serial printer

A printer with a serial interface.

SGRAM

Synchronous Graphic Random Access Memory. A type of DRAM used increasingly on video adapters and graphics accelerators. Like SDRAM, SGRAM can synchronize itself with the CPU bus clock at speeds of up to 100 MHz. In addition, SGRAM uses several other techniques, such as masked writes and block writes, to increase bandwidth for graphics-intensive functions. Unlike VRAM and WRAM, SGRAM is single-ported (it can only be accessed by one device at a time). However, it can open two memory pages at once, which simulates the dual-port nature of other video RAM technologies (access by two different devices simultaneously). See VRAM and WRAM.

SIMM

Single Inline Memory Module. A small circuit board holding a group of memory chips. Typically, SIMMs hold up to nine RAM chips. On PCs, the ninth chip is for parity error checking. Unlike memory chips, SIMMs are measured in bytes rather than bits. In today’s SIMMs, each chip holds 2 MB, so a single SIMM holds 16 MB. SIMMs are easier to install than individual memory chips. The bus from a SIMM to the actual memory chips is 32 bits wide. A newer technology, called dual in-line memory module (DIMM), provides a 64-bit bus. To take advantage of the 64-bit bus on Pentium II processors, use either DIMMs or pairs of SIMMs. See DIMMs.

Slot 1

The form factor for Intel Pentium II processors. The Slot 1 package replaces the Socket 7 and Socket 8 form factors used by previous Pentium processors. Slot 1 is a 242-pin daughter card slot that accepts a microprocessor packaged as a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge. A system board can have one or two Slot 1s. See SEC.

SMART

Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A hard drive feature that works in conjunction with system software (for example, LANDesk Client Manager, NEC Auto Backup) for identifying a potential problem on the hard drive and automatically backing up system files to a user-specified device, such as a tape or Zip drive.

sound card

An expansion card designed for sound input and output. Sound cards can record and play back digital audio. Most also have a MIDI synthesizer, which means they can play MIDI files; some also have MIDI inputs and outputs.

super video graphics array (SVGA)

A color bit-mapped graphics display standard that provides a resolution of 1024x 768 with up to 256 colors displayed simultaneously.

synchronous

Refers to protocols that require the clocks of the communicating machines to be coordinated.

14 Glossary

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NEC SP B-Series manual Printer with a serial interface