raw mode

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

raw mode
 n.

   A mode that allows a program to transfer bits directly to or from an
   I/O device (or, under {bogus} operating systems that make a
   distinction, a disk file) without any processing, abstraction, or
   interpretation by the operating system. Compare {rare mode}, {cooked
   mode}. This is techspeak under Unix, jargon elsewhere.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

raw mode

   <operating system> A mode that allows a program to transfer
   {bits} directly to or from an {I/O} device without any
   processing, abstraction, or interpretation by the {operating
   system}.

   Systems that make this distinction for a disk file are
   generally regarded as broken.

   Compare {rare mode}, {cooked mode}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2002-04-14)

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