2 Glossary
BMC
(Baseboard Management Controller) Contains all of the server management functions. One
major function of the BMC is to monitor system management events and log their
occurrence in the System Event Log (SEL).
boot
The process of loading the operating system into memory.
bps
(bits per second) The number of bits transferred in one second during serial communication,
such as modem transmission.
byte
A group of eight bits.
C cache memory
A very fast, limited portion of RAM set aside for temporary storage of data for direct access
by the microprocessor.
CD-ROM drive
(Compact Disk ROM drive) A type of mass storage device that reads information from a
compact disk.
Centronics port
An industry standard parallel port. See also parallel port.
CGA
(Color Graphics Adapter) A type of video display system that provides low-resolution text
and graphics on TTL monochrome and color monitors.
CMOS
(Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) A type of low-power integrated circuit used
in computers. See also TTL.
COM1 or COM2
The name you can assign a serial port to set or change its address. See also serial port.
command
An instruction that directs the computer to perform a particular operation.
configuration
The way in which a computer is set up to operate. Some configurable options include CPU
speed, serial port designation, and memory allocation.
coprocessor
See math coprocessor.