| Real-Time |
When an event or function is processed instantaneously, it is said to occur in real-time. To say something takes place... |
| Recursion |
Recursion is a process in which a function calls itself as a subroutine. This allows the function to be repeated... |
| Recursive Function |
A recursive function is a function that calls itself during its execution. This enables the function to repeat itself... |
| Recycle Bin |
The Recycle Bin in used by Windows computers to store deleted items. It temporarily stores files and folders before... |
| Refresh |
Refresh is a command that reloads the contents of a window or Web page with the most current data. For example, a... |
| Refresh Rate |
Computer monitors often have a "maximum refresh rate" listed in their technical specifications. This number, measured... |
| Registry |
This is a database used by Microsoft Windows to store configuration information about the software installed on a... |
| Reimage |
Reimaging is the process of restoring data to a hard disk from a disk image. When a hard disk is reimaged, the data on... |
| Remote Access |
Remote access is just what it sounds like -- the ability to access your computer from a remote location. Programs like... |
| Remote Desktop |
Remote desktop technology makes it possible to view another computer's desktop on your computer. This means you can... |
| Remote User |
A "remote user" is how a woman might refer to her husband while he is watching TV. In the computer world, however, a... |
| Repeater |
A repeater is an electronic device that relays a transmitted signal. It receives a signal on a specific frequency... |
| Resolution |
This term can describe either how many pixels a monitor can display or how fine a printer can print.
1. Monitors. A... |
| Restore |
The word "restore" means to return something to its former condition. Therefore, when you restore a computer or other... |
| RFID |
RFID is short for "Radio-Frequency Identification." RFID tags are small integrated circuits that can be scanned with a... |
| RGB |
Stands for "Red Green Blue." It refers to the three hues of light (red, green, and blue, for those of you that are a... |
| Rich Text |
Rich text is more exciting than plain text. It supports text formatting, such as bold, italics, and underlining, as... |
| Right Click |
Most computer mice have at least two mouse buttons. When you press the left one, it is called a left click. When you... |
| Ripcording |
Recording audio with a computer involves capturing an audio signal and saving it digitally on a hard drive. Ripping an... |
| RISC |
Stands for "Reduced Instruction Set Computing,"and is pronounced "risk." It is arguably the fastest and most... |
| ROM |
Stands for "Read-Only Memory." Please do not confuse this term with RAM or a hard drive, as many people already do... |
| Root |
Root, or the "root node," refers to the top level of a file system. Since file systems are organized by directories... |
| Rootkit |
A rootkit is not a collection of tree roots, as you might be picturing in your head. Instead, a rootkit is a group of... |
| Rosetta |
Rosetta is technology included in Mac OS X that allows software written for PowerPC processors to run on Intel... |
| Router |
This is a hardware device that routes data (hence the name) from a local area network (LAN) to another network... |
| RPC |
Stands for "Remote Procedure Call." Most computer programs run procedures, or sets of instructions, using the... |
| RPM |
Stands for "Revenue Per 1,000 Impressions." RPM is similar to CPM, but measures the revenue from 1,000 ads impressions... |
| RSS |
Stands for "RDF Site Summary," but is commonly referred to as "Really Simple Syndication." RSS is method of providing... |
| RTE |
Stands for "Runtime Environment." As soon as a software program is executed, it is in a runtime state. In this state... |
| RTF |
Stands for "Rich Text Format." RTF is a file format standardized by Microsoft for creating formatted text files... |
| Ruby |
While in the physical world, "ruby" refers to a red gemstone, in the computer world, ruby is an object-oriented... |
| Runtime |
When a program is running, or executing, it is said to be in runtime. The term is mostly used by software developers... |
| RUP |
Stands for "Rational Unified Process." RUP is a software development process from Rational, a division of IBM. It... |
