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R

RAM
Random Access Memory. RAM is the most common type of memory installed in computers. It is the "main memory" that is available to programs. Typical PCs and Macs come with 8, 16, or 32 megabytes of RAM (and are often expandable up to 64MB or more). RAM is called "random access" because data is deposited in and retrieved from memory nonsequentially.

RealAudio
Real Networks' (formerly Progressive Networks) popular streaming audio plug-in used to listen to sound recordings on the Web. Streaming audio allows for more immediate playback of music, news, sports, and events on the site visitor's computer.

RealPlayer
A popular streaming video and audio player developed by RealNetworks.

RealVideo
A streaming video format from the makers of RealAudio, Real Networks. Anyone with a RealVideo plug-in can receive and play back video "broadcasts."

rec.
Name of the recreation-related set of newsgroups.

relative URL
A partial URL does not fully and clearly define a specific file, that is nevertheless functional because of its context. When you are linking from one page to another on your Web site, you may use relative URLs in the HTML because the file for the page you are linking to is within the same directory as the page the link is on. On the "yoursite" homepage, the link to the 'The Internet' section is created with "/internet/" instead of the full, "absolute URL," http://www.yoursite.net/internet/.

resolution
Resolution is the term used for the sharpness of an image, expressed in pixels per inch for monitors, scanners, or image files. High-resolution images require more memory to display.

RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the three colors used to produce visible light. An RGB value is used to specify a color, for instance, in a graphic program like PhotoShop, or on your Web page. Before you choose a color for your background or links, you must translate an RGB value to its " hexadecimal equivalent." The result is a six-digit number with a "#" sign in front of it, all within quotation marks. "#ffffff" is the hexadecimal code for white, while "#000000" is the code for black.

ROM
Read Only Memory. Often confused with RAM, ROM is a memory chip that permanently stores instructions and data. Its contents cannot be changed. You come in contact with ROM most conspicuously if you have a CD-ROM drive.