HP 9000 300 Series Installation Reference page 58

Memory: The area of the computer where programs and data are stored. The processor
cannot run a program unless the program is in memory.
Memory Address: A number which uniquely identifies one byte of memory.
Processor: This is the "brain" of the computer that runs programs and regulates most
other computer functions.
Program: A set of instructions that tell the processor how to perform a particular task.
Most programs are written in a high-level programming language like BASIC or Pascal.
RAM: Random Access Memory. This is erasable program memory. Programs and data
are usually copied into RAM from a disk drive or other mass storage device, executed
by the processor, and then erased from RAM. When the power is turned off, RAM is
erased.
ROM: Read-Only Memory. This is permanent program memory, used primarily for
storing essential programs. Programs in ROM are never erased, so ROM is not reusable.
Software: Programs, languages, or routines that control the operations of a computer in
solving a given problem.
System Program: A program which handles all of the overhead functions of computing,
such as defining the keyboard, managing the peripherals, refreshing the display, etc.
When the computer is turned on and passes its self-test, it immediately begins searching
for a system program to boot.
Stand-alone Program: A program that has a "built-in" system program and can run
without any underlying language support.
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Glossary