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
Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer's BIOS contains programs stored on
a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:
Communications between the microprocessor and devices such as the keyboard and the
video adapter
Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
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
Abbreviation 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 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.
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
Abbreviation for enhanced integrated device electronics. EIDE devices add one or more
of the following enhancements to the traditional IDE standard:
Data transfer rates of up to 16 MB/sec
Support for drives other than just hard-disk drives, such as CD-ROM and tape drives
Support for hard-disk drives with capacities greater than 528 MB
Support for up to two controllers, each with up to two devices attached
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
A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can
have read-only status if:
Its read-only attribute is enabled.
It resides on a physically write-protected diskette or on a diskette in a
write-protected drive.
It is located on a network in a directory to which the system administrator has
assigned read-only rights to you.
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
Abbreviation 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
Abbreviation 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
As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of your computer's
integral components, such as the following:
Microprocessor
RAM
Controllers for standard devices, such as the keyboard
Various ROM chips
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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