The s

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*OCR*		Optical Character Recognition. The technology of computers being able to convert printed text into actual data, rather than just a graphic image.
ODBC		Open DataBase Connectivity. A standard for accessing different database systems.
odd parity		In data transmission, setting a bit in each block of data so that every block has an odd number of 1's.
OEM		Original Equipment Manufacturer. A company that makes assemblies that manufacturers use. For example, a hard disk company is an OEM to a computer company.
offline		When a device is not electrically connected, even though the physical connection may still exist. A user logged off a network is offline. Compare online.
online		Able to communicate with another device. Compare offline.
open architecture		An architecture with expansion slots or otherwise able to be added to. Specifically, one whose specifications have been published.
open circuit		A circuit that is not complete. Usually refers to removing a jumper from two pins on the system board.
open file		A file that is being or is able to be added to, modified, or read. In effect, a file loaded into RAM.
operating system		Software which allows the user and whatever application programs are installed to communicate with the computer hardware. Operating systems include Novell NetWare^®, XENIX, OS/2, Windows^® 95, and Windows NT.
optical media		Any storage medium that uses lasers to read or write information.
OS		See operating system.
OS/2		A graphical, windowing operating system for microcomputers developed by IBM.
outline font		A font described in terms of formulas describing the shapes of the letters. Compare bitmapped_font.
output		Any result of any process, but especially something sent to the screen, disk, or printer.
Overdrive		CPU upgrades from Intel for slower 486s and Pentiums. Depending on the motherboard, the old chip is either replaced or the new one is installed in the upgrade socket.
overhead		The space taken up by software functions that are necessary but that are not part of the main purpose of the program. For example, the printing functions in a program are overhead.
overlay		A preprinted, precut form placed over a screen, key or tablet for indentification purposes. Also, a program segment called into memory only when needed. When a program is larger than the memory capacity of the machine, the parts of the program not in constant use can be set up as overlays.

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