Glossary 171
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the
date and time after you shut down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system board of some computers
that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.
S
ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard disk’s surface
for errors. ScanDisk often runs when you restart the computer after it has stopped
responding.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is
synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the processor.
serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld
digital device or digital camera to your computer.
Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when
you access Dell Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer service
or technical support.
setup program — A program that is used to install and configure hardware and
software. The setup.exe or install.exe program comes with most Windows software
packages. Setup program differs from the system setup program.
shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to frequently used programs, files,
folders, and drives. When you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and double-
click the icon, you can open its corresponding folder or file without having to find it
first. Shortcut icons do not change the location of files. If you delete a shortcut, the
original file is not affected. Also, you can rename a shortcut icon.
shutdown — The process of closing windows and exiting programs, exiting the
operating system, and turning off your computer. You can lose data if you turn off your
computer before completing a shutdown.
smart card — A card that is embedded with a processor and a memory chip. Smart
cards can be used to authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart cards.
software — Anything that can be stored electronically, such as computer files or
programs.
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows
the transfer of audio from one file to another without converting it to and from an
analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
standby mode — A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary
computer operations to save energy.
book.book Page 171 Tuesday, July 3, 2007 12:31 PM