Glossary of Computer Terms

Terms starting with alphabets 'Q' & 'R'

Term	Description
Queue	A queue is a list of jobs awaiting to be processed.
Query	A query is a request for information from a database.
QWERTY	QWERTY is the standard English language keyboard layout.
RAID	RAID is acronym for "Redundant Array of Independent Disks." RAID is a method of storing data on multiple hard disks. When multiple disks are arranged in a RAID configuration, the computer treats them all as one large disk. However, they operate much more efficiently than a single hard drive. Since the data is spread out over multiple hard disks, the reading and writing operations can take place on multiple disks simultaneously which reduces hard drive access time.
RAM	Please see "Know your computer hardware"
Raw data	Raw data is unprocessed computer data.
Raw file	Raw file is collection of unprocessed computer data (raw data).
RDRAM	Acronym for "Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory." It is a type of RAM manufactured by Rambus and is the fastest type of available computer memory.
Readme	Readme is a text file containing information about a software program.
Real-time	When an event or function is processed instantaneously, it is said to be in real-time.
Refresh Rate	The refresh rate is the number of times a monitor's image is repainted or refreshed per second. The refresh rate is expressed in hertz so a refresh rate of 75 means the image is refreshed 75 times in a second.
Registry	This is a database used by Microsoft Windows to store configuration information about the softwares installed on the computer. When a program is installed, it usually writes some data to the computer's registry.
Remote Access	Remote access is the ability to get access to a computer or a network from a remote location.
Remote user	A remote user is someone who works on a computer from a remote location.
Resolution	Resolution describes either how many pixels a monitor can display or how many dots per inch a printer can print.
RGB	RGB is acronym for 'Red Green Blue.' It refers to the three hues of light that can blend together to form any color.
Rich text	Rich Text is a text with formatting, such as bold, italics, underlining, font types, font sizes, and colored text.
Right click	Right click of the mouse by a right handed user invokes 'context menus'.
ROM	Please see 'Know Your Computer Hardware'.
Root	The root directory is the top-level directory in a file system.
Router	Router is a hardware device that routes data from a local area network (LAN) to another network connection.
RTF	RTF is acronym for 'Rich Text Format' (extension .rtf). RTF file can include information like text style, font type, size, and color.
Runtime	When a program is running, or executing, it is said to be in runtime.