Internet Terms-R

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) a system used by some Internet Services Providers (ISPs) thatrequires a user to enter a user name and password. This lets the ISP know the user is authorized to access the service and allows the service to track time spent connected.

ragged margin in a text document, a margin that does not line up vertically. The margins in this book are left
justified with regard to the terms and definitions and ragged on the right. An example of a right ragged margin: Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this R Figure R.01. radio buttons

RAM (Random Access Memory) pronounced ramm, computer hardware that stores and accesses data as needed from any location within the memory on a short term basis. RAM holds needed information from the application currently running, allowing for quick access as it is called up. The data stored in RAM is cleared when the computer is shut down. There are two types of RAM. Dynamic RAM and Static RAM. (DRAM and SRAM) To facilitate its own functioning, DRAM requires an electrical charge, which is refreshed thousands of times each second while in use. While SRAM is faster because it doesn’t need
to be refreshed, it is considerably more expensive than DRAM. Because of its higher speed, SRAM is often used for caching. RAM refers to a computer’s main memory as opposed to read-only memory (ROM), which contains necessary pre-recorded data used for booting the computer and other routine functions.

see DRAM, SDRAM SRAM, ROM.

RAM disk a portion of RAM (random access memory) used to simulate a disk drive. Utilizing RAM in this way allows for quicker access to information than calling it from the hard disk, but has some limitations. First, files must be copied from the hard disk to the RAM disk for each session and the new material must be copied back to the hard disk before ending the session. This is necessary because, like normal RAM, a RAM disk clears all data when the computer is shut down. Additionally, a power failure will cause the loss of data on a RAM disk.

rapid application development a programming procedure that allows programmers to create usable programs quickly. Software designers are able to use a wide variety of development tools to construct graphical user interface applications that might otherwise require large development teams.

RAS (Remote Access Services) a component of Windows NT that allows a user to connect to a LAN using a modem, WAN


raster the rectangular portion of a display monitor where the actual image appears.
The raster is usually smaller than the true dimensions of the display panel. On most modern monitors the raster can be adjusted to allow for maximum image display.
raster graphics a bitmap image pattern usually in a GIF or JPEG format that fills an entire display monitor assigning color values to every available pixel.

raster image processor (RIP) components made up of hardware and software that combine to convert a vector image into
a bitmapped image. Inkjet and laser printers are raster image processors.

rasterize to transform a graphical image into a bitmap so that it fits the shape and size of a raster output
device such as a printer.

raw data computer input that has not been organized, categorized or formatted.

ray tracing a complex technical process whereby a graphical image is enhanced and made to appear more realistic by incorporating shading, shadow, and color.
This is accomplished by simulating the way light plays on individual components of the image. Ray tracing software requires a great deal of memory and processing resources and often takes several hours to produce the end effect.

RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random-Access Memory) a high speed memory chip developed by Rambus that can function up to six times faster than Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM). see SDRAM.read to access stored data, usually by transferring it from one of many storage media such as magnetic tape or floppy disk, to a hard disk for display or processing.

readme file information contained in a software program that was not part of the users manual, usually an update, improvement, a recent development, or feature.

read-only recorded computer data that is recorded and cannot be changed. Operating systems contain many read-only files.

read-only memory (ROM) permanently recorded computer memory. see ROM.

read/write data recording and storage media such as a floppy disk or CD-RW, that allows a user to access information (read) and record/store information (write).

RealAudio a proprietary plug-in application developed by RealNetworks, included with both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer (in addition to being freely available for downloading on numerous Websites) that allows users to play FM quality stereo music online in real time. Previously, a user would need to download an audio file (a time consuming process) and have an audio card installed, providing them with the ability to play the file back.

real estate a slang expression that refers to the physical space on a desktop, or computer desktop space. In
programming, the hard disk or chip memory space available for data input.

real time also realtime, 1. live online communications. The term refers to several types of information
transmissions. For example, real time chat programs provide real time 116 users with a medium to communicate live by
typing messages back and forth.

Real time stock quotes give users individual live stock quotes as they change throughout the trading day. Stockquotes can be “snapshot” or “streaming.” Streaming real time quotes change on the user’s monitor as they change on
the exchange trading floor. Snapshot quotes are real at the time they are downloaded, but must be refreshed manually for subsequent updates. 2. immediate response to an input command by a computer. Most operating systems can take several seconds to minutes to respond to commands, thus do not respond in real time.

real time chat a program that provides a live online forum for users to communicate by typing messages to each other. ICQ and Microsoft Messenger Service are real time chat programs.

real time clock a battery operated clock inside a computer that runs even when the computer is turned off.

RealVideo a program developed by RealNetworks allowing users to experience streaming real time video online.

reboot to restart a computer for any number of reasons. Some computers have a reset switch, others will reboot using
a series of key commands such as, Control, Alt, Delete and choosing to restart the computer when prompted.

rebuild Desktop a housecleaning operation for the Macintosh that clears the computer’s memory of obsolete data, thusimproving performance. To rebuild the Desktop, a user holds down the Command and Option Keys while booting.The computer will ask the user if she wants to proceed, if so instructed, the computer will then clear the unnecessary data.

reciprocal link a hyperlink placed on a Web page in exchange for a link on another page. In an effort to increase site traffic, Web managers with similar, but usually not competitive goals, do each other the favor of providing reciprocal links.

record a set of data components comprised of fields, that make up a file. For example, a word processing document might contain text and graphs. The text would be included in one field, and the graphs in another.

recovering deleted files see file recovery.

Recycle Bin comparable to the Trash Can in the Macintosh. In the Windows environment, a folder represented on the

desktop by an icon of a small recycle bin.

real time chat 117 This is where deleted files are temporarily stored until they are either cleared permanently from

a computer’s hard disk or restored.

Red Book a standard established by Phillips and Sony for CDs that, among other things, set the playing time of a

recorded CD at 74 minutes, transferred at a rate of 150 Kbps.

redlining in printed word processing documents, the marking of edited text, noting sections that need to be changed

or corrected.

refresh 1. to update a Web page. Websites offering dynamic content, that is, everchanging information such as

breaking news, stock market or weather reports etc., require a user to update pages containing the changes. Web

browsers allow for this with a refresh option. On Microsoft Internet Explorer, there is a button labeled Refresh

located in the toolbar. In Netscape Navigator, it is called Reload.

2. to recharge, as with a display monitor or memory chip. To function properly, most memory devices are constantly

being charged with power or information.

register a high speed storage space within a CPU. The size and number of registers in the central processing unit are

critical in determining the speed and power of a computer.

registration 1. to provide a software or hardware manufacturer with user information.

Manufacturers and commercial enterprises of all types such as Websites request information from users for a wide

variety of purposes, many aimed at the marketing of additional products. Registering as an owner of software and

hardware often assures the owner of receiving technical support in the event there is a problem with the product. It

also helps prevent software piracy. 2. the proper physical orientation of color plates in a color printing job. The

proper alignment of individual color plates comprises the full color images we see.

Registry a storage space in Windows and Windows NT operating systems that maintains program setup data.

reload see refresh.

remote hardware, software, and data not directly included in, or connected to a workstation.

remote access see remote terminal.

remote login see remote terminal.

remote login 118 remote terminal the term is synonymous with remote access and remote login. It means to have the

ability to log onto a network, (thus utilizing all of its resources), from somewhere other than the actual terminal

site. One small drawback to remote access is a slight compromise in network navigation speed.

removable hard disk a hard disk that can be treated as a floppy disk in that it is easily removed and used as needed,

yet with all of the speed and storage capabilities of many internal hard disks.

render the use of special software to enhance a computer image by adding dimension, color, and shading.

repaginate to reassign a numerical sequence to the pages in a document after making changes in the text and/or

graphics. see paginate.

Request for Comments see RFC.

reset button a switch or button on a computer that stops all functions and restarts the computer. Using the reset

button to restart a computer is often the method of last resort after the computer has crashed and all other reboot

measures have been exhausted.

resize in graphics applications, to enlarge, shrink or distort an image using a horizontal or vertical orientation.

see scale.

resolution the degree of clarity and detail of a graphical image on a computer monitor, in print, or bitmap. With

printers, the greater number of dots per inch (dpi) a printer can produce, the better the resolution. In display

monitors, screen resolution is determined by the number of pixels the screen can display. Graphical display devices

are often generally classified as high, medium or low resolution.

resource sometimes called system resources. In operating systems such as Windows and the Macintosh, any data or

function that is available to the operation of software running with the system. Memory is a major resource.

restore to bring a window back it its original size after having been minimized or maximized. see maximize, minimize.

retouching to modify a photograph or image using graphics software such as Adobe PhotoShop.

Return key in word processing, pressing the Return key moves the cursor (insertion point) to the next line. In many

applications, pressing the Return key conremote terminal 119 firms the choice of an option or initiates a prompt. In

this case, the Return key and the Enter key act in the same way. see Enter key.

reverse to exchange black characters for white or white characters with black, often to add effect. Careful choice of

fonts is necessary in using this technique as the finer details of many fonts do not always contrast well in reverse.

RFC (Request for Comments) maintained by the Internet Task Force, a collection of notes and observations made about

the Internet, beginning in the late 1960s when it was called the ARPANET. With the evolution of the medium,

individuals have had the opportunity to make unofficial suggestions about various procedures and protocols as

“Request for Comments.” Many have evolved into Internet standards. For example, RFC 2660 addresses the issue of

Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

RGB red, green and blue, the colors that make up all other colors on a computer display monitor.

rich text format a standard for developing text documents created by Microsoft that uses the encoding of formatted

text and graphics for easy transfer between applications. Other document encoding formats include HTML and SGML.

right click to press the button on the right hand side of a mouse. With the mouse cursor on an object, right clicking

will often produce a pop-up menu that, de- Figure R.02. restore button minimize maximize & restore close Figure R.03.

reverse The User Friendly Guide The User Friendly Guide right click 120 pending on the object selected, offers

options that can lead the user to open a program, cut or copy, create a shortcut, or display the properties of the

selected object.

right justify to orient text so it conforms to a vertical margin on the right side of a document.

Ring Master the individual who manages and maintains hyperlinks in a Webring.

ring network a local area network (LAN) that is connected in a loop.

RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) a convenient connection device that eliminated the need to strip, splice, and match color

coded wires when connecting telephone lines. Most of us know the device as the small plug used to connect a phone.

robot 1. a computerized machine designed for a wide variety of manufacturing functions such as material handling and

automobile assembly. 2. often referred to as bot, a computer program that automatically searches, and compiles data

or responds to queries such as email. ListBot is a robot of this type.

robotics a subcategory in the artificial intelligence field, robotics is the blending of computer science and

engineering that endeavors to create machines which are able to react to sensory input independently. Although the

field of robotics has made great strides of late, robots are still unable to perform many practical functions for

humans outside the industrial setting. Robotics is a term introduced by Isaac Asimov in his science fiction novel, I,

Robot, in 1950.robust stable performance under most circumstances, even those which are less than optimal. Also occasionally refers to software allowing a user many sophisticated and unique features. In software parlance, opposite of brittle.

rollerball a pointing device similar to a mouse. see trackball.

roll up window a dialog box that offers the user program tools or options and can be moved to a position of

convenience.

ROM (Read-only Memory) permanent memory used by a computer for essential functions of the operating system. Data cannot be written to, or changed in ROM. Unlike RAM, read-only memory is retained by the computer when it is shut  off. The same meaning applies to CD-ROM, a disc, such as one containing a software application that retains data and may not be used for recording.


RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) the number of revolutions a disk turns per minute.ruler in graphics and some word processing programs, a line containing designated points running on the top and the
side of the display screen used to measure, place objects and text, and accurately identify specific points on a
document.