See attached addendum for NLE background and system specifications.

Non-Linear Editing
Non-linear means that the recording medium is not tape. It is often used to describe an editing environment where there is quick access to source clips and record space - usually disks. Additionally, the term implies that film can be assembled in any order from beginning to end, and changes can be made in the cut anywhere at any time. Non-linear editing in this way removes the spooling and pre-rolls of linear operations to greatly speed work. The term has also been widely used in association with off-line editing systems storing highly compressed pictures. Currently, the term has also carried with it the capability of the graphic artist to import, or "marry" photography with animation "on the fly." Non-compressed systems do not compromise picture quality, and have increasingly come into use in editing environments. The Carrera Alpha VFX Studio^tm incorporates editing software which enables on-the-fly, non-sequential editing of audio together with uncompressed images.