Dell PowerVault 715N User Manual page 21

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Glossary
Dell™ PowerVault™ 715N Systems User's Guide
The following list defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in Dell user documents.
A
Abbreviation for ampere(s).
AC
Abbreviation for alternating current.
adapter card
An expansion card that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the system board. An adapter card adds some
specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral device. Examples
of adapter cards include network cards, sound cards, and SCSI adapters.
asset tag code
An individual code assigned to a system, usually by a system administrator, for security or tracking purposes.
backup
A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, you should back up your system's hard drive on a regular basis. Before
making a change to the configuration of your system, you should back up important startup files from your operating
system.
BIOS
Acronym for basic input/output system. Your system's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS
controls the following:
Communications between the microprocessor and peripheral devices, such as the keyboard and the video adapter
Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
bit
The smallest unit of information interpreted by your system.
boot routine
When you start your system, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the
operating system fails to respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your system by pressing
<Ctrl><Alt><Delete>; otherwise, you must perform a cold boot by pressing the reset button or by turning the system
off, and then back on.
bps
Abbreviation for bits per second.
bus