Refresh rate

The refresh rate is the rate at which the image on the LCD screen is rewritten to the screen. A fast refresh rate helps keep the image from flickering.

Resolution

The resolution is the sharpness or clarity of the image on your LCD screen. Resolution is measured by the number of pixels the computer’s screen can display. For example, a resolution of 800x600 means that the screen can display 800 pixels in row and can display 600 rows. The more pixels displayed, the higher the resolution and the better the image.

ROM (read-only memory)

Permanent computer memory dedicated to a particular function. For example, the instructions for starting the computer when you first turn on power are contained in ROM. You cannot write to ROM. (ROM is not the same as RAM).

Sector

Also known as disk sector. The portion of a track that is numbered and can hold a specified number of characters (usually 512 KB).

Shadow RAM

A write-protected area of RAM that contains a copy of the BIOS. As the computer boots, the BIOS is copied from its permanent location in ROM to RAM. The BIOS can be executed much faster in RAM than in ROM. The BIOS remains in shadow RAM until you turn off the computer.

TFT (thin film transistor) LCD

A TFT LCD uses a separate transistor circuit to control each pixel. This technology provides the best resolution for an LCD screen. A TFT LCD is also sometimes called an active matrix LCD.

Zoomed video

Zoomed video technology enables zoom video PC Card to transfer data directly from the card to video and audio systems without going through the microprocessor. This process improves video performance. Video conferencing and real-time multimedia devices, such as video cameras, are supported by zoom video.

108 Glossary