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API

Application Program Interface. The interface through which an application program accesses the OS and other services.

APIC

Advanced programmable interrupt controller. Prioritizes and manages IRQs for the various devices in a PC. Without an APIC, the microprocessor must control IRQs.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The basis of character sets used in many present-daycomputers. ASCII can be used to convey some control codes, the space character, numbers, most basic punctuation, and unaccented lower- and upper-case letters.

AT

Advanced Technology. An IBM® PC introduced in 1984 that has an Intel 80286 microprocessor, 16-bit bus, and 1.2 MB floppy drive.

ATA

Advanced Technology Attachment. A specification for drive interface. See IDE.

ATAPI

Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface. An interface used to connect CD, tape, and other drives with a computer.

Binary

A system of numbers having 2 as its base and using 0 and 1 for its notation. Binary code is used by computers because it works well with digital electronics and logic.

BIOS

Basic input/output system. Composed of software and data stored on a ROM chip. The BIOS initializes communication between the microprocessor and devices such as the keyboard and video adapter. The BIOS also controls system functions such as error messages and beep codes. The BIOS can be updated, or “flashed,” which can correct errors, support new hardware, and so on. System setup allows you to configure certain options in the BIOS.

Bit

A shortened reference to binary digit. A bit is the smallest unit of storage and represents a quantity that can have only one of two possible values, such as true or false, or 0 or 1.

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Dell GX240 manual Apic, Ascii, Atapi, Bios

GX240 specifications

The Dell GX240, a robust desktop computer released in the early 2000s, exemplifies the breed of machines engineered for business and productivity environments. Targeting corporate users, the GX240 was part of Dell’s OptiPlex series, known for its reliability, support, and manageability.

One of the main features of the Dell GX240 is its Intel Pentium 4 processor, which provided a significant performance boost at the time of its release. This processor was available in various speeds, enabling users to select the model that best met their processing needs. The GX240 also offered ample memory options, supporting up to 2GB of SDRAM, which was considerable for its era, allowing for smoother multitasking and application performance.

The design of the GX240 was practical, featuring a compact, space-saving chassis ideal for office environments. It was designed for easy serviceability, with tool-less access to components, facilitating quick upgrades or repairs. The system was equipped with various configurations, enabling customers to customize it with multiple hard drive options, typically using IDE drives, which provided sufficient storage for everyday tasks.

The desktop utilized a variety of expansion slots, including AGP for graphics cards and PCI slots for additional peripherals. This expandability was crucial for businesses needing to adapt or enhance their systems over time. Integrated Intel graphics were standard, but users could opt for dedicated graphics cards to meet more demanding graphical needs.

Connectivity was also a strong point for the GX240, featuring multiple USB 2.0 ports, a serial port, and audio input/output capabilities. These ports allowed for seamless integration with various peripherals and devices, essential for a productive work environment. The GX240 also supported network connectivity through a built-in Ethernet controller, making it well-suited for office use, especially in networked environments.

In terms of software, the GX240 was usually shipped with Microsoft Windows XP, ensuring users had access to a stable and user-friendly operating system. This operating system not only provided compatibility with a wide range of applications but also enhanced the overall user experience.

In conclusion, the Dell GX240 was a solid desktop choice for businesses in the early 2000s, combining performance, upgradability, and a compact design. Its Intel Pentium 4 processor and ample memory options made it suitable for various tasks, while its space-saving design and expansion capabilities allowed businesses to adapt the system to their evolving needs.