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associated with non-synchronous RAM, which must close one address bank before
opening the next.
Serial port: called as such because it transmits the eight bits of a byte of data along
one wire, and receives data on another single wire (that is, the data is transmitted in
serial form, one bit after another).
SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module): formally the most common form of RAM
for motherboards. They must be installed in pairs, and do not have the carrying
capacity or the speed of DIMM modules.
Sleep/Suspend mode: in this mode, all devices except the CPU shut down.
SRAM (Static RAM): unlike DRAM, this type of RAM does not need to be refreshed
in order to prevent data loss. Thus, it is faster and more expensive.
SSI (Server System Infrastructure): an industry initiative intended to provide
ready-to-use design specifications for common server hardware elements (chassis,
power supplies, and racks) to promote and support server industry growth.
Standby mode: in this mode, the video and hard drives shut down; all other
devices continue to operate normally.
Striping: see RAID
UltraDMA-33/66/100: a fast version of the old DMA channel. UltraDMA is also
called UltraATA. Without proper UltraDMA controller, your system cannot take
advantage of higher data transfer rates of the new UltraDMA/UltraATA hard drives.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): a versatile port. This one port type can function as a
serial, parallel, mouse, keyboard or joystick port. It is fast enough to support video
transfer, and is capable of supporting up to 127 daisy-chained peripheral devices.
VGA (Video Graphics Array): the PC video display standard
V-SYNC: controls the vertical scanning properties of the monitor.
ZIF Socket (Zero Insertion Force socket): these sockets make it possible to insert
CPUs without damaging the sensitive CPU pins. The CPU is lightly placed in an
open ZIF socket, and a lever is pulled down. This shift the processor over and down,
guiding into the board and locking it into place.