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RAM (Random Access Memory): technically refers to a type of memory where any byte can be
accessed without touching the adjacent data and is often referred to the system’s main memory.
This memory is available to any program running on the computer.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): a storage chip which contains the BIOS; the basic instructions
required to boot the computer and start up the operating system.
SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM): called as such because it can keep two sets of memory
addresses open simultaneously. By transferring data alternately from one set of addresses and
then the other, SDRAM cuts down on the delays associated with non -synchronous RAM, which
must close one address bank before opening the next.
Serial port: called as such because it transmits the eight bits of a byte of data along one wire, and
receives data on another single wire (that is, the data is transmitted in serial form, one bit after
another).
SCSI Interrupt Steering Logic (SISL): Architecture that allows a RAID controller, such as
AcceleRAID 150, 200 or 250, to implement RAID on a system board-embedded SCSI bus or a set
of SCSI busses. SISL: SCSI Interrupt Steering Logic ( LSI ) (only on LSI SCSI boards)
Sleep/Suspend mode: in this mode, all devices except the CPU shut down.
SDRAM (Static RAM): unlike DRAM, this type of RAM does not need to be refreshed in order to
prevent data loss. Thus, it is faster and more expensive.
Standby mode: in this mode, the video and hard drives shut down; all other devices continue to
operate normally.
UltraDMA-33/66/100: a fast version of the old DMA channel. UltraDMA is also called UltraATA.
Without a proper UltraDMA controller, your system cannot take advantage of higher data transfer
rates of the new UltraDMA/UltraATA hard drives.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): a versatile port. This one port type can function as a serial, parallel,
mouse, keyboard or joystick port. It is fast enough to support video transfer, and is capable of
supporting up to 127 daisy-chained peripheral devices.
VGA (Video Graphics Array): the PC video display standard
V-SYNC: controls the vertical scanning properties of the monitor.
ZCR (Zero Channel RAID): PCI card that allows a RAID card to use the onboard SCSI chip, thus
lowering cost of RAID solution
ZIF Socket (Zero Insertion Force socket): these sockets make it possible to insert CPUs without
damaging the sensitive CPU pins. The CPU is lightly placed in an open ZIF socket, and a lever is
pulled down. This shifts the processor over and down, guiding it into the board and locking it into
place.