Computers—the machines we think with

by D. S. Halacy

Flip-Flop—A circuit or device which remains in either of two states until the application of a signal.

Gate—A circuit with more than one input, and an output dependent on these inputs. An AND gate’s output is energized only when all inputs are energized. An OR gate’s output is energized when one or more inputs are energized. There are also NOT-AND gates, EXCLUSIVE-OR gates, etc.

Logical Operation—A nonarithmetical operation, i.e., decision-making, data-sorting, searching, etc.

Magnetic Drum—Rotating cylinder storage device for memory unit; stores data in coded form.

Matrix—Circuitry for transformation of digital codes from one type to another; uses wires, diodes, relays, etc.

Memory Unit—That part of the computer that stores information in machine language, using electrical or magnetic techniques.

Microsecond—One millionth of a second.

Millisecond—One thousandth of a second.

Nanosecond—One billionth of a second.

Parallel Operation—Digital computer operation in which all digits are handled simultaneously.