TERMS
Processor -- The chip, on the main system board, that performs the basic operations of the computer.
Instruction set-- The set of all possible instructions that a processor can perform.
Machine language -- The set of basic operations, performed by the processor, along with the rules for using them.
Computer language-- A set of instructions with which programs can be written.
High-level language A language with instructions that are far removed from machine language.
Low-level language-- A language with instructions that are close to machine language.
Assembly language-- A type of low-level language in which mnemonic abbreviations represent machine operations and storage locations. Assembly language makes it possible to program the processor directly without having to use machine language.
Compiler -- A program that translates high-level programs into machine language so that they can be executed.
Interpreter -- A program that translates high-level programs into machine language, one line at a time, as they are executed.
Incremental compiler-- A program that combines compiling and interpreting by translating a high-level program into an intermediate form (pseudo code) that is later interpreted.
Pseudo code-- The form into which a high-level program is partially compiled by an incremental compiler.
Assembler -- (1) A program that translates low-level programs into machine language. (2) A slang term for assembly language.
Coprocessor-- An optional processor used to perform mathematical operations, especially floating-point calculations.
Real mode-- A state of operation in which a 286, 386, or 486 behaves like a fast 8088; in real made, the computer can execute most programs written for the older members of the PC family.
Protected mode-- A state of operation in which a 286, 386, or 486 can access very large amounts of memory; This state also endows the processor with features, such as multitasking, particularly suitable for operating systems and other sophisticated software.
Virtual memory-- A memory management system in which disk memory is used to simulate large amounts of regular internal memory.
Multitasking-- Executing more than one program at the same time by quickly switching back and forth between programs.
Virtual 86 mode-- A state of operation in which a 386 or 486 processor can run multiple programs, each of which seems to have its own 8086 processor.
Code-- (1) Used as a verb, slang term meaning to write a program. (2) As a noun, slang term for the instructions in a program.
Operating system-- The master control program that runs the computer and provides an interface for users and their programs.
Editor -- A program that you use to enter the program text and to make changes.
Linker -- A program that processes a translated assembly program into a form that can be executed.
Source program-- An assembly language program that is to be translated by the assembler. Source programs are stored in files with an extension of ASM.
Source code -- See source program.
Object module -- The machine language translation of a source program; object modules are stored in files with an extension of OBJ.
Load module-- An executable version of an object module, also called a run module, produced by the linker. Load modules are stored in files with an extension of EXE (and sometimes COM).
Run module -- See Load Module.
Debugger-- A program that provides an environment for testing load modules.
