Backing store


noun
a computer storage device, usually a disk, that provides additional storage space for information so that it can be accessed and referred to when required and may be copied into the processor if needed

1. Computer memory, usually magnetic disks, storing data and programs. Sections of this information can then be copied into the main memory (RAM) for processing. Backing store is cheaper but RAM is faster. Such a hierarchy of memory devices allows a trade-off between performance and cost.
2. Character storage in memory or on disk, as opposed to displayed or printed characters. This distinction is important where the visual ordering of characters differs from the order in which they are stored, e.g. bidirectional or non-spacing layout.
In a Unicode encoding, text is stored in sequential order in the backing store. Logical or backing store order corresponds to the order in which text is typed on the keyboard (after corrections such as insertions, deletions, and overtyping). A text rendering process converts Unicode text in the backing store to readable text.
[“The Unicode Standard: Worldwide Character Encoding”, Version 1.0, Vol. 1. Addison-Wesley, 1991].
(2001-02-25)

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  • Backlashed

    a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil. a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change: a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party. Machinery. the space between the thickness of a gear tooth and the width of the space between teeth in the mating gear, designed to allow for […]

  • Backlashing

    a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil. a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change: a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party. Machinery. the space between the thickness of a gear tooth and the width of the space between teeth in the mating gear, designed to allow for […]

  • Backless

    the rear part of the human body, extending from the neck to the lower end of the spine. the part of the body of animals corresponding to the human back. the rear portion of any part of the body: the back of the head. the whole body, with reference to clothing: the clothes on his […]

  • Backlins

    backward; back.

  • Backlit

    Movies, Television. a light source placed behind an actor, object, or scene to create a highlight that separates the subject from the background. to illuminate (something) from behind. Contemporary Examples A model, backlit by the runway, walks the runway at the Just Cavalli show on Thursday. Milan Fashion Week Photo of the Day: September 19 […]


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