Dell 610 technical specifications Bbs, Bios

An ASCII text file containing a list of commands that run in sequence. Instead of typing each command, you need only type the batch filename. The system executes the commands as if you had typed each one individually. Both files must have a filename extension of bat.

baud rate

A measurement of data transmission speed. For example, modems are designed to transmit data at one or more specified baud rate(s) through the COM (serial) port of a computer.

BBS

Abbreviation for bulletin board service. A computer system that serves as a central location for accessing data or relaying messages by modem. For example, Dell's TechConnect BBS contains the latest version of software, such as video drivers. If your system has a modem, you can access the BBS and download the most recent version of this software.

beep code

A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your computer's speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.

binary

A base-2 numbering system that uses 0 and 1 to represent information. The computer performs operations based on the ordering and calculation of these numbers.

BIOS

Acronym for basic input/output system. Your computer's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:

Communications between the processor and peripheral devices, such as the keyboard and the video adapter

Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages

bit

The smallest unit of information interpreted by your computer.

boot routine

When you start your computer, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the operating

Acronym for network interface controller.

NLM

Abbreviation for NetWare(r) Loadable Module.

NMI

Abbreviation for nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the processor about hardware errors, such as a parity error.

noninterlaced

A technique for decreasing screen flicker by sequentially refreshing each horizontal line on the screen.

ns

Abbreviation for nanosecond(s), one billionth of a second.

NTFS

Abbreviation for the NT File System option in the Windows NT operating system.

NVRAM

Abbreviation for nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and system configuration information.

online access service

A service that typically provides access to the Internet, e-mail, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries. CompuServe(r) is an example of an online access service.

OS/2

Abbreviation for Operating System/2.

OTP

Abbreviation for one-time programmable.

parallel port

An I/O port used most often to connect a parallel printer to your computer. You can usually identify a parallel port on your computer by its 25-hole connector.

parameter

A value or option that you specify to a program. A parameter is sometimes called a switch or an argument.

partition