crystal.bk : glossary.fb4 Page 154 Monday, March 23, 1998 4:09 AM

Glossary

computer. It is used to store information that must be maintained, such as your computer’s configuration.

controller A device that enables another device (such as a hard disk) to communicate with the computer.

DAT Digital Audio Tape.

DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module. These memory modules provide a 64- bit data path for improved system performance.

device driver Software that enables the computer to interface with a specific peripheral, such as a printer or display.

Digital audio Digitally recorded sound such as speech and sound effects.

DMA channel Direct Memory Access channel. Speeds up I/O to and from the system’s memory by avoiding CPU processing. However, the system limits the number of boards that can use DMA.

DVD player Digital Versatile Disk player. A standardized device to play digital audio and video sequences.

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.

Extended MIDI format Allows MIDI channels 1 to 10 of the General MIDI operation mode to be used when notes are played through MIDI.

FM synthesis A technique for synthesizing sound that uses a combination of modulated sine waves to produce different waves forms.

General MIDI format A standard set of 128 sounds. Allows 16 channels to be used when notes are played through MIDI.

IDE Integrated Device Electronics. An interface standard for communications between the computer and a hard disk or CD-ROM.

IRQ Interrupt Request. A signal, that when received by the processor, halts the current process and allows a different task to be undertaken.

IRQ line The Interrupt Request line is the signal line used to notify the CPU that it wants to send or receive data for processing.

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