Slot is a narrow opening in something, for example a hole that you put coins in to make a machine work. It can also refer to a place in a schedule or program where an activity can take place. For instance, visitors might be able to book a time slot a week or more in advance.

A slot in a computer can be thought of as a single user connection to a server. The number of slots on a server can vary, but one typical configuration is four users per slot. Slots can be configured with different parameters such as CPU, memory and disk space. They can also be set to run in parallel or with a specific CPU frequency.

A “slot” can also be used to describe the amount of information stored on a memory chip. A memory slot can store up to 16 kilobytes of data, which is quite a lot for an average personal computer. In addition, a slot can be used to connect peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.

The Slot receiver is a position in the NFL that gets its name from where the player lines up pre-snap on the field. Usually smaller and shorter than outside wide receivers, the Slot receiver must have top-notch route running skills and be a great deep threat. He must also be able to block, as he will line up close to defensive backs and safeties on running plays that don’t involve him as the ball carrier.

In addition, because of their proximity to the line of scrimmage, Slot receivers must have exceptional awareness. They need to know where defenders are at all times, which can be challenging given the fact that they’re typically lined up in the middle of the field. The good news is that Slot receivers have a better chance to get open in the passing game than do their outside counterparts, as they don’t have to deal with the kind of press coverage that is more common on the outside.

As a result, they often have the chance to run crisp routes that require precise timing. It’s a big part of what makes them so valuable to their teams. However, Slot receivers don’t necessarily have a bigger advantage over other types of wide receivers in terms of making big plays. It all depends on the quarterback and the team’s overall offensive scheme, as well as the skill level of the Slot receiver himself. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be a great athlete either. In other words, the best Slot receivers are usually very fast and can outrun most defenders on the field. This is especially true if they can be quick to react and evade tacklers. The faster a player is, the more options they have when it comes to separating from defenders on passes. This is why speed and agility are emphasized more for Slot receivers than they are for other receiving positions.