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Glossary: Dell™ Dimension™ C System Reference

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To find a term, scroll through the list of terms below or click one of the letter buttons above.

A

AC

Abbreviation for alternating current.

AGP

Abbreviation for accelerated graphics port. AGP is a dedicated graphics port that provides a faster interface between the video subsystem and the system memory than a PCI graphics device and allows conventional memory to be used for video-related tasks. The improved interface enables AGP to deliver a smooth, true-color video image.

Software, such as a spreadsheet or word processor, designed to help you perform a specific task or series of tasks. Application programs run from the operating system.

ATA

Abbreviation for Advanced Technology Attachment.

autoexec.bat file

The autoexec.bat file is executed when you boot your computer (after executing any commands in the config.sys file). This start-up file contains commands that define the characteristics of each device connected to your computer, and it finds and executes programs stored in locations other than the active directory.

A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, you should back up your computer's hard-disk drive on a regular basis. Before making a change to the configuration of your computer, you should back up important start-up files from your operating system.

See system battery.

baud rate

A measurement of data transmission speed. For example, modems are designed to transmit data at one or more specified baud rate(s) through the COM (serial) port of a computer.

BBS

Abbreviation for bulletin board service. A computer system that serves as a central location for accessing data or relaying messages by modem.

beep code

A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your computer's speaker. For example, one beep followed by two beeps is beep code 1-2.

BIOS

bit

The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.

boot routine

The start-up process of a computer that clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system.

bootable diskette

A diskette from which you can boot your system. The Microsoft� Windows� 98 boot disk is a bootable diskette.

bps

Abbreviation for bits per second.

BTU

Abbreviation for British thermal unit.

bus

An information pathway between the components of a computer. Your computer contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to communicate with controllers for all the various devices connected to the computer. Your computer also contains an address bus and a data bus for communications between the microprocessor and RAM.

byte

Eight contiguous bits of information, the basic data unit used by your computer.

C

C

Abbreviation for Celsius.

cache

A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quicker data retrieval. Cache memory enhances the speed of many microprocessor operations by storing the most-recently accessed contents of system memory.

card-edge connector

The metal-contact section on the bottom of an expansion card that plugs into an expansion-card connector.

CAS

Abbreviation for column address strobe.

CD-ROM

Acronym for compact disc read-only memory. CD-ROM drives use optical technology to read data from CDs. CDs are read-only storage devices; you cannot write new data to a CD with standard CD-ROM drives.

cm

Abbreviation for centimeter(s).

cm/sec

Abbreviation for centimeter(s) per second.

CMOS

Acronym for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. In computers, CMOS memory chips are often used for NVRAM storage.

COMn

The device names for the first through fourth serial ports on your computer are COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4. The default interrupt for COM1 and COM3 is IRQ4, and the default interrupt for COM2 and COM4 is IRQ3. Therefore, you must be careful when configuring software that runs a serial device so that you don't create an interrupt conflict.

config.sys

The config.sys file is executed when you boot your computer (before running any commands in the autoexec.bat file). This start-up file contains commands that specify which devices to install and which device drivers to use. This file also contains commands that determine how the operating system uses memory and controls files.

control panel

The part of the computer that contains indicators and controls such as the power switch and hard-disk drive access indicator.

Control Panel

A window with controls used to change how the Microsoft Windows operating system works and looks. Typically included are controls for the display, keyboard, mouse, and printers.

controller

A chip that controls the transfer of data between the microprocessor and memory or between the microprocessor and a device such as a disk drive or the keyboard.

conventional memory

The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all computers.

CPU

Abbreviation for central processing unit. See also microprocessor.

cursor

A marker, such as a block, underscore, or pointer (possibly blinking), that represents the position at which the next keyboard or mouse action will occur.

D

data file

All the files (documents, graphics, records, and so on) you create with your application programs.

DC

Abbreviation for direct current.

DDC

Abbreviation for display data channel. A VESA� standard mechanism that allows the system to communicate with the monitor and retrieve information about its capabilities.

Dell Diagnostics

A comprehensive set of diagnostic tests for your Dell computer included on the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.

device

Internal or external hardware—such as a printer, disk drive, or keyboard—connected to a computer.

device driver

A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a device such as a printer. Some device drivers, such as network drivers, must be loaded from the config.sys file (with a device statement) or as memory-resident programs (usually from the autoexec.bat file). Others, such as video drivers, must load when you start the program for which they were designed.

DIMM

Acronym for dual in-line memory module. A small circuit board containing SDRAM chips that connects to the system board.

DIN

Acronym for Deutsche Industrie Norm.

display cache

A dedicated video memory on the system board.

directory

Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in an ordered, "inverted tree" structure. Each disk has a "root" directory. Additional directories that branch off of the root directory are called subdirectories. Subdirectories may contain additional directories branching off of them.

DMA

Abbreviation for direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the microprocessor.

DMI

Abbreviation for Desktop Management Interface.

DPMS

Abbreviation for Display Power Management Signaling. A standard developed by VESA that defines the hardware signals sent by a video controller to activate power management states in a monitor. A monitor is said to be DPMS-compliant when it is designed to enter a power management state after receiving the appropriate signal from a computer's video controller.

driver

See device driver.

DTE

Abbreviation for data terminal equipment. Any device, such as a computer system, that can send data in digital form by means of a cable or communications line. The DTE is connected to the cable or communications line through a data communications equipment (DCE) device, such as a modem.

DVD

Abbreviation for digital versatile disc. A large-capacity optical disc able to store more data than standard CDs.

DVD-ROM

Abbreviation for digital versatile disc read-only memory. DVD-ROM drives use optical technology to read data from DVDs. DVDs are read-only storage devices; you cannot write new data to a DVD with standard DVD-ROM drives. Most DVD-ROM drives also read standard CDs.

E

ECC

Abbreviation for error checking and correction.

ECP

Abbreviation for Extended Capabilities Port. ECP mode, while similar to EPP mode, may provide a performance enhancement to the Microsoft Windows operating system in that ECP mode can use DMA to transfer data. Also, ECP uses a FIFO buffer for sending or receiving data.

EEPROM

Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

EIDE

EMI

Abbreviation for electromagnetic interference.

EPP

Abbreviation for Enhanced Parallel Port. A parallel-port design that provides improved bi-directional data transmission.

ESD

Abbreviation for electrostatic discharge.

expansion bus

Your computer contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to communicate with controllers for devices such as a network card or an internal modem.

expansion card

A printed circuit board that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the computer's system board. An expansion card adds some specialized function to the computer by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a device. An example of an expansion card is a sound card.

expansion-card connector

A connector on the computer's system board for plugging in an expansion card.

extended memory

RAM above 1 MB. Most software that can use it, such as the Windows 98 operating system, requires that extended memory be under the control of an XMM.

F

F

Abbreviation for Fahrenheit.

FAT

Acronym for file allocation table. The file system structure used by the MS-DOS� and Windows operating systems to organize and keep track of file storage. The Microsoft� Windows NT� operating system can optionally use a FAT file system structure.

FCC

Abbreviation for Federal Communications Commission.

FIFO

Acronym for first-in first-out.

flash memory

A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a computer; most EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with special programming equipment.

format

To prepare a hard-disk drive or diskette for storing files.

ft

Abbreviation for feet.

FTP

Abbreviation for file transfer protocol.

G

G

Abbreviation for gravities.

GB

Abbreviation for gigabyte(s). A gigabyte equals 1024 MB or 1,073,741,824 bytes.

graphics mode

A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors.

GST

Abbreviation for Goods and Services Tax.

H

h

Abbreviation for hexadecimal. A base-16 numbering system, often used in programming to identify addresses in the computer's RAM and I/O memory addresses for devices. The sequence of decimal numbers from 0 through 16, for example, is expressed in hexadecimal notation as: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, 10. In text, hexadecimal numbers are often followed by h.

heat sink

A metal plate with metal pegs or ribs that help dissipate heat. Some microprocessors include a heat sink.

help file

A file containing descriptive or instructional information about a product that is organized and formatted for display by the Windows operating system. Some help files are associated with a particular program, such as Help in Windows. Other help files, such as this one for your Dell Dimension system, function as stand-alone reference sources. Help files typically have a filename extension of hlp or chm.

HMA

Abbreviation for high memory area. The first 64 KB of extended memory above 1 MB. A memory manager that conforms to the XMS can make the HMA a direct extension of conventional memory. See also upper memory area and XMM.

Hz

Abbreviation for hertz.

I

I/O

Abbreviation for input/output. The keyboard is an input device, and a printer is an output device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational activity. For example, when a program sends a document to the printer, it is engaging in output activity; when the program sorts a list of terms, it is engaging in computational activity.

ICES

Abbreviation for Interference-Causing Equipment Standard (in Canada).

IDE

Abbreviation for integrated drive electronics. See also EIDE.

IRQ

Abbreviation for interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a device travels by an IRQ line to the microprocessor. Each device connection must be assigned an IRQ number. For example, the first serial port in your computer (COM1) is assigned to IRQ4 by default. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.

ISP

Abbreviation for Internet service provider. A company that allows you to dial into its host server to connect directly to the Internet.

J

jumper

Jumpers are small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects the pins and creates a circuit. Jumpers provide a simple and reversible method of changing the circuitry in a printed circuit board.

K

K

Abbreviation for kilo-, indicating 1000.

KB

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s), 1024 bytes.

Kb

Abbreviation for kilobit(s), 1024 bits.

KB/sec

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s) per second.

Kbps

Abbreviation for kilobits(s) per second.

key combination

A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time. For example, you can minimize all open windows by pressing .

kg

Abbreviation for kilogram(s), 1000 grams.

kHz

Abbreviation for kilohertz, 1000 hertz.

L

LAN

Acronym for local area network. A LAN system is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring that is dedicated specifically to the LAN.

lb

Abbreviation for pound(s).

logical formatting

The method of setting up groups of sectors on a hard-disk drive to store system start-up information, sector status information, and directory information.

LPTn

The device names for the first through third parallel ports on your computer are LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3.

M

m

Abbreviation for meter(s).

math coprocessor

A chip that relieves the computer's microprocessor of numeric-processing tasks. The Intel� Pentium� III  and Celeron™ microprocessors, for example, include a built-in math coprocessor.

Mb

Abbreviation for megabit(s), 1,048,576 bits.

MB

Abbreviation for megabyte(s). The term megabyte means 1,048,576 bytes; however, when referring to hard-disk drive storage, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.

MB/sec

Abbreviation for megabytes per second.

Mbps

Abbreviation for megabits per second.

memory

A computer can contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM, ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as a synonym for RAM; for example, an unqualified statement such as "...a computer with 64 MB of memory" refers to a computer with 64 MB of RAM.

memory address

A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in the computer's RAM.

memory module

A small circuit board containing SDRAM chips that connects to the system board.

MHz

Abbreviation for megahertz.

microprocessor

The primary computational chip inside the computer that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software written for one microprocessor must usually be revised to run on another microprocessor. CPU is a synonym for microprocessor.

MIDI

Acronym for musical instrument digital interface.

mm

Abbreviation for millimeter(s).

modem

A device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers over telephone lines.

mouse

A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on a screen. Mouse-aware software allows you to activate commands by clicking a mouse button while pointing at objects displayed on the screen.

ms

Abbreviation for millisecond(s).

MS-DOS

Abbreviation for Microsoft Disk Operating System.

MSN

Abbreviation for the Microsoft Network.

multifrequency monitor

A monitor that supports several video standards. A multifrequency monitor can adjust to the frequency range of the signal from a variety of video controllers and cards.

N

NIC

Abbreviation for network interface controller.

NMI

Abbreviation for nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the microprocessor about hardware errors such as a parity error.

ns

Abbreviation for nanosecond(s), one billionth of a second.

NTFS

Abbreviation for the NT File System option in the Windows NT operating system.

NVRAM

Abbreviation for nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and system configuration information.

O

online access service

A service that typically provides access to the Internet, e-mail, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries.

P

parallel port

An I/O port used most often to connect a parallel printer to your computer. You can usually identify a parallel port on your computer by its 25-hole connector.

parameter

A value or option that you specify to a program.

partition

A physical storage area on a hard-disk drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives.

After partitioning the hard-disk drive, you must logically format the drive.

See also logical formatting.

PCI

Abbreviation for Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for expansion card implementation developed by Intel Corporation.

peripheral device

See device.

PIO

Abbreviation for Programmed I/O.

pixel

A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

Plug and Play

An industry-standard specification that makes it easier to add devices to your personal computer. Plug and Play provides automatic installation and configuration, compatibility with existing hardware, and dynamic support of mobile computing environments.

POST

Acronym for power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your computer, the POST tests various system components, such as RAM, the disk drives, and the keyboard.

PPGA

Abbreviation for plastic pin grid array.

PS/2

Abbreviation for Personal System/2.

R

RAM

Acronym for random-access memory. The computer's primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Each location in RAM is identified by a number called a memory address. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer.

read-only

readme file

A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains information updating or supplementing the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented, and list problems or other things you need to know of as you use the software or hardware.

refresh rate

The rate at which the monitor redraws the video image on the monitor screen. More precisely, the refresh rate is the frequency, measured in Hz, at which the screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.

resolution

See video resolution.

RFI

Abbreviation for radio frequency interference.

ROM

Acronym for read-only memory. Your computer contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. Unlike RAM, a ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your computer. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your computer's boot routine and the POST.

rpm

Abbreviation for revolutions per minute.

RTC

Abbreviation for real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry inside the computer that keeps the date and time after you turn off the computer.

S

SCSI

Acronym for small computer system interface. An I/O bus interface with faster data transmission rates than standard ports. You can connect up to seven devices (15 for some newer SCSI types) to one SCSI interface.

SDRAM

Acronym for synchronous dynamic random-access memory. SDRAM is a memory technology that improves the performance of your computer's memory subsystem by reducing the need for wait states. SDRAM devices have a synchronous interface to the devices to which they are connected and are governed by the system clock. These features reduce the need for wait states often required for conventional memory devices to ensure that timing signals have been set up correctly.

sec

Abbreviation for second(s).

serial port

An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your computer. You can usually identify a serial port on your computer by its 9-pin connector.

service tag

A bar code label on the computer that identifies it when you call Dell for customer or technical support.

setup program

See system setup program.

shortcut

Icons that provide quick access to frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. By double-clicking a shortcut, you can open its corresponding folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcuts do not change the location of files; if you delete a shortcut, the original file is not affected.

SPD

Abbreviation for serial presence detect.

SRAM

Acronym for static random-access memory.

SVGA

Abbreviation for super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video cards and controllers with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

To display a program at a specific resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution. Similarly, the number of colors that a program can display depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video memory installed in the computer.

system battery

A coin-cell battery that maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.

system board

Frequently used synonyms for system board are motherboard and logic board.

system configuration information

Data stored in memory that tells a computer what hardware is installed and how the computer should be configured for operation.

system diskette

System diskette is a synonym for bootable diskette.

system memory

System memory is a synonym for RAM.

system setup program

A BIOS-based program that allows you to configure your computer's hardware and customize the computer's operation by setting such features as password protection. Because the system setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain in effect until you change them again.

system.ini file

A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the system.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the system.ini file records which video, mouse, and keyboard drivers are installed for Windows.

T

termination

Some devices (such as the last device at each end of a SCSI cable) must be terminated to prevent reflections and spurious signals in the cable. When such devices are connected in a series, you may need to enable or disable the termination on these devices by changing jumper or switch settings on the devices or by changing settings in the configuration software for the devices.

text editor

An application program such as Windows Notepad that is used for editing text files. Most word processors use proprietary file formats containing binary characters, although some can read and write text files.

text mode

A video mode that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters.

U

UL

Abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories.

UMB

Abbreviation for upper memory block.

upper memory area

The 384 KB of RAM located between 640 KB and 1 MB. A utility called a memory manager can create UMBs in the upper memory area, in which you can load device drivers and memory-resident programs.

UPS

Abbreviation for uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically supplies power to your computer in the event of an electrical failure.

USB

Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. A USB port provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. USB devices can be connected and disconnected while the system is running.

V

V

Abbreviation for volt(s).

VCCI

Abbreviation for Voluntary Control Council for Interference.

VESA

Acronym for Video Electronics Standards Association.

VGA

Abbreviation for video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video cards and controllers with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

To display a program at a specific resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution. Similarly, the number of colors that a program can display depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video memory installed in the computer.

video controller

The circuitry on an expansion card or on the system board (in computers with integrated video) that provides the video capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for your computer system. A video controller may support more or fewer features than a specific monitor offers. Typically, a video controller comes with video drivers for displaying popular application programs and operating systems in a variety of video modes.

Video controllers can include memory separate from RAM on the system board. The amount of video memory, along with the video drivers, may affect the number of colors that can be simultaneously displayed.

video driver

A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and operating systems to be displayed at a chosen resolution with the desired number of colors. A software package may include some "generic" video drivers. Any additional video drivers may need to match the video controller installed in the computer.

video memory

Memory chips dedicated to video functions. The amount of video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display (with the appropriate video drivers and monitor capabilities).

video mode

Text and graphics display modes. Character-based software, such as text editors, display in text modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters. Graphics-based software, such as the Windows 98 operating system, displays in graphics modes that can be defined as x horizontal pixels by y vertical pixels by z colors.

video resolution

Video resolution—800 x 600, for example—is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down. To display a program at a specific graphics resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution.

virus

A program designed to be an inconvenience, either by replicating itself until a computer or network runs out of memory or by corrupting files stored on a hard-disk drive.

The most common way that virus programs move from one computer to another is via "infected" diskettes and from software downloaded from the Internet. When an infected program is started, so is the embedded virus.

W

W

Abbreviation for watt(s).

wallpaper

The background appearance of the Windows desktop.

win.ini file

A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the win.ini file records what printer(s) and fonts are installed for Windows. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the hard-disk drive.

Windows 98

An integrated and complete Microsoft Windows operating system that does not require MS-DOS and provides advanced operating system performance, improved ease of use, enhanced workgroup functionality, and simplified file management and browsing.

Windows NT

High-performance server and workstation operating system software intended for technical, engineering, and financial applications.

write-protected

Read-only files are said to be write-protected. You can write-protect a 3.5-inch diskette by sliding its write-protect tab to the open position or by setting the write-protect feature in the system setup program.

X

XMM

Abbreviation for extended memory manager, a utility that allows application programs and operating systems to use extended memory in accordance with the XMS.

XMS

Abbreviation for eXtended Memory Specification.

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