w w w . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m
communications protocol that functions similarly to TCP/IP.
IRQ
Interrupt request. An electronic pathway assigned to a specific device so that the device can communicate with the microprocessor. Each device connection must be assigned an IRQ. For example, the first serial port in your computer is typically assigned to IRQ4. Although two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.
ISA
ISO
International Organization for Standardization. A voluntary organization founded in 1946, comprised of the national standards organizations of many countries. ISO determines international standards in many areas, including computers and communications. ANSI is the American member of ISO.
Kb
Kilobit(s). A measurement of data that equals 1024 bits. A measurement of the capacity of memory integrated circuits. See also KB.
KB
Kilobyte(s). A measurement of data that equals 1,024 bytes. 1024 KB equals 1 MB.
kg
Kilogram(s). A measurement of mass that equals 1,000 grams.
kHz
Kilohertz. A measurement of frequency that equals 1,000 Hz.
L1 Cache
Level 1 cache. A small, very fast primary cache that is stored inside the microprocessor. It is faster than the L2 cache.
L2 Cache
Level 2. A larger, slower secondary cache used with the L1 cache. In older microprocessors, the L2 cache was usually external to the processor, contained on chip(s) or an expansion card. On more recent processors the L2 cache is typically integrated into the processor.
lb
Pound(s). A measurement of weight that equals 16 oz or 0.453592 kg.
LBA
Logical block addressing. A defining feature of EIDE that allows a computer to address a hard drive larger than 528 MB, up to 8.4 GB in data storage capacity. A logical block address is a
LED
LIF
Low insertion force. A type of socket or connector that allows a computer chip to be installed or removed with minimal stress applied to either the chip or its socket. See ZIF.
Local Bus
A bus that allows chips and other components in the computer to access the microprocessor at a speed synchronized with the microprocessor bus speed.
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