Manuals

A

Abbreviation for ampere(s).

AC

Abbreviation for alternating current.

ACPI

Abbreviation for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. ACPI enables operating-system-directed power management rather than system BIOS-directed power management. In addition, it provides a generic system event mechanism for Plug and Play and an interface for configuration control.

adapter card

An expansion card that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the computer's system board. An adapter card adds some specialized function to the computer by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral device. Examples of adapter cards include network cards, sound cards, and SCSI adapters.

ADI

Abbreviation for Autodesk Device Interface.

AGP

Abbreviation for accelerated graphics port. AGP is a dedicated graphics port that provides a faster interface between the video subsystem and 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.

application program

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.

ASCII

Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A text file containing only characters from the ASCII character set (usually created with a text editor, such as Notepad in Windows), is called an ASCII file.

ASIC

Acronym for application-specific integrated circuit.

ASPI

Advanced SCSI programming interface.

asset tag code

An individual code assigned to a computer, usually by a system administrator, for security or tracking purposes.

attribute

As it relates to DMI, an attribute is a piece of information related to a component. Attributes can be combined to form groups. If an attribute is defined as read-write, it may be defined by a management application.

autoexec.bat file

The autoexec.bat file (Windows 95 and MS-DOS only) 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.

backup

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.

backup battery

The backup battery maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.

base memory

Synonym for conventional memory. See also conventional memory.

batch file

An ASCII text file containing a list of commands that run in sequence. Instead of typing each command, you need only type the batch filename. The system executes the commands as if you had typed each one individually. Both files must have a filename extension of bat.

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. For example, Dell's TechConnect BBS contains the latest version of software, such as video drivers. If your system has a modem, you can access the BBS and download the most recent version of this software.

beep code

A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your computer's speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.

binary

A base-2 numbering system that uses 0 and 1 to represent information. The computer performs operations based on the ordering and calculation of these numbers.

BIOS

Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:

bit

The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.

boot routine

When you start your computer, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the operating system fails to respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your computer by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>; otherwise, you must perform a cold boot by pressing the reset button or by turning the computer off and then back on.

bootable diskette

A diskette that can boot your computer to the operating system in the event that the computer will not boot from the hard-disk drive.

bpi

Abbreviation for bits per inch.

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 peripheral 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

Abbreviation for Celsius.

cache

A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quicker data retrieval. For example, your computer's BIOS may cache ROM code in faster RAM. Or, a disk-cache utility may reserve RAM in which to store frequently accessed information from your computer's disk drives; when a program makes a request to a disk drive for data that is in the cache, the disk-cache utility can retrieve the data from RAM faster than from the disk drive.

card-edge connector

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

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).

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.

component

As they relate to DMI, manageable components are operating systems, computer systems, expansion cards, or peripherals that are compatible with DMI. Each component is made up of groups and attributes that are defined as relevant to that component.

config.sys file

The config.sys file (Windows 95 and MS-DOS only) 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 drivers to use. This file also contains commands that determine how the operating system uses memory and controls files.

controller

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

control panel

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

conventional memory

The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all computers. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS® programs are limited to running in conventional memory.

coprocessor

A chip that relieves the computer's microprocessor of specific processing tasks. A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing. A graphics coprocessor handles video rendering. The Intel® Pentium® microprocessor, for example, includes a built-in math coprocessor.

cpi

Abbreviation for characters per inch.

CPU

Abbreviation for central processing unit. See also microprocessor.

cursor

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

DAT

Acronym for digital audio tape.

dB

Abbreviation for decibel(s).

dBA

Abbreviation for adjusted decibel(s).

DC

Abbreviation for direct current.

Dell Diagnostics

A comprehensive set of diagnostic tests for your Dell computer. To use the diagnostics, you must boot your computer from the Dell Diagnostics Diskette. Refer to your Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for more information about using the Dell Diagnostics.

Dell Inspector

A DMI browser that allows you to view your computer system's current hardware configuration and operating system version. If your system includes Dell-installed software, you can select this program from the Dell Accessories program folder.

device driver

A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a peripheral device, such as a printer. Most device drivers are installed when the operating system is installed.

DIMM

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

DIN

Acronym for Deutsche Industrie Norm.

DIP

Acronym for dual in-line package. A circuit board, such as a system board or expansion card, may contain DIP switches for configuring the circuit board. DIP switches are always toggle switches, with an ON position and an OFF position.

directory

Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in a hierarchical, "inverted tree" structure. Each disk has a "root" directory; for example, a C:\> prompt normally indicates that you are at the root directory of hard-disk drive C. Additional directories that branch off of the root directory are called subdirectories. Subdirectories may contain additional directories branching off of them.

display adapter

See video adapter.

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. DMI enables the management of your computer system's software and hardware. DMI collects information about the system's components, such as the operating system, memory, peripherals, expansion cards, and asset tag. Information about the system's components is displayed as a MIF file or through the Dell Inspector program.

DMTF

Abbreviation for Desktop Management Task Force, a consortium of companies representing hardware and software providers, of which Dell Computer Corporation is a member.

dpi

Abbreviation for dots per inch.

DPMS

Abbreviation for Display Power Management Signaling. A standard developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (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.

DRAM

Abbreviation for dynamic random-access memory. A computer's RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips. Because DRAM chips cannot store an electrical charge indefinitely, your computer continually refreshes each DRAM chip in the computer.

drive-type number

Your computer can recognize a number of specific hard-disk drives. Each is assigned a drive-type number that is stored in NVRAM. The hard-disk drive(s) specified in your computer's System Setup program must match the actual drive(s) installed in the computer. The System Setup program also allows you to specify physical parameters (logical cylinders, logical heads, cylinder number, and logical sectors per pack) for drives not included in the table of drive types stored in NVRAM.

DSP

Abbreviation for digital signal processing.

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.

ECC

Abbreviation for error checking and correction.

ECP

Abbreviation for Extended Capabilities Port.

EEPROM

Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

EIDE

Abbreviation for enhanced integrated drive electronics. EIDE devices add one or more of the following enhancements to the traditional IDE standard:

EISA

Acronym for Extended Industry-Standard Architecture, a 32-bit expansion-bus design. The expansion-card connectors in an EISA computer are also compatible with 8- or 16-bit ISA expansion cards.

To avoid a configuration conflict when installing an EISA expansion card, you must use the EISA Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to specify which expansion slot contains the card and obtains information about the card's required system resources from a corresponding EISA configuration file.

EMC

Abbreviation for Electromagnetic Compatibility.

EMI

Abbreviation for electromagnetic interference.

EMM

Abbreviation for expanded memory manager. A utility that uses extended memory to emulate expanded memory on computers with an Intel386 or higher microprocessor.

EMS

Abbreviation for Expanded Memory Specification.

EPROM

Acronym for erasable programmable read-only memory.

ESD

Abbreviation for electrostatic discharge.

expanded memory

A technique for accessing RAM above 1 MB. To enable expanded memory on your computer, you must use an EMM. You should configure your system to support expanded memory only if you run application programs that can use (or require) expanded memory.

expansion bus

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

expansion-card connector

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

extended memory

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

external cache memory

A RAM cache using SRAM chips. Because SRAM chips operate at several times the speed of DRAM chips, the microprocessor can retrieve data and instructions faster from external cache memory than from RAM.

F

Abbreviation for Fahrenheit.

FAT

Acronym for file allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize and keep track of file storage. The Windows NT and OS/2® operating systems can optionally use a FAT file system structure.

FCC

Abbreviation for Federal Communications Commission.

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. An unconditional format deletes all data stored on the disk.

ft

Abbreviation for feet.

FTP

Abbreviation for file transfer protocol.

g

Abbreviation for gram(s).

G

Abbreviation for gravities.

GB

Abbreviation for gigabyte(s). A gigabyte equals 1,024 megabytes or 1,073,741, 824 bytes.

graphics coprocessor

See coprocessor.

graphics mode

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

group

As it relates to DMI, a group is a data structure that defines common information, or attributes, about a manageable component.

GUI

Acronym for graphical user interface.

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. Most microprocessors include a heat sink.

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.

host adapter

A host adapter implements communication between the computer's bus and the controller for a peripheral device. (Hard-disk drive controller subsystems include integrated host adapter circuitry.) To add a SCSI expansion bus to your system, you must install or connect the appropriate host adapter.

HPFS

Abbreviation for the High Performance File System option in the OS/2 and Windows NT operating systems.

Hz

Abbreviation for hertz.

ICES

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

ICU

Abbreviation for ISA Configuration Utility.

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.

ID

Abbreviation for identification.

interlacing

A technique for increasing video resolution by only updating alternate horizontal lines on the screen. Because interlacing can result in noticeable screen flicker, most users prefer noninterlaced video adapter resolutions.

internal processor cache

An instruction and data cache built in to the microprocessor. The Intel Pentium microprocessor includes a 16-KB internal cache, which is set up as an 8-KB read-only instruction cache and an 8-KB read/write data cache.

IPX

Acronym for Internetwork Packet eXchange.

IPX/SPX

Acronym for Internetwork Packet eXchange/Sequenced Packet eXchange

IRQ

Abbreviation for interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the microprocessor. Each peripheral 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.

ISA

Acronym for Industry-Standard Architecture. A 16-bit expansion bus design. The expansion-card connectors in an ISA computer are also compatible with 8-bit ISA expansion cards.

ITE

Abbreviation for information technology equipment.

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

Abbreviation for kilo-, indicating 1,000.

KB

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s), 1,024 bytes.

KB/sec

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s) per second.

Kbit(s)

Abbreviation for kilobit(s), 1,024 bits.

Kbit(s)/sec

Abbreviation for kilobit(s) per second.

key combination

A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time. For example, you can reboot your computer by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination.

kg

Abbreviation for kilogram(s), 1,000 grams.

kHz

Abbreviation for kilohertz, 1,000 hertz.

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 dedicated specifically to the LAN.

lb

Abbreviation for pound(s).

LED

Abbreviation for light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is passed through it.

local bus

On a computer with local-bus expansion capability, certain peripheral devices (such as the video adapter circuitry) can be designed to run much faster than they would with a traditional expansion bus. Some local-bus designs allow peripherals to run at the same speed and with the same width data path as the computer's microprocessor.

LPTn

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

LVD

Abbreviation for low voltage differential, the technology used to implement Ultra2/Wide SCSI, which offers data rates of 80 MB/sec, differential data integrity, extended SCSI cable lengths, and support for up to 15 devices. Ultra2/Wide (LVD) drives and controllers are backward compatible with Ultra/Wide drives and controllers.

m

Abbreviation for meter(s).

mA

Abbreviation for milliampere(s).

mAh

Abbreviation for milliampere-hour(s).

math coprocessor

See coprocessor.

Mb

Abbreviation for megabit.

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.

MBR

Abbreviation for master boot record.

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 16 MB of memory" refers to a computer with 16 MB of RAM.

memory address

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

memory manager

A utility that controls the implementation of memory in addition to conventional memory, such as extended or expanded memory.

memory module

A small circuit board containing DRAM 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

Abbreviation for musical instrument digital interface.

MIF

Acronym for management information format. A MIF file contains information, status, and links to component instrumentation. MIF files are installed into the MIF database by the DMI service layer. The content of a MIF is defined by a DTMF working committee and is published in the form of a MIF definition document. This document identifies the groups and attributes that are relevant to DMI-manageable components.

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.

MPEG

Acronym for Motion Picture Experts Group. MPEG is a digital video file format.

ms

Abbreviation for millisecond(s).

MS-DOS

Abbreviation for Microsoft Disk Operating System.

MTBF

Abbreviation for mean time between failures.

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 adapters.

mV

Abbreviation for millivolt(s).

NDIS

Abbreviation for Network Driver Interface Specification.

NIC

Acronym for network interface controller.

NLM

Abbreviation for NetWare® Loadable Module.

NMI

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

noninterlaced

A technique for decreasing screen flicker by sequentially refreshing each horizontal line on the screen.

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.

online access service

A service that typically provides access to the Internet, e-mail, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries. CompuServe® is an example of an online access service.

OS/2

Abbreviation for Operating System/2.

OTP

Abbreviation for one-time programmable.

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. A parameter is sometimes called a switch or an argument.

partition

You can divide a hard-disk drive into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives.

After partitioning the hard-disk drive, you must format each logical drive with the format command.

PCI

Abbreviation for Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus implementation developed by Intel Corporation.

peripheral device

An internal or external device-such as a printer, a disk drive, or a keyboard-connected to a computer.

PGA

Abbreviation for pin grid array, a type of microprocessor socket that allows you to remove the microprocessor chip.

pixel

A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 640 x 480, 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 hardware devices to personal computers. 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.

ppm

Abbreviation for pages per minute.

PQFP

Abbreviation for plastic quad flat pack, a type of microprocessor socket in which the microprocessor chip is permanently mounted.

Program Diskette Maker

The Program Diskette Maker allows you to create program diskette sets, or master copies, of software that Dell installed on your computer system. It is essential that you create these diskette sets as soon as possible. You may need a set of master diskettes if you ever experience problems with your hard-disk drive and need to reinstall your Dell-installed software. If your system includes Dell-installed software, you can select this program from the Dell Accessories program folder.

program diskette set

The set of diskettes from which you can perform a complete installation of an operating system or application program. When you reconfigure a program, you often need its program diskette set.

protected mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher microprocessors, protected mode allows operating systems to implement:

• A memory address space of 16 MB (80286 microprocessor) to 4 GB (Intel386 or higher microprocessor)
• Multitasking
• Virtual memory, a method for increasing addressable memory by using the hard-disk drive

The Windows NT, OS/2, and UNIX® 32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-DOS cannot run in protected mode; however, some programs that you can start from MS-DOS, such as the Windows operating system, are able to put the computer into protected mode.

PS/2

Abbreviation for Personal System/2.

RAID

Acronym for redundant array of inexpensive disks.

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.

RAMDAC

Acronym for random-access memory digital-to-analog converter.

read-only file

A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can have read-only status if:

readme file

A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains information supplementing or updating 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 known problems or other things you need to be aware of as you use the software or hardware.

real mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher microprocessors, real mode imitates the architecture of an 8086 microprocessor.

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. The higher refresh rates are also noninterlaced.

RFI

Abbreviation for radio frequency interference.

RGB

Abbreviation for red/green/blue.

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.

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.

SDMS

Abbreviation for SCSI device management system.

SDRAM

Abbreviation for synchronous dynamic random-access memory. SDRAM is a memory technology that improves the performance of your system'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.

In equivalent configurations, a computer with SDRAM will have faster memory performance than a computer with EDO memory.

sec

Abbreviation for second(s).

SEC

Abbreviation for single-edge contact. Newer Intel processors, such as the Pentium II processor, use this type of connector as an interface between the processor and the system board.

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 number

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

shadowing

A computer's system and video BIOS code is usually stored on ROM chips. Shadowing refers to the performance-enhancement technique that copies BIOS code to faster RAM chips in the upper memory area (above 640 KB) during the boot routine.

SIMD

Abbreviation for Single Instruction Multiple Data.

SIMM

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

SMART

Acronym for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A technology that allows hard-disk drives to report errors and failures to the system BIOS, which then displays an error message on the screen. To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART-compliant hard-disk drive and the proper support in the system BIOS.

SNMP

Abbreviation for Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is an industry-standard interface that allows a network manager to remotely monitor and manage workstations.

SRAM

Abbreviation for static random-access memory. Because SRAM chips do not require continual refreshing, they are substantially faster than DRAM chips.

SRS

Abbreviation for sound retrieval system.

SVGA

Abbreviation for super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters 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 driver, and the amount of video memory installed in the computer.

switch

On a computer system board, switches control various circuits or functions in your computer system. These switches are known as DIP switches; they are normally packaged in groups of two or more switches in a plastic case. Two common DIP switches are used on system boards: slide switches and rocker switches. The names of the switches are based on how the settings (on and off) of the switches are changed.

syntax

The rules that dictate how you must type a command or instruction so that the computer understands it.

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 peripheral 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 and energy management. Some options in the System Setup program require that you reboot the computer (or the computer may reboot automatically) in order to make a hardware configuration change. 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.

Running the Control Panel or Windows Setup program may change options in the system.ini file. On other occasions, you may need to change or add options to the system.ini file manually with a text editor, such as Notepad.

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 for editing text files consisting exclusively of ASCII characters. Windows Notepad is a text editor, for example. 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.

time-out

A specified period of system inactivity that must occur before an energy conservation feature is activated.

tpi

Abbreviation for tracks per inch.

TSR

Abbreviation for terminate-and-stay-resident. A TSR program runs "in the background." Most TSR programs implement a predefined key combination (sometimes referred to as a hot key) that allows you to activate the TSR program's interface while running another program. When you finish using the TSR program, you can return to the other application program and leave the TSR program resident in memory for later use.

TSR programs can sometimes cause memory conflicts. When troubleshooting, rule out the possibility of such a conflict by rebooting your computer without starting any TSR programs.

UL

Abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories.

UMB

Abbreviation for upper memory blocks.

upper memory area

The 384 KB of RAM located between 640 KB and 1 MB. If the computer has an Intel386 or higher microprocessor, 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 connector provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. USB devices can also be connected and disconnected while the system is running.

utility

A program used to manage system resources-memory, disk drives, or printers, for example.

UTP

Abbreviation for unshielded twisted pair.

V

Abbreviation for volt(s).

VAC

Abbreviation for volt(s) alternating current.

VCCI

Abbreviation for Voluntary Control Council for Interference.

VCR

Abbreviation for video cassette recorder.

VDC

Abbreviation for volt(s) direct current.

VESA

Acronym for Video Electronics Standards Association.

VGA

Abbreviation for video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters 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 driver, and the amount of video memory installed for the video adapter.

VGA feature connector

On some systems with a built-in VGA video adapter, a VGA feature connector allows you to add an enhancement adapter, such as a video accelerator, to your computer. A VGA feature connector can also be called a VGA pass-through connector.

video adapter

The logical circuitry that provides-in combination with the monitor-your computer's video capabilities. A video adapter may support more or fewer features than a specific monitor offers. Typically, a video adapter comes with video drivers for displaying popular application programs and operating systems in a variety of video modes.

On some Dell computers, a video adapter is integrated into the system board. Also available are many video adapter cards that plug into an expansion-card connector.

Video adapters often include memory separate from RAM on the system board. The amount of video memory, along with the adapter's video drivers, may affect the number of colors that can be simultaneously displayed. Video adapters can also include their own coprocessor for faster graphics rendering.

video driver

A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and operating systems to display 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 adapter installed in the computer.

video memory

Most VGA and SVGA video adapters include memory chips in addition to your computer's RAM. 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

Video adapters normally support multiple text and graphics display modes. Character-based software displays in text modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters. Graphics-based software displays in graphics modes that can be defined as x horizontal 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.

virtual memory

A method for increasing addressable RAM by using the hard-disk drive. For example, in a computer with 16 MB of RAM and 16 MB of virtual memory set up on the hard-disk drive, the operating system would manage the system as though it had 32 MB of physical RAM.

virus

A self-starting program designed to inconvenience you. Virus programs have been known to corrupt the files stored on a hard-disk drive or to replicate themselves until a computer or network runs out of memory.

The most common way that virus programs move from one computer to another is via "infected" diskettes, from which they copy themselves to the hard-disk drive. To guard against virus programs, you should do the following:

VLSI

Abbreviation for very-large-scale integration.

Vpp

Abbreviation for peak-point voltage.

VRAM

Abbreviation for video random-access memory. Some video adapters use VRAM chips (or a combination of VRAM and DRAM) to improve video performance. VRAM is dual-ported, allowing the video adapter to update the screen and receive new image data at the same time.

W

Abbreviation for watt(s).

WH

Abbreviation for watt-hour(s).

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.

Running the Control Panel or Windows Setup program may change options in the win.ini file. On other occasions, you may need to change or add options to the win.ini file manually with a text editor such as Notepad.

Windows 95

An integrated and complete Microsoft Windows operating system that does not require MS-DOS and that 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 developed by Microsoft that is 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.

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.

ZIF

Acronym for zero insertion force. Some computers use ZIF sockets and connectors to allow devices such as the microprocessor chip to be installed or removed with no stress applied to the device.