216 Glossary
SDRAMsynchronous dynamic random access memory
SRAMstatic random access memory
SVGAsuper video graphics adapter
TFTthin film transistor

USB

universal serial bus
URLuniform resource locator
WANwide area network
wwwWorld Wide Web

Terms

A

B

The following terms may appear in this user’s guide.

active-matrix display — A liquid crystal display (LCD) made from an array of liquid crystal cells using active-matrix technology. Also known as a “TFT display,” in its simplest form there is one thin film transistor (TFT) for each cell. This type of display works well with notebook computers because of its shallow depth and high-quality color. Active-matrix displays are viewable from wider angles than most passive-matrix displays.

adapter — A device that provides a compatible connection between two units. For example, the computer’s internal display adapter receives information from the software and translates it into images on the screen. An adapter can take a number of forms, from a microprocessor to a simple connector. An intelligent adapter (one that is capable of doing some processing) may also be called a controller.

alternating current (AC) — The type of power usually supplied to residential and commercial wall outlets. AC reverses its direction at regular intervals. Compare direct current (DC).

application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks of a specific type. Applications include word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems. See also program.

backup — A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in case the original file is lost or damaged.

basic input/output system (BIOS) — See BIOS.