Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed

real mode The operating mode of early Intel microprocessors (the 8088 and 8086). It’s a

single-tasking mode in which the running program has full access to the computer’s

memory and peripherals. Windows XP doesn’t use real mode. See also protected mode.

Registry A central repository that Windows XP uses to store anything and everything

that applies to your system’s configuration. This includes hardware settings, object prop-

erties, operating system settings, and application options.

remote resource Any peripheral, file, folder, or application that exists somewhere on

the network. See also local resource.

repeat rate When you press and hold down a key, the speed at which the characters

appear. See also delay.

repeater A device that boosts a network cable’s signal so that the length of the network

can be extended. Repeaters are needed because copper-based cables suffer from attenua-

tion—a phenomenon in which the degradation of the electrical signal carried over the

cable is proportional to the distance the signal has to travel.

residential gateway On a home network, a computer or router that connects to

the Internet.

restore point A snapshot of the current system that includes the currently installed

program files, Registry settings, and other crucial system data.

rights For a user account, the privileges that define the user’s ability to run system tasks,

such as installing devices and updating the system.

rip To transfer tracks from an audio CD to a computer.

router A device that makes decisions about where to send the network packets it receives.

Unlike a bridge, which merely passes along any data that comes its way, a router examines

the address information in each packet and then determines the most efficient route that

the packet must take to reach its eventual destination.

routing The process whereby packets travel from host to host until they eventually reach

their destination.

RTS/CTS flow control See hardware flow control.

safe mode A Windows XP startup mode that loads a minimal system configuration. Safe

mode is useful for troubleshooting problems caused by incorrect or corrupt device drivers.

sample depth The number of bits used to digitize an audio sample using Pulse Code

Modulation.

sampling See Pulse Code Modulation and analog-to-digital converter.

sans serif A typeface that doesn’t contain the cross strokes found in a serif typeface. See

also decorative.

Glossary 763

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