| vaporware |
Software that has been announced but doesn't exist yet. |
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| VGA |
Video Graphics Array. 640 480 16 resolution. Can have more colors if there is enough video RAM. |
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| video adapter |
See video controller. |
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| video card |
See video controller. |
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| video controller |
An expansion card whose function is to convert signals in the computer into signals the monitor can display. |
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| virtual memory |
Memory addresses and data that appear to the CPU to be in RAM but actually are on a hard disk. Special software manages this memory and gives the CPU access to it. |
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| virus |
Software that copies itself onto hard drives and floppies without user intervention, usually when a floppy is placed into the drive of a computer. Viruses usually carry a payload (qv), triggered by some preset condition. Viruses are frequently written with antisocial intent. |
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| virus checker |
Software whose purpose is to detect and remove viruses from a system. |
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| VLSI |
Very Large Scale Integration. IC's that have 5,000 to 50,000 components. Single components are microscopic. |
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| volatile |
1: IC's that loose their state when the power is shut off. 2: The type of reaction that typically results from imbibing mass quantities [and varieties] of alcoholic beverages. See spew. |
