Glossary

ROM Read-Only Memory. Computer memory used to store parts of the computer’s operating system permanently. ROM chips can contain instructions and data.

SCAM SCSI Configured Automatically. A protocol which automatically assigns device IDs to SCSI devices which support SCAM.

SCSI Small Computer System Interface. A high-speed data bus used for connecting hard disks, tape drives, and other accessories to your computer.

SCSI chain Devices connected on a single SCSI bus.

Setup program Used to inform the computer about its configuration, for example the amount of memory installed. The setup program is stored in ROM on the system board.

shadow RAM A method of relocating the system and/or video BIOS from slower ROM chips to faster RAM to improve system performance.

SIMM Single In-line Memory Module. These memory modules can provide a 32-bit data path.

Sound files Files containing sound data. Sound files are usually stored in one of four formats, with the extension .WAV, .MID, .VOC, or .CMF.

terminator A resistor at the end of a SCSI cable that prevents the signal

from reflecting back along the cable.

True color Also known as RGB color or 24-bit color. True color graphics systems are usually equipped with at least 24 bits per pixel. In the 24-bit system, for instance, three primary colors in the color graphics system—red, green and blue—are allotted 8 bits each. There are 28, or 256 intensities each for red, green and blue. This translates to a total palette range of

16.7million colors (256 x 256 x 256). Because the human eye cannot detect the subtlety available in a palette of

16.7million colors, this range makes it possible to compute what appears to be gradual shading.

video controller A chip or expansion card which converts signals in the computer into displayable signals.

video RAM Memory that enables or speeds up drawing to the screen or increases resolution or color options.

VOC files Proprietary digital audio format developed by Creative Labs, Inc. Most digital audio adheres to the Microsoft WAV format.

WAV files A Microsoft file format for storing digital audio data.

Windows RAM (WRAM) Dual- ported memory, which allows for simultaneous input of data from the graphics controller and output of data to the display.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx manual From reflecting back along the cable