Dell D630 Manual

Glossary211
memory address — A specific location where data is temporarily stored in RAM.
memory mapping — The process by which the computer assigns memory addresses to 
physical locations at start-up. Devices and software can then identify information that 
the processor can access.
memory module — A small circuit board containing memory chips, which connects to 
the system board.
MHz — megahertz — A measure of frequency that equals 1 million cycles per second. 
The speeds for computer processors,...

212Glossary
setup options that you can set.
O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs, 
DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical drives include CD drives, DVD drives, CD-
RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives. 
P
parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your 
computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more 
logical storage areas known as logical...

Glossary213
continues the start-up.
processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. 
Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible 
keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) 
standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to be 
configured and started remotely.
R
RAID — redundant...

214Glossary
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of rotations that occur per minute. 
Hard drive speed is often measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the 
date and time after you shut down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system board of some computers 
that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.
S
SAS — serial attached SCSI — A faster, serial version of the SCSI interface (as 
opposed to the original SCSI...

Glossary215
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows 
the transfer of audio from one file to another without converting it to and from an 
analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary 
computer operations to save energy.
Strike Zone™ — Reinforced area of the platform base that protects the hard drive by 
acting as a dampening device when a computer experiences resonating shock...

216Glossary
example, Windows Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not usually provide 
word wrap or formatting functionality (the option to underline, change fonts, and so 
on).
TPM — trusted platform module — A hardware-based security feature that when 
combined with security software enhances network and computer security by enabling 
features such as file and e-mail protection.
travel module — A plastic device designed to fit inside the module bay of a portable 
computer to reduce the weight of...

Glossary217
combination with the monitor—for your computer.
video memory — Memory that consists of memory chips dedicated to video functions. 
Video memory is usually faster than system memory. The amount of video memory 
installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display.
video mode — A mode that describes how text and graphics are displayed on a 
monitor. Graphics-based software, such as Windows operating systems, displays in 
video modes that can be defined as x horizontal...

218Glossary
you want to protect data from being changed or destroyed. To write-protect a 3.5-inch 
floppy disk, slide its write-protect tab to the open position.
WWAN — wireless wide area network. A wireless high-speed data network using 
cellular technology and covering a much larger geographic area than WLAN. 
WXGA — wide-aspect extended graphics array — A video standard for video cards 
and controllers that supports resolutions up to 1280 x 800.
X
XGA — extended graphics array — A video standard for...