Dell 530 manual Mtbf, Nic, Nvram, Pbx

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vice-versa so that computers can communicate over telephone lines.

Monitor

The high-resolution TV-like device that displays your computer's output.

ms

Millisecond. A measurement of storage device access time that equals one thousandth of a second.

MTBF

Mean time between failures. A measurement of estimated equipment reliability. The higher the MTBF, the longer the equipment should last. For example, if the MTBF is 10,000 hours, the equipment should run, on the average, at least 10,000 hours before failing.

Network Adapter

An expansion card that connects a computer to other computers on a network. The network adapter works with the network OS to transfer information over the network. See NIC.

NIC

Network Interface Controller. Also referred to as a network adapter.

NiCad

Nickel cadmium. A chemical composition used in certain rechargeable batteries.

NiMH

Nickel-metal hydride. A chemical composition used in certain rechargeable batteries.

Node

In networking and communications, a node is any computer or device attached to a network.

NVRAM

Non-volatile random-access memory (RAM). Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your

computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining the system configuration information such as date, time, and other user-settable system setup options.

On-Board

Usually refers to components that are physically located on a circuit board. For example, the system boards of many present-day computers have integrated video, sound, and/or network controllers.

OS

Operating system. The program that, after being loaded initially into the computer at start-up, manages all the other application programs in a computer. The application programs use the OS by making requests for services through an API. Often the OS also allows direct interaction by the user.

oz

Ounce. A measurement of weight that equals 1/16 of

alb.

Parallel Port

An I/O port on your computer that transfers data eight bits at a time. It uses a 25-pin, female subminiature-Dconnector, typically to connect a printer. Also referred to as an LPT port.

PBX

Private branch exchange. A telephone system owned and operated by a private organization rather than the telephone company. This telephone system switches calls between users in the organization on internal lines while allowing users to share a certain number of external phone lines. The main purpose of a PBX is to save the cost of requiring a separate telephone line for each user.

PC

Personal computer. Commonly used to describe an IBM-compatible computer, as opposed to an Apple Macintosh computer.

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