Glossary

100Base-TRefers to the 100 Mbit/s network technology over category 5 UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable that is compatible with the proposed IEEE 802.3 standard. This technology, which takes the CSMA/CD protocol to 100 MBits/s operation, is also referred to as 802.3u or Fast Ethernet.

100VG-AnyLANRefers to the 100 Mbit/s network technology over voice grade cable that is compatible with the proposed IEEE 802.12 standard. This technology guarantees access to any end node that requests to transmit, while ensuring priority access to end nodes that require consistent, continuous access for applications such as full-motion video or video conferencing.

adapter An accessory board, that connects to the system board via an accessory board slot.

BBS Bulletin Board System. A computer that uses a modem and software to serve as an information source for other computers equipped with a modem. Hewlett-Packard has a BBS that can be reached at +1 (408) 553-3500.

BIOS Basic Input-Output System. Software that provides an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system.

bus An electrical connection over which information is transported.

cache A block of high-speed memory

used for the temporary storage of data and processor instructions.

CD-ROMCompact Disc Read Only Memory. A mass storage device that uses compact disc technology. CDs can store data, but most cannot be written to.

CMF Filename extension for sound files saved in the Creative Labs, Inc. music data file format.

CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor memory requires very little power to operate. The contents of your computer’s CMOS memory are preserved when you turn off the computer. It is used to store information that must be maintained, such as your computer’s configuration.

Color map The color options in a graphics system, arranged by index number. Typically, the system has a default color map. The index of colors in the color map can be reallocated, depending on the application. There is one color map in the hardware (often called a color lookup table), but many color maps can be allocated in software and indexed as appropriate for separate applications.

controller A device that enables another device (such as a hard disk) to communicate with the computer.

device driver Software that enables the computer to interface with a specific peripheral, such as a printer or display.