122 Glossary
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BUS SPEED —The speed, given in MHz, that indicates
how fast a bus can transfer information.
BYTE —The basic data unit used by your computer. A
byte is usually equal to 8 bits.
CC—Celsius — A temperature measurement system
where 0° is the freezing point and 100° is the boiling point
of water.
CACHE —A special high-speed storage mechanism
which can be either a reserved section of main memory or
an independent high-speed storage device. The cache
enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be
external to the processor or incorporated into the
processor architecture.
CARNET —An international customs document that
facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also
known as a merchandise passport.
CD — compact disc — An optical form of storage
media, typically used for audio and software programs.
CD DRIVE —A drive that uses optical technology to
read data from CDs.
CD PLAYER —The software used to play music CDs.
The CD player displays a window with buttons that you
use to play a CD.
CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a
CD. Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once
recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a
CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then
erased and written over (rewritten).
CD-RW DRIVE —A drive that can read CDs and write
to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CD-RW/DVD DRIVE —A drive, sometimes referred
to as a combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and
write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable
CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple
times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CLOCK SPEED —The speed, given in MHz, that
indicates how fast computer components that are
connected to the system bus operate.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows
alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your
computer. You may need the COA to complete the
operating system setup or reinstallation. Also referred to
as the Product Key or Product ID.
CONTROL PANEL —A Windows utility that allows
you to modify operating system and hardware settings,
such as display settings.
CONTROLLER —A chip that controls the transfer of
data between the processor and memory or between the
processor and devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module
— A special module that has no memory chips and is used
to fill unused RIMM slots.
CURSOR —The marker on a display or screen that
shows where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse
action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an
underline character, or a small arrow.
DDDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type
of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving
system performance.
DEVICE —Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or
keyboard that is installed in or connected to your
computer.
DEVICE DRIVER —See driver.
DIN CONNECTOR —A round, six-pin connector that
conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards;
it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse
cable connectors.