7. APPENDIX

7.2 Glossary

AC97 (Audio Codec '97)

AC '97 is the next step in enabling PCs with audio quality comparable to consumer electronics devices. The specification defines new cost-effective options to help integrate the components necessary to support next-generation auto-intensive PC applications such as DVD, 3-D multiplayer gaming and interactive music. The specification also defines new extensions supporting modem and docking to help both desktop and mobile manufacturers adopt these new technologies more quickly and cost-effectively. This specification uses software emulation to compete with the PCI SoundBlaster specification.

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)

The ACPI specification defines a cross-platform interface designed to support many operating systems. ACPI defines a flexible and abstract hardware interface that provides a standard way to integrate power management features throughout a PC system, including hardware, operating system and application software. This enables the system to automatically turn ON and OFF peripherals such as CD-ROMs, network cards, hard disk drives, and printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the PC such as VCRs, TVs, phones, and stereos. With this technology, peripherals will also be able to activate the PC. For example, inserting a tape into a VCR can turn on the PC, which could then activate a large-screen TV and high-fidelity sound system.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

An interface specification that enables high-performance 3D graphics on mainstream PCs. AGP was designed to offer the necessary bandwidth and latency to perform texture mapping directly from system memory.

Bus

Bus Frequency

Bandwidth

Data Transfer Rate

PCI

33MHz

33MHz

133MByte/sec

AGP 1X

66MHz

66MHz

266MByte/sec

AGP 2X

66MHz

133MHz

512MByte/sec

AGP 4X

66MHz

266MHz

1024MByte/sec

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

BIOS is a set of routines that affect how the computer transfers data between computer components, such as memory, disks, and the display adapter. The BIOS instructions are built into the computer’s read-only memory. BIOS parameters can be configured by the user through the BIOS Setup program. The BIOS can be updated using the provided utility to copy a new BIOS file into the

EEPROM.

Bit (Binary Digit)

Represents the smallest unit of data used by the computer. A bit can have one of two values: 0 or 1.

Boot

Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into system memory. When the manual instructs you to “boot” your system (or computer), it means to turn ON your computer. “Reboot” means to restart your computer. When using Windows 95 or later, selecting “Restart” from “Start Shut Down...” will reboot your computer.

Bus Master IDE

PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be involved in IDE access and waiting for mechanical events. Bus master IDE transfers data to/from the memory without interrupting the CPU. Bus master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk drives are required to support bus master IDE mode.

Byte (Binary Term)

One byte is a group of eight contiguous bits. A byte is used to represent a single alphanumeric character, punctuation mark, or other symbol.

COM Port

COM is a logical device name used by to designate the computer serial ports. Pointing devices, modems, and infrared modules can be connected to COM ports. Each COM port is configured to use a different IRQ and address assignment.

Concurrent PCI

Concurrent PCI maximizes system performance with simultaneous CPU, PCI and ISA bus activities. It includes multi-transaction timing, enhanced write performance, a passive release mechanism and support for PCI 2.1 compliant delayed transactions. Concurrent PCI provides increased bandwidth, reduced system latencies, improves video and audio performance, and improves processing of host based applications.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, sometimes called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the computer. It interprets and executes program commands and processes data stored in memory. Currently, there are socket 370 (for Pentium III FC-PGA and Celeron-PPGA), socket 7 (for Pentium, AMD, Cyrix, IBM), slot 1 (for Pentium II and III), slot 2 (for Xeon), and slot A (for AMD) processors.

Device Driver

A device driver is a special set of instructions that allows the computer’s operating system to communicate with devices such as VGA, audio, printer, or modem.

DOS (Disk Operating System)

DOS is the foundation on which all other programs and software applications operate, including Windows. DOS is responsible for allocating system resources such as memory, CPU time, disk space, and access to peripheral devices. For this reason, DOS constitutes the basic interface between you and your computer.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

There are several different types of DRAM such as, EDO DRAM (Extended Data Output DRAM), SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), and RDRAM (Rambus DRAM).

Flash ROM

The flash ROM is designed to be a resident program and can be updated by a specific programming method. Normally, the flash ROM is used for system BIOS which initiates hardware devices and sets up necessary parameters for the OS. Since the contents of flash ROM can be modified, users are able to update the BIOS by themselves.

7 . APPENDIX

Glossary

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