Glossary
Double buffering The process of using two frame buffers for smooth animation. Graphical contents of one frame buffer are displayed while updates occur on the other buffer. When the updates are complete, the buffers are switched. Only complete images are displayed, and the process of drawing is not shown. The result is the appearance of smooth animation.
DIMM Dual
DSP Digital Signal Processor.
ECC Error Correcting Code can detect and correct data errors in memory modules.
expansion slot A slot inside the computer, connected to the system board, that can be used for accessory boards.
extended memory Memory which can be addressed by the processor in the area of memory above the first 1 MB.
Frame buffer Display memory that temporarily stores (buffers) a full frame of picture data at one time. Frame buffers are composed of arrays
of bit values that correspond to the display's pixels. The number of bits per pixel in the frame buffer determines the complexity of images that can be displayed.
Graphical user interface (GUI) The graphical user interface (GUI) provides the user with a method of interacting with the computer and its special applications, usually via a mouse or another selection device. The GUI usually includes such things as windows, an intuitive method of manipulating directories and files, and icons.
IDE Integrated Device Electronics. An interface standard for communications between the computer and a hard disk or
IRQ Interrupt Request. A signal, that when received by the processor, halts the current process and allows a different task to be undertaken.
jumper An
Commonly used to select configuration options.
LAN Local Area Network. A general- purpose communications network that interconnects a variety of devices within a limited geographical area. A LAN might connect computers on adjacent desks, within a building, or within several buildings of a campus.
Mapping The transformation of one coordinate system into another. In the
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