Glossary

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

 

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Term

Definition

 

 

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.

 

 

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brains of the computer; it processes the instructions

 

of your system’s programs. The CPU is also known as the processor or microprocessor and can

 

be found on the motherboard of your computer.

 

 

CRT

A cathode ray tube (CRT) is a specialized vacuum tube in which images are produced when

 

an electron beam strikes a phosphorescent surface. Most desktop computer displays make

 

use of CRTs. The CRT in a computer display is similar to the "picture tube" in a television

 

receiver.

 

 

DC In

The Direct Current interface to which you connect your computer’s AC adapter or power

 

cable.

 

 

Driver

A driver is software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to

 

be able to use a printer, you must first install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse

 

driver, come with the operating system.

 

 

DVD-ROM

Short for Digital Versatile Disc. A type of read-only CD with a minimum capacity of 4.7 GB

 

(maximum capacity can reach 17 GB). This high storage power makes it the ideal medium for

 

storing films.

 

 

DVD-RW

Short for DVD-Rewriteable. A DVD format that allows the user to record and erase multiple

 

times on a single DVD disc. By comparison, a DVD-R can only be written to once.