R

RAM
Random Access Memory. One of the four main components of the computer. A type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly. Random access memory is the main computer memory, which is often referred to as primary memory.

Reboot
To restart the computer and reload the operating system.

Relative Pathname
A relative pathname specifies a file in relation to the current (or working) directory. An implied path.

Return
A return is a special code that causes a word processor or other application to advance to the beginning of the next line. Also called the enter key.

Root Directory
The top directory in a file system. The root directory is provided by the operating system to function and contains critical system files. In hierarchical systems, the starting point in the hierarchy.

Root Partition
The section of the hard disk that contains the operating system to be loaded when the system starts.