read
(v.) To copy data to a place where it can be used by a program. The term is commonly used to describe copying data from a storage medium, such as a disk, to main memory.
(n.) The act of reading. For example, a fast disk drive performs 100 reads per second.
Read Also:
- read-only
Capable of being displayed, but not modified or deleted. All operating systems allow you to protect objects (disks, files, directories) with a read-only attribute that prevents other users from modifying the object.
- read/write
(rēd/rīt) (adj.) Capable of being displayed (read) and modified (written to). Most objects (disks, files, directories) are read/write, but operating systems also allow you to protect objects with a read-only attribute that prevents other users from modifying the object.
- readme file
A small text file that comes with many software packages and contains information not included in the official documentation. Typically, readme files contain late-breaking information that could not be included in the printed documentation.
- real mode
An execution mode supported by the Intel 80286 and later processors. In real mode, these processors imitate the Intel 8088 and 8086 microprocessors, although they run much faster. The other mode available is called protected mode. In protected mode, programs can access extended memory and virtual memory. Protected mode also supports multitasking. The 80386 and […]
- real printer
Refers to the printer hardware attached to a serial or parallel port at a unique hardware device address. The printer device driver in the kernel communicates with the printer hardware and provides an interface between the printer hardware and a virtual printer.