Intel SASMF8I manual Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, Bios

AGlossary of Terms and Abbreviations

BIOS	Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability.
	Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on a server board is used
	to boot and control the system. The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension
	of the system BIOS.
Configuration	The way a computer is setup; the combined hardware components (computer,
	monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that make up a computer system, and the
	software settings that allow the hardware components to communicate with each
	other.
Device Driver	A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system) to direct the
	operation of a peripheral device.
Domain	A software procedure in which a host queries a device to determine its ability to
Validation	communicate at the negotiated data rate.
EEPROM	Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip
	typically used to store configuration information. It provides stable storage for long
	periods without electricity and can be reprogrammed. See NVRAM.
External SAS	A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected
Device	together using specific types of shielded cables.
Host	The computer system in which a storage adapter is installed. It uses the storage
	adapter to transfer information to and from devices attached to the SCSI bus.
Host Adapter	A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to the
Board (HAB)	computer system.
Internal SAS	A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected
Device	together using an unshielded ribbon cable.
Main Memory	The part of a computer’s memory which is directly accessible by the CPU (usually
	synonymous with RAM).
NVRAM	Non-volatile Random Access Memory. An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable
	Read-Only Memory chip) used to store configuration information. See EEPROM.
Peripheral	A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or CD-ROM) used
Devices	with a computer and under the computer’s control. SCSI peripherals are controlled
	through a SAS Intel® RAID Controller SASMF8I.

17 Intel® RAID Controller SASMF8I Hardware Guide