Glossary

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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Glossary

This section refers to terms used in this manual and elsewhere in the VAIO world. These terms and definitions have been compiled to provide you with a better understanding of your VAIO computer.

Term

Definition

 

 

<F1> key

The <F1> key gives you access to the online help of most software.

 

 

10BASE-T/100BASE-TX

Ethernet system providing data transfer rates of 10 Mbps (megabits per second) and

 

100 Mbps. The 100BASE-TX is a very direct derivative of 10BASE-T. Its 100 Mbps speed is

 

achieved by simply sending the signal 10 times faster.

 

 

ACPI

Short for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, a power management specification.

 

ACPI enables the operating system to turn peripherals on and off and to control the amount

 

of power given to each device attached to the computer. With ACPI, a CD-ROM player can

 

be turned off by the operating system if it is not in use.

 

 

BIOS

An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS is a program that enables the computer

 

to start when you turn it on. It monitors the data stream between the operating system and

 

the computer’s hardware devices.

 

 

CD-ROM

Abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A high-capacity optical disc, usually

 

650 MB in size, capable of being read from but not written to.

 

 

CD-RW

Short for Compact Disc-ReWriteable. Compact Disc that can be used to write or rewrite data

 

to it. A CD-RW can be written to several times, a CD-R can only be written to once.

 

 

CNR

Short for Communication and Networking Riser. A hardware device that plugs into a

 

motherboard and holds chips for functions like modems and audio devices.