RAM

Acronym for Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory
that can be written to and read from.


Random Access Memory

RAM, as some call it, is NOT an animal, but a storage area of your
computer. The more you have, the more computer programs you can
have open at once.

Raster

1.The scan pattern on a display screen, in which the area is
    scanned from side to side in horizontal lines and from top
    to bottom by an electron beam.

2. A bitmapped graphic.

Read

The act transferring data from a storage medium to the internal RAM
of a computer. For example, a computer "reads" information from a
disk and then stores it into memory.



Read Only File

A file that you can read but can not make changes to.

README

A name typically given to a text file that contains up to date info
about a program.

Real Audio

Software which makes it possible to play radio and sound files
over the Internet.

Reassembly

The restoration of a fragmented IP packet into its previous form
after sending it over a network.

Reboot

 To restart a computer.


Recover 

To restore a deleted file.

Recycle Bin

On a Windows desktop, the recycle bin is like a trash basket where unneeded files can be thrown away. Dragging a file into the recycle
bin removes it from its former place on the computer, and emptying
the recycle bin deletes the files in the bin permanently.


Reduced Instruction-Set Computer

(See "RISC")

Reformat

To reinitialize a hard or floppy disk, which erases all the data on it

Refresh Rate

The rate at which a screen refreshes, or redraws it's image based 
on new information. The faster the rate, the less likely the screen
is to flicker which saves the wear and tear on your eyeballs.

Reinstall

To install software again; necessary when a program has been
corrupted


Relational Database

A database consisting of two or more files linked by the database
manager in a way that enables one file to access data in the others.

Relative Path

A designation of the location of a file in relation to the current
working directory, as opposed to an absolute or full path which
gives the exact location

REM

Abbreviation for Remark. In programming, "rem" introduces a
comment made for other programmers to read which is not part
of the program instructions. It can also be used to disable certain 
lines of code

Render

To use computer graphics to draw three-dimensional objects
realistically


Rename

To change the name of a file, folder, directory, or disk

ResEdit  

Stands for Resource Editor. You can edit the resource, the
codes, menus, and PICT  files in an application. You can do
some cool things in ResEdit like customize your menus. Res
Edit  is freeware and is made by Apple.


Restore Button

The small button containing both an up and down arrow (windows 3.1)
or two open boxes (windows 95) at the right side of the title bar. The
restore button returns the window to its original size.


RGB

It stands for Red-Blue-Green. Some monitors are RGB monitors.
The lights inside are red, blue, and green to make up an image.

Rich Media

Presentations that use a combination of media; a rich media presentation may include text, graphics, animation, sound,
video, etc


RISC

Stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer. RISC processors are
really fast because it only has a couple of instructions instead of lots
of time taking instructions like other processors.


ROM

Stands for Read Only Memory. That is information that you cannot
edit.


Root Directory

The top-level directory of a disk. The root directory is created
when you format the disk

Router

A device that finds the best path for a data packet to be sent 
from one network to another


Run 

(1) What to do if the computer starts smoking. (2) To execute or
      use a program