MSI MS-6552 Manual page 39

Glossary
example, a modem chipset contains all the primary circuits for transmitting and receiv-
ing data; a PC chipset provides the electronic interfaces between all subsystems.
CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)
CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor, which features high speed and low
power consumption. PCs usually contain a small amount of battery-powered CMOS
memory to retain the date, time, and system setup parameters.
COM
In MS-DOS system, the name of a serial communications port. DOS supports four
serial ports. For example, if a modem is connected to one serial port and a serial mouse
to another, they are identified as COM1 and COM2.
DIMM (dual in-line memory module)
A small circuit board that holds memory chips. A SIMM (single in-line memory
module) has a 32-bit path to the memory chips whereas a DIMM has 64-bit path.
DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
A most common type of computer memory. It usually uses one transistor and a
capacitor to represent a bit. As the development of technology, the memory type and
specification used in computer becomes variety, such as SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and
RDRAM. For further instruction, please see the table below:
Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Memory Technologies
T ype First Used Clock Rate
FPM (60,70ns) 1990 25MHz
EDO (50,60,70ns) 1994 40MHz
SDRAM (66MHz) 1996 66MHz
SDRAM (100MHz) 1998 100MHz
SDRAM (133MHz) 1999 133MHz
RDRAM (Direct Rambus) 1999 400MHz
DDR SDRAM (100MHz) 2000 100MHz
DDR SDRAM (133MHz) 2000 133MHz
* Memory channel width (64 bits started with 75MHz Pentium)
Source: Computer Desktop Encyclopedia
Peak
Bus* Width Volts
Bandwidth
64 bits 200 MBps 5v
64 bits 320 MBps 5v
64 bits 528 MBps 3.3v
64 bits 800 MBps 3.3v
64 bits 1.1 GBps 3.3v
16 bits 1.6 GBps 2.5v
64 bits 1.6 GBps 3.3v
64 bits 2.1 GBps 3.3v
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ECC Memory (error correcting code memory)
A type of memory that contains special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data and
correcting the errors on the fly.
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)
A type of disk-drive interface widely used to connect hard disks, CD-ROMs and tape
drives to a PC, in which the controller electronics is integrated into the drive itself,
eliminating the need for a separate adapter card. The IDE interface is known as the
ATA (AT Attachment) specification.
IEEE 1394
A new, high speed external bus standard, also known as FireWire or iLink, which
supports data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbps for connecting up to 63 external
devices.
IrDA (Infrared Data Association)
A group of device vendors, including computer, component and telecommunications,
who have developed a standard for transmitting data via infrared light waves. This
enables you to transfer data from one device to another without any cables.
LAN (local area network)
A computer network that covers a relatively smaller area, such as in a building or an
enterprise. It is made up of servers, workstations, shared resources, a network oper-
ating system and a communications link. These individual PCs and devices on a LAN
are known as " nodes" , and are connected by cables to access data and devices any-
where on the LAN, so that many users can share expensive devices and data.
LED (light emitting diode)
A semiconductor device that converts electrical energy into light. Since it lights up
(usually red) when electricity is passed through it, it is usually used for the activity
lights on computer' s component, such as disk drivers.
LPT (line printer terminal)
Logical device name for a line printer; a name reserved by the MS-DOS for up to three
parallel printer ports: LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3. It is frequently used by the OS to
identify a printer.
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Glossary