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Q (bandwidth): The bandwidth of an equalizer band.

quantize: Forcing the notes in a MIDI sequence to fall on the nearest beat.

QuickTime: A sound, video, and animation system developed by Apple Computer. A QuickTime file can contain up to 32 tracks of audio, video, MIDI or other time-based control information. Apple also provides a version of QuickTime for Windows.

rack: A special type of storage shelf used to house pro audio gear. The height of rack mount gear is often expressed as a whole rack unit (meaning it occupies one entire rack space) or a half rack unit (half the vertical size of a whole rack unit).

RAM (random access memory): A common type of computer memory that functions as a machines primary workspace. It can be accessed randomly. That is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the bytes before or after itThe more RAM your computer has, the more efficiently it will operate.

RAS (remote access services): A Windows NT feature that allows remote users to log into an a LAN using a modem, X.25 connection, or WAN link. RAS is compatible with network protocols including TCP/IP, IPX, and NetBEUI.

raster: A pattern of horizontal lines displayed on a computer or TV monitor. As the part of a monitors screen that is actually being used to display images, its a bit smaller than the physical dimensions of the display screen itself. It varies for different resolutions. Most monitors have controls that allow you to move or resize the raster.

RealAudio (.RA): The standard for streaming audio data over the Web. Developed by RealNetworks, RealAudio supports FM-stereo-quality sound. To hear a webpage that includes a RealAudio sound file, you need a RealAudio player or plug-in, a program that is freely available from a number of places, including Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
release: The final stage of a sound's envelope.

removable media: Information storage that allow users to remove the stored information if necessary. Examples of removable media include disks and magnetic tapes. The most popular form or removable media for audio is the CD-R.

resolution: The degree of clarity an image displays.The term is most often used to describe the sharpness of bit-mapped images on monitors, but of course it also applies to images on printed pages, as expressed by the number of dots-per-inch (dpi). x. For example, a 300-dpi printer can print 300 dots in an inch-long line., or 90,000 dots per square inch. For monitors, screen resolution signifies the number of dots (pixels) on the screen. For example, a 640x480 pixel screen can display 640 dots on each of 480 lines, or about 300,000 pixels. Screens of different sizes have different dpi measurements. Printers, monitors, scanners, and other I/O devices are often classified as high resolution, medium resolution, or low resolution, but the corresponding degrees of clarity improve along with the technology.

resonance: The persistence of a tone, usually caused by sympathetic vibration.

reverb: The persistence of an acoustic signal after the original signal has ceased.

ripping: Using software to extract raw audio data from a music CD.

ROM (read-only memory): A storage chip that typically contains hard-wired instructions for use when a computer starts up.

RSA: A public-key encryption technology created by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman of RSA Data Security, Inc. The key has two parts, one private and one public. Both parts are required for decryption. The RSA algorithm takes into account the inefficiency of factoring very large numbers. Therefore, decrypting an RSA key requires e enormous amounts of time and computer processing power. Used in Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and other applications that require industrial-strength encryption, the RSA algorithm has become a standard, especially for data sent over the Internet.

RSI (repetitive strain injury): Ailments of the hands, neck, back, and eyes due to computer use.

Don't see the word you want? Let us know at techglossary@techtv.com. For links to other resources, go back to the glossary's start page.

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