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Glossary: Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer System Reference

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Glossary: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3500 Portable Computer System Reference

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

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

A

Abbreviation for ampere(s).

AC

Abbreviation for alternating current.

AC Adapter

An external power supply that converts AC power to DC power for a portable computer. The AC adapter's cable connects to the portable computer. A power cable connects the AC adapter to an electrical outlet.

active-matrix display

A type of display that uses thin-film transistors. These transistors allow each picture element to be turned on or off.

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 the system memory than a PCI graphics device and allows conventional memory to be used for video-related tasks. The improved interface enables AGP to deliver a smooth, true-color video image.

ANSI

Acronym for American National Standards Institute.

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.

ASIC

Acronym for application-specific integrated circuit.

ATA

Abbreviation for Advanced Technology Attachment.

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 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.

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.

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 file name. The system executes the commands as if you had typed each one individually. Batch files must have a filename extension of bat.

battery

An internal power source used to operate a portable computer. To operate a portable computer on battery power, insert a charged battery into the main- or optional-battery compartment of the computer.

Battery Performance

Battery performance features such as charge time, operating time, and life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer and battery are used.

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.

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:

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. Your Dell Diagnostics Diskette is a bootable diskette.

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 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.

BZT

Abbreviation for Bundesamt fur Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation.

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.

CardBus

An I/O bus architecture that combines the PCMCIA form factor with 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI bus protocols.

Carnet

A carnet is an international customs document (also known as a merchandise passport) that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries and is valid for up to one year.

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.

CGA

Abbreviation for color graphics adapter.

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, application programs, desktop and server computer systems, adapter 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.

CON

The MS-DOS� device name for the console, which includes your computer's keyboard and text displayed on the screen.

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 button, hard-disk drive access indicator, and reset button.

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.

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 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 (possibly blinking), that represents the position at which the next keyboard or mouse action will occur.

D

DAT

Acronym for digital audio tape.

dB

Abbreviation for 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 your Dell Diagnostics Diskette.

device driver

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

DIN

Acronym for Deutsche Industrie Norm.

Disable Autoplay

The autoplay feature in Microsoft^� Windows^� 98 interferes with the operation of the computer's power management time-outs. If Dell installed Windows 98 on your hard-disk drive, the autoplay feature was disabled. If you enable autoplay, or if you installed Windows 98 yourself, Dell recommends that you disable autoplay.

See your Windows 98 documentation for instructions on changing the Auto Insert Notification option.

diskette drive

The diskette drive is a removable-storage device which comes as a combination module with a CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive in the computer's media bay. The diskette drive lets you install programs and transfer data using 3.5-inch diskettes.

display

See dual-scan display.

display adapter

The logical circuitry that provides—in combination with the display or monitor—your computer's video capabilities. A display adapter may support more or fewer features than a specific display or monitor offers. Typically, a display adapter comes with video drivers for displaying popular application programs and operating environments in a variety of video modes. On Dell portable computers, a display adapter is integrated into the system board.

Display 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 or shades of gray that can be simultaneously displayed. Display adapters can also include their own coprocessor for faster graphics rendering.

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.

DMTF

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

DOC

Abbreviation for Department of Communications (in Canada).

dpi

Abbreviation for dots per inch.

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.

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.

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 bidirectional 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.

Extended PC Cards

NOTICE: Take extra precautions if you use extended PC Cards in the computer. Extended cards are longer versions of standard PC Cards. They fit into, and operate correctly with, the computer. However, they extend beyond the edge of the computer when installed. If something strikes the exposed end of an installed card, the card or the system board can be damaged. Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer for traveling.

NOTE: Because of space considerations, you may have trouble using two PC Cards in the computer if one of them is an extended card. Always install an extended card in the top PC Card connector.

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 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

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.

GRMS

Abbreviation for gravity root mean squared.

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.

host adapter

A host adapter implements communication between the computer's bus and the controller for a 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.

HRTF

Acronym for head related transfer function.

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).

ICU

Abbreviation for ISA Configuration Utility.

IDE

Abbreviation for integrated drive electronics. See also EIDE.

IrDA

Acronym for Infrared Data Association.

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.

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.

ISP

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

J

JEIDA

Acronym for Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association.

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 1000.

KB

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s), 1024 bytes.

Kb

Abbreviation for kilobit(s), 1024 bits.

KB/sec

Abbreviation for kilobit(s) per second.

Kbps

Abbreviation for kilobyte(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).

LCD

Abbreviation for liquid crystal display. An LCD consists of a liquid crystal solution between two sheets of polarizing material. An electric current causes each crystal to act like a shutter that can open to allow light past or close to block the light.

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 devices such as the AGP video card can be designed to run much faster than they would with a traditional expansion bus. Some local-bus designs allow devices to run at the same speed and with the same-width data path as the computer's microprocessor.

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.

loopback device

A piece of hardware used for testing a serial port or parallel port. The loopback device contains a port connector and sometimes a looped cable. The connector attaches to the port on the computer and is used during testing to send a signal out through the port and immediately have it returned through the port.

LPTn

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

LVDS

Acronym for low-voltage differential signaling.

M

m

Abbreviation for meter(s).

mA

Abbreviation for milliampere(s).

math coprocessor

A chip that relieves the computer's microprocessor of numeric-processing tasks. The Intel^� Pentium^� III microprocessor, for example, includes 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 manager

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

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.

MPEG

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

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 cards.

mV

Abbreviation for millivolt(s).

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.

NTSC

Abbreviation for National Television Standards Committee. The governing body that dictates broadcast and consumer video guidelines and values. It ensures that all broadcast, video, and television products in the United States adhere to the NTSC Interface Scan System. NTSC is not compatible with PAL .

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.

OTP

Abbreviation for one-time programmable.

P

PAL

Abbreviation for phase alternating line. Standards for television found in many European countries. PAL is not compatible with NTSC, and is not marketed, sold, or serviced in the United States.

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.

PC Card

Slightly larger than a credit card, a PC Card is a removable I/O card, such as a modem, LAN, SRAM, or flash memory card, that adheres to the PCMCIA standards. PC Cards are sometimes referred to as PCMCIA cards.

PC Card Types

Because a type III card is thicker than type I and type II cards, it takes up the entire PC Card slot, although it uses only one PC Card connector.

PCI

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

PCMCIA

Abbreviation for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

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.

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 known problems or other things you need to be aware 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).

SECC2

Acronym for single-edge contact cartridge 2. On some systems, the microprocessor is housed in a cartridge that connects to the system board through an SECC2 connector. The SECC2 connector allows you to upgrade the microprocessor cartridge as future upgrades become available.

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 Dell technicians use to identify your computer when you call Dell for customer or technical support.

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 setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain in effect until you change them again.

SGRAM

Acronym for synchronous graphics random-access memory.

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.

SIMD

Abbreviation for single instruction, multiple data. SIMD is a technology incorporated into certain Intel microprocessors that extends the capabilities of these microprocessors to handle multimedia and communications software. This technology includes new instructions and data types that allows the microprocessor to process multiple data elements in parallel, thereby improving overall system performance.

SPD

Abbreviation for serial presence detect.

SRAM

Abbreviation for static random-access memory.

standby mode

A power conservation mode that turns off the display and reduces power to the microprocessor, VGA PCI bus, diskette drive or CD-ROM drive (if installed), serial and parallel ports, hard-disk drive, PC Card controller, internal speakers and microphone, and external speakers and microphone (if attached).

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.

SXGA

Abbreviation for super extended graphics array.

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.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.

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.

TFT

Abbreviation for thin-film transistor. From one to four of these transistors control each pixel in an active-matrix display for portable computers.

time-out

A time-out is a system setup option that activates a power conservation feature after a specified period of inactivity.

tpi

Abbreviation for tracks per inch.

trackball

A pointing device built in to a portable computer that controls the movement of the cursor on the screen. Trackball-aware software allows you to activate commands by rolling the trackball and clicking its buttons while pointing at objects displayed on the screen.

touch pad

A pointing device that detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area. It is PS/2 compatible and provides full mouse functionality.

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.

Because MS-DOS^� is not designed to support multiple programs running simultaneously, 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

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.

UXGA

Abbreviation for ultra extended graphics adapter.

V

Abbreviation for volt(s).

VAC

Abbreviation for volt(s) alternating current.

VCCI

Abbreviation for Voluntary Control Council for Interference.

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 cards and controllers with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

video card

An expansion card that provides the video capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for your computer system. A video card may support more or fewer features than a specific monitor offers. Typically, a video card comes with video drivers for displaying popular application programs and operating systems in a variety of video modes.

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

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 card installed in the computer.

video memory

Most VGA and SVGA video cards include memory chips in addition to the 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 cards normally support multiple 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

Abbreviation for watt(s).

wallpaper

The background appearance of the Windows desktop.

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.

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

XGA

Abbreviation for extended graphics array. VGA, SVGA, and XGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards. XGA generally refers to a video resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.

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

XMM

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

XMS

Abbreviation for eXtended Memory Specification.

Z

ZV Port

Abbreviation for Zoom Video port. A port to the video controller that provides hardware MPEG-1 decode (and encode) solutions in notebooks. These solutions could include PC Card (CardBus), or on-board solutions. ZV Port must be integrated into notebook board design to allow for these solutions to be passed directly through to the video processor, circumventing the processor, allowing for more efficient CPU utilization.

Windows NT does not support Zoom Video.

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