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Glossary: Dell Precision™ WorkStation 620 Systems User's Guide
A • B • C • D • E • F • G
• H • I • J • K • L • M • N
• O • P • Q • R
• S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z
A
A
ampere(s)
AC
alternating current
ACPI
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 and sound cards.
ADI
Autodesk Device Interface
AGP
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
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 Microsoft® Windows®) is called an ASCII file.
ASIC
application-specific integrated circuit
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 98 and MS-DOS® only) is
executed when you boot your computer (after executing any commands in the config.sys
file). That 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.
B
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 the system configuration, date, and time information in a
special section of memory when the system is turned off.
base memory
Synonym for 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. Batch 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
bulletin board service. A computer system that serves as a central location for
accessing data or relaying messages by modem. For example, the Dell™ 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
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 peripheral 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
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
bits per inch
bps
bits per second
BTU
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
C
Celsius
C-RIMM
continuity Rambus inline memory module. Rambus continuity modules are used to populate
empty RIMM slots in some systems.
cache
To facilitate quicker data retrieval, a storage area for keeping a copy of data or
instructions. 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
On the bottom of an expansion card, the metal-contact section that plugs into an
expansion-card connector.
CD-ROM
compact disc read-only memory. CD-ROM drives use optical technology to read data from
compact discs. Compact discs are read-only storage devices; you cannot write new data to a
compact disc with standard CD-ROM drives.
cm
centimeter(s)
CMOS
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 you configure
software that runs a serial device so that you do not create an interrupt conflict.
component
As they relate to DMI, manageable components are operating systems, computer systems,
expansion cards, or peripheral devices 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 98 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 an integrated math coprocessor.
cpi
characters per inch
CPU
central processing unit. See also microprocessor.
cursor
A marker, such as a block, an underscore, or a pointer, that represents the position at
which the next keyboard or mouse action will occur.
D
DAT
digital audio tape
dB
decibel(s)
dBA
adjusted decibel(s)
DC
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. See 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.
DIN
Deutsche Industrie Norm
DIP
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
direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM
and a device to bypass the microprocessor.
DMI
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, peripheral devices, expansion cards, and asset tag. Information
about the system's components is displayed as a MIF file or through the Dell Inspector
program.
DMTF
Distributed Management Task Force. A consortium of companies representing hardware and
software providers, of which Dell Computer Corporation is a member.
dpi
dots per inch
DPMS
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
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
digital signal processing
DTE
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.
E
ECC
error checking and correction
ECP
Extended Capabilities Port
EEPROM
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
EIDE
enhanced integrated drive 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
EISA
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
Electromagnetic Compatibility
EMI
electromagnetic interference
EMM
expanded memory manager. A utility that uses extended memory to emulate expanded memory
on computers with an Intel386™ or higher microprocessor.
EMS
Expanded Memory Specification
EPROM
erasable programmable read-only memory
ESD
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 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
F
Fahrenheit
FAT
file allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize and keep
track of file storage. The Microsoft Windows NT® and IBM® OS/2®
operating systems can optionally use a FAT file system structure.
FCC
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
foot/feet
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
G
g
gram(s)
G
gravities
GB
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
graphical user interface
H
h
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
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.
HPFS
High Performance File System. An option in the Microsoft Windows NT and IBM OS/2
operating systems.
Hz
hertz
I
ICES
Interface-Causing Equipment Standard (in Canada)
ICU
ISA Configuration Utility
I/O
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
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 microprocessor cache
An instruction and data cache built into the microprocessor. The Intel Pentium
microprocessor, for example, 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
Internetwork Packet eXchange
IPX/SPX
Internetwork Packet eXchange/Sequenced Packet eXchange
IRQ
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
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
information technology equipment
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
kilo-, indicating 1,000.
KB
kilobyte(s), 1,024 bytes.
KB/sec
kilobyte(s) per second
Kbit(s)
kilobit(s), 1,024 bits.
Kbps
kilobit(s) per second
key combination
A command requiring that you press multiple keys at the same time. For example, you can
reboot your computer by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination.
kg
kilogram(s), 1,000 grams.
kHz
kilohertz, 1,000 hertz.
L
LAN
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
pound(s)
LED
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.
M
m
meter(s)
mA
milliampere(s) - 1/1000 of one ampere
mAh
milliampere-hour(s)
math coprocessor
See coprocessor.
Mb
megabit(s)
MB
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
megabytes per second
Mbps
megabits per second
MBR
master boot record
MEC
memory expansion card
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
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
musical instrument digital interface
MIF
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
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
Motion Picture Experts Group. MPEG is a digital video file format.
ms
millisecond(s)
MS-DOS
Microsoft Disk Operating System
MTBF
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
millivolt(s)
N
NDIS
Network Driver Interface Specification
NIC
network interface controller
NLM
NetWare® Loadable Module
NMI
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
nanosecond(s), one billionth of a second.
NTFS
NT File System. An option in the Windows NT operating system.
NVRAM
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
OS/2
Operating System/2
OTP
one-time programmable
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. 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
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
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
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
pages per minute
PQFP
plastic quad flat pack. A type of microprocessor socket in which the microprocessor
chip is permanently mounted.
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
Personal System/2
R
RAID
redundant arrays of independent disks
RAM
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.
Rambus
A random-access memory architecture.
RAMDAC
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:
- 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 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
radio frequency interference
RGB
red/green/blue
RIMM
Rambus in-line memory module
ROM
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
revolutions per minute
RTC
real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry inside the computer that keeps the
date and time after you turn off the computer.
S
sec
second(s)
SEC
single-edge contact. Newer Intel processors, such as the Pentium III Xeon™
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
single instruction, multiple data
SIMM
single in-line memory module. A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects
to the system board.
SMART
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
Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is an industry-standard interface that allows
a network manager to remotely monitor and manage workstations.
SRAM
static random-access memory. Because SRAM chips do not require continual refreshing,
they are substantially faster than DRAM chips.
SRS
sound retrieval system
SVGA
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 know 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:
- 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
Synonym for bootable diskette.
system memory
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) to effect 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.
Revising the Control Panel settings or running the 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.
T
termination
Some devices 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 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
tracks per inch
TSR
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.
U
UL
Underwriters Laboratories
UMB
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
uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically supplies power
to your computer in the event of an electrical failure.
USB
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
unshielded twisted pair
V
V
volt(s)
VAC
volt(s) alternating current
VCCI
Voluntary Control Council for Interference
VCR
videocassette recorder
VDC
volt(s) direct current
VESA
Video Electronics Standards Association
VGA
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 memory installed for the video adapter.
VGA feature connector
On some systems with an integrated 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 capability).
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 system
or network runs out of memory.
The most common way that virus programs move from one system 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:
- Periodically run a virus-checking utility on your computer's hard-disk drive.
- Always run a virus-checking utility on any diskettes (including commercially sold
software) before using them.
VLSI
very-large-scale integration
Vpp
peak-point voltage
VRAM
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
W
watt(s)
WH
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.
Revising the Control Panel settings or running the 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 the 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.
WWW
World Wide Web
X
XMM
extended memory manager. A utility that allows application programs and operating
systems to use extended memory in accordance with the XMS.
XMS
eXtended Memory Specification
Z
ZIF
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.
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