Glossary

Dell MD1000 owner manual Glossary

NMI — Nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the processor about hardware errors.

ns — Nanosecond(s).

NTFS — The NT File System option in the Windows 2000 operating system.

NVRAM — Nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your system. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and system configuration information.

parity — Redundant information that is associated with a block of data.

partition — You can divide a drive into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives. You must format each logical drive with the format command.

PCI — Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus implementation.

PDU — Power distribution unit. A power source with multiple power outlets that provides electrical power to servers and storage systems in a rack.

peripheral — An internal or external device, such as a diskette drive or keyboard, connected to a system.

PGA — Pin grid array. A type of processor socket that allows you to remove the processor 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.

POST — Power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your system, the POST tests various system components such as RAM and drives.

processor — The primary computational chip inside the system that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software written for one processor must usually be revised to run on another processor. CPU is a synonym for processor.

protected mode — An operating mode that allows operating systems to implement:

•A memory address space of 16 MB to 4 GB

•Multitasking

•Virtual memory, a method for increasing addressable memory by using the drive

The Windows 2000 and UNIX® 32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-DOS cannot run in protected mode.

PS/2 — Personal System/2.

PXE — Preboot eXecution Environment. A way of booting a system via a LAN (without a drive or bootable diskette).

RAC — Remote access controller.

RAID — Redundant array of independent disks. A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50. See also guarding, mirroring, and striping.

RAM — Random-access memory. The system’s primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn off your system.

RAS — Remote Access Service. This service allows users running the Windows operating system to remotely access a network from their system using a modem.

readme file — A text file, usually shipped with software or hardware, that contains information supplementing or updating the product’s documentation.

read-only file — A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting.

ROM — Read-only memory. Your system contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. A ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your system. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your system’s boot routine and the POST.

MD1000 specifications

The Dell MD1000 is a storage enclosure designed to provide a scalable and reliable solution for enterprises seeking efficient data storage management. Recognized for its robust performance and versatility, the MD1000 supports a variety of applications, making it a popular choice among organizations that demand high-capacity storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the MD1000 is its modular design, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with various Dell server systems. It provides efficient data storage through its 3.5-inch drive bays, accommodating up to 15 hard drives or solid-state drives. This configuration not only facilitates higher storage density but also supports SATA and SAS drives, offering the flexibility to choose different types of storage media based on organizational needs.

The MD1000 features advanced RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology, which enhances data protection and system performance. It supports multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing users with different options for balancing performance and redundancy. By leveraging RAID, the MD1000 ensures that data remains safe and accessible even in the event of hardware failure, significantly reducing downtime and risk.

Connectivity is another strength of the MD1000. It typically interfaces with a server through a variety of host interface options including iSCSI and Fibre Channel, making it adaptable to different network configurations. This connectivity flexibility supports various environments, ensuring organizations can scale their storage without significant infrastructure overhauls.

Cooling and power efficiency are also critical characteristics of the MD1000. It includes dual-redundant power supplies and cooling fans that not only enhance reliability but also lower operational costs. These components can function independently, ensuring that power loss in one does not affect overall system performance.

Management and monitoring capabilities of the MD1000 are empowered by the Dell OpenManage software, which provides a user-friendly interface to manage the storage subsystem. Users can easily monitor drive health, configure RAID settings, and receive alerts on potential issues, simplifying the administration of large storage networks.

Overall, the Dell MD1000 is built to accommodate growing storage needs while ensuring reliability, performance, and ease of use. With its modular design, support for various drive types, robust RAID capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and efficient power management, it represents an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their data storage infrastructure.