National Teaching and Learning Change ProgrammeInformation and Communication Technology:
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• recursion
  In programming, this refers to a subprogram which calls itself.
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• recycle bin
  In some operating systems, when files are deleted they go into the recycle bin. Whilst there, they can be recovered, unless the recycle bin is itself emptied.
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• redirect
  When an email is sent to the wrong person, they can redirect it to the right person.
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• redo
  To redo an action is to repeat an action which has previously been undone. A common function in many programs.
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• reduced instruction set computer (RISC)
  A typical computer design of instructions produces a complicated and expensive integrated circuit capable of performing a large variety of complex operations. A reduced instruction set computer design produces a simple, cheap integrated circuit with a basic range of operations. It is, however, faster and relies on its speed to perform complex operations by using several simple machine instructions rather than one complex instruction.
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• redundancy
  In a computer system, redundancy means having a backup component which performs the same function as the component in use, so that if the component fails, the backup takes over and the system continues to work.
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• refresh rate
  The refresh rate is the number of times an image on a monitor is redisplayed per second. A low refresh rate tends to produce flicker.
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• reject (a mailing list posting)
  When a posting is rejected by a moderator, it is not made available to the members of the mailing list or bulletin board.
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• relational database
  A complex database structure to hold a variety of different data in various tables which are related to each other in some way. Table is the name for each group of similar data with rows for each member of the entity and columns for each attribute. The (relational) database management system provides tools for linking tables together and selecting items from within tables. In this way, each user can be given a different view of the data. An example of a view may be a table set up for a particular type of user, such as a receptionist, who would only be able to access data relevant to their job.
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• relational operator
  Relational operators compare data and produce an answer of true or false. This answer can control the flow of a program using IF, WHILE or REPEAT UNTIL statements. Examples of relational operators include = and <.
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• relative reference
  A relative reference can be used when replicating (copying) a formula from one cell to another in a spreadsheet. As a formula usually involves references to cells this means you should be aware of whether you want to keep the exact same reference to the cell (an absolute reference) or whether you want the reference to adjust itself according to either the row or column movement (a relative reference).
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• release
  In software, a release is an updated version of the software made available to the public. Releases are usually shown by a whole number, which is the version version, followed by a decimal number indicating the release number.
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• remote
  Implies something not local, e.g. connecting to a remote computer via a phone line.
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• remote access
  Remote access is the use of a geographically remote computer system via communications links.
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• remote testing
  Testing using a computer which is not the designer's local computer.
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• rename
  To give a file a different name.
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• render
  To prepare a complete, full-resolution version of an image which previously only existed in a draft form. Many image manipulation programs and video editing systems offer the user an inferior version of the image while it is being worked on, which must be rendered before it appears in its final form.
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• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) (1)
  Injury to muscles and joints through repeatedly using them in a particular situation, such as, keyboard operators are in danger of getting RSI in their fingers because of the constant, repeated, typing.
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• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) (2)
  Injury caused by repeated operations, such as, typing.
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• replace
  Many programs have a 'find and replace' function, to find some characters or words, and replace them with different characters or words.