access time

The amount of time it takes for a computer to retrieve stored data. Actually, it is the interval between the moment a computer calls for data from a storage medium (such as your hard drive, a CD-ROM, or the Internet) and the moment the data is delivered.

On the Web, this time frame can be a matter of seconds or of minutes, depending on the speed of your connection. In the past, your ISP could automatically "cut your time off" if you allowed your browser to stay idle for too long -- resulting in you having to dial-in again to regain access!