
AGlossary of Terms and Abbreviations
| BIOS | Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability. | 
| 
 | Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on a server board is used | 
| 
 | to boot and control the system. The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension | 
| 
 | of the system BIOS. | 
| Configuration | The way a computer is setup; the combined hardware components (computer, | 
| 
 | monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that make up a computer system, and the | 
| 
 | software settings that allow the hardware components to communicate with each | 
| 
 | other. | 
| Device Driver | A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system) to direct the | 
| 
 | operation of a peripheral device. | 
| Domain | A software procedure in which a host queries a device to determine its ability to | 
| Validation | communicate at the negotiated data rate. | 
| EEPROM | Electronically Erasable Programmable  | 
| 
 | typically used to store configuration information. It provides stable storage for long | 
| 
 | periods without electricity and can be reprogrammed. See NVRAM. | 
| External SAS | A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected | 
| Device | together using specific types of shielded cables. | 
| Host | The computer system in which a storage adapter is installed. It uses the storage | 
| 
 | adapter to transfer information to and from devices attached to the SCSI bus. | 
| Host Adapter | A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to the | 
| Board (HAB) | computer system. | 
| Internal SAS | A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected | 
| Device | together using an unshielded ribbon cable. | 
| Main Memory | The part of a computer’s memory which is directly accessible by the CPU (usually | 
| 
 | synonymous with RAM). | 
| NVRAM | |
| 
 | |
| Peripheral | A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or  | 
| Devices | with a computer and under the computer’s control. SCSI peripherals are controlled | 
| 
 | through a SAS Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS144E. | 
| Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS144E Hardware Guide | 18 | 
