Here you find explanation for computer terms.

Our dictionary is sorted alphabetically so you can easily find the words you are looking for.




RAM
The RAM modules (Random Access Memory) are the storage modules of the computer which form the main storage together. Every program being active under Windows uses a part of the memory.


RAR
RAR is a packing mous, similar to ZIP, which makes it possible to reduce files to a fraction of their size. RAR did not suceed to become accepted against the ZIP packing algorithm though. RAR and ZIP packing software for Windows is availbale in the download area.


Raytracing
This procedure uses imaginary light sources, a simulated camera and created 3-D-objects. It pays attention to a numerous amount of physical and optical laws by retracing light rays in order to enable a reproduction of objects in the virtual space as close to reality as possible.


Red Book
The standard for audio CDs was developed by Philips and Sony in the year 1980. Subsequent CD standards are based upon Red Book. Please read also: List of CD formats.


Refresh Rate
An image appears only fractions of a second on the screen, because the generating electron beams or impulses work very temporarily. Therefore, the image is repeated in a certain rate. In case this happens more than 75 times per second (corresponding to a resfresh rate of 75 Hertz) the human eye senses the image to be glimmer-free.


Registry
The registry is an important component of Windows. All current system settings are listed here as well as all installed software.


Rendering
Calculation of real copies of spacial computer models. Meanwhile the notion is also common in the area of image editing, describing the entire calculation of precise data after the user was working with raw data.


Retail Version
A product is a retail version (also called "kit version") if it is intended for the end consumer. Basically, a customer always buys retail versions in the store, thus with packaging, drivers and manual. Opposite: Bulk Version.


RGB
Abbreviation for red, green and blue. This is the colour space of the three primary colours for additive colour mixture, used by computer screens for example.


RIP
Raster Image Processor. Hard- or software, calculating pixel patterns out of text, photos and graphics in mathematical page description languages (PostScript, PCL).


RISC
Reduced Instruction Set Computer. Prozessoren for microcomputers, equipped with a reduced, simple instruction set which can be processed faster and decreases internal working speed this way. Only the most common commands are availbale in the processor, more complex and uncommon commands have to be composed out of available commands.


ROM
ROM - Read Only Memory - chips were once memory chips in the first home computers Commodore C64 and Commodore Amiga. They contained the operating system and the programming language BASIC of the C64 and parts of the operating system of the Amiga.