Glossary
Computer sciences have spawned many awkward terms and
acronyms which are often hindering novice users to understand
how-tos and manuals. Emulation has some terms of its own, as
does the Amiga, due to its unique hardware design. This page
aims to explain the most common terms.
Computers
| Term |
Explanation |
| BIOS |
Basic Input Output System. Initializes the PC hardware in order to prepare the machine so programs can be run. |
| Bus |
A subsystem that transfers data between computer components inside a computer or between computers. |
| CPU |
Central Processing Unit. Also referred to as the "processor", all calculations are done in this unit. |
| FPU |
Floating Point Unit. In the early days, this was a separate unit used for floating point calculations. Nowadays integrated in the main CPU. |
| RAM |
Random Access Memory. Main type of storage for a computer to work with. It is by nature volatile memory, i.e. it gets cleared when the computer is shut down. For WinUAE RAM emulation, see RAM & Kickstart. |
| ROM |
Read Only Memory. Most commonly used to store Firmware, Kickstart, and BIOS programs. In contrary to RAM, it is not volatile. |
| ZIP |
The world's most-used compression format, tools for handling these files can be found almost on any computer system. |
Amiga Specific
| Term |
Explanation |
| AHI |
Audio Hardware Interface, see Emulation Speed. |
| AGA |
Advanced Graphics Architecture, see Custom Chips. |
| Autoconfig |
Method for configuring Amiga expansion cards. Mostly equivalent to Plug&Play in the PC world Autoconfig. |
| Blitter |
Graphics coprocessor, see Custom Chips. |
| Copper |
Graphics coprocessor, see Custom Chips. |
| DMS |
DiskMasher archive, stores the contents of entire disks. Supported by DiskMasher and ADFOpus. |
| ECS |
Enhanced Chip Set, see Custom Chips. |
| HAM |
Hold And Modify, see Custom Chips. |
| Kickstart |
The most basic program used to start up an Amiga, mostly equivalent to the BIOS in the PC world. See RAM & Kickstart. |
| LHA |
The most common compressed file format on the Amiga and Aminet. |
| LZX |
File archiver and format for the Amiga, released in 1995. |
| OCS |
Original Chip Set, see Custom Chips. |
| Paula |
Amiga custom hardware, See Custom Chips. |
| Zorro |
Zorro is the standard bus for expansions in Amigas. See Zorro Bus. |
Emulation Specific
| Term |
Explanation |
| ADF |
Amiga Disk File, used to store raw information from a single Amiga floppy disk. |
| ADZ |
ADF files compressed with the GZIP algorithm. Many archive applications are able to unpack this format, and WinUAE handles it natively. |
| JIT |
Just In Time [Compiling]. Gives a huge boost to emulation speed, see JIT - Just In Time. |
Technology
| Term |
Explanation |
| PAL |
Phase Alternating Line, television system used in large parts of the world. 576 lines, typically 50Hz. |
| NTSC |
National Television System Committee, TV system used mainly in the USA and Japan. 480 lines, 60Hz. |