Glossary

Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.

A

AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.

ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface — A power management specification that enables Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to put a computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the amount of electrical power allocated to each device attached to the computer.

AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics port that allows system memory to be used for video- related tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color video image because of the faster interface between the video circuitry and the computer memory.

AHCI — Advanced Host Controller Interface — An interface for a SATA hard drive Host Controller which allows the storage driver to enable technologies such as Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and hot plug.

ALS — ambient light sensor — A feature that helps to control display brightness.

antivirus software — A program designed to identify, quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer.

ASF — alert standards format — A standard to define a mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a management console. ASF is designed to be platform- and operating system-independent.

B

battery life span — The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.

battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or hours) that a portable computer battery powers the computer.

BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. Unless you understand what effect these settings have on the computer, do not change them. Also referred to as system setup.

bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.

Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)— An optical storage technology offering storage capacity of up to 50 GB, full 1080p video resolution (HDTV required), and as many as 7.1 channels of native, uncompressed surround sound.

Bluetooth® wireless technology — A wireless technology standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to automatically recognize each other.

boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot.

bootable media — A CD, DVD, or floppy disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have a bootable CD, DVD, or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities media is an example of bootable media.

bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.

BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat output.

Glossary

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Dell XPS 720 owner manual Glossary, 203
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XPS 720, 720 specifications

The Dell XPS 720 is a powerful desktop computer that epitomizes the brand's commitment to performance and innovation. Introduced as part of the XPS (Extreme Performance System) line, the XPS 720 was designed for gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who demand high performance from their machines.

One of the standout features of the XPS 720 is its impressive processing capabilities. The system can be equipped with Intel's quad-core processors, notably the Intel Core 2 Quad, which allows for exceptional multitasking and enhanced performance in multi-threaded applications. This makes it suitable for gaming, video editing, and graphic design.

The XPS 720 also offers a high level of customization, giving users the ability to select their desired specifications. Customers can choose between various configurations of RAM, hard drives, and graphics cards. The XPS 720 supports multi-GPU setups with NVIDIA’s SLI technology, enabling gamers to run the latest titles at optimal settings and resolutions, while also improving performance in demanding applications.

In terms of graphics capabilities, the XPS 720 can be outfitted with powerful NVIDIA GeForce or ATI Radeon graphics cards. This feature makes it a strong candidate for users who require cutting-edge visual performance, whether it’s for gaming, immersive simulations, or graphic-intensive applications.

Cooling solutions are a critical component of the XPS 720’s design, as high-performance systems generate substantial heat. Dell incorporates an advanced cooling system that includes unique thermal management technology to maintain optimal temperatures during heavy use, thereby prolonging the life and performance of the internal components.

The chassis of the XPS 720 is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It features a sleek, futuristic design with customizable LED lighting, providing a visually appealing experience. The case also allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, which is essential for users who wish to enhance their systems over time.

Connectivity options are abundant on the XPS 720, with multiple USB ports, audio jacks, and high-definition multimedia interfaces. The inclusion of high-speed Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi capabilities ensures that users can stay connected whether for online gaming or browsing the web.

Overall, the Dell XPS 720 stands out as a commendable desktop solution that combines raw power, flexibility, and cutting-edge technologies. It remains a favorite among those looking for a robust machine capable of handling a wide variety of demanding tasks, from gaming to professional creative work. Whether you are a hardcore gamer or a professional seeking performance, the XPS 720 offers an exceptional computing experience.
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