Dell 4100 User Manual page 124

I/O
Abbreviation for input/output. The keyboard and a printer,
for example, are I/O devices. In general, I/O activity can
be differentiated from computational activity. For exam-
ple, when a program sends a document to the printer, it is
engaging in I/O activity; when the program sorts a list of
terms, it is engaging in computational activity.
ID
Abbreviation for identification.
interlacing
A technique for increasing video resolution by only up-
dating alternate horizontal lines on the screen. Because
interlacing can result in noticeable screen flicker, most
users prefer noninterlaced video adapter resolutions.
internal microprocessor cache
An instruction and data cache built in to the microprocessor.
The Intel486, IntelDX2, and IntelDX4 microprocessors in-
clude an 8-KB internal cache. The Pentium microprocessor
includes a 16-KB internal cache, which is set up as an 8-KB
read-only instruction cache and an 8-KB read/write data
cache.
IPX
Acronym for internetwork packet exchange.
IRQ
Abbreviation for interrupt request. A signal that data is
about to be sent to or received by a peripheral travels by
an IRQ line to the microprocessor. Each peripheral con-
nection must be assigned an IRQ number. For example,
the first serial port in your computer (COM1) is assigned
to IRQ4 by default. Two devices can share the same IRQ
assignment, but you cannot operate both devices
simultaneously.
ISA
Acronym for Industry-Standard Architecture. A 16-bit ex-
pansion bus design. The expansion-card connectors in an
ISA computer are also compatible with 8-bit ISA expan-
sion cards.
ITE
Abbreviation for information technology equipment.
JEIDA
Acronym for Japanese Electronic Industry Development
Association.
K
Abbreviation for kilo-, indicating 1,000.
KB
Abbreviation for kilobyte(s), 1,024 bytes.
KB/sec
Abbreviation for kilobyte(s) per second.
Kbit(s)
Abbreviation for kilobit(s), 1,024 bits.
Kbit(s)/sec
Abbreviation for kilobit(s) per second.
key combination
A command requiring that you press multiple keys at the
same time. For example, you can reboot your computer by
pressing the < ><
CTRL ALT
kg
Abbreviation for kilogram(s), 1,000 grams.
kHz
Abbreviation for kilohertz, 1,000 hertz.
LAN
Acronym for local area network. A LAN system is usually
confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings,
with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically
to the LAN.
lb
Abbreviation for pound(s).
LCD
Abbreviation for liquid crystal display. A low-power dis-
play often used for notebook computers. An LCD consists
of a liquid crystal solution between two sheets of polarizing
material. An electric current causes each crystal to act like
a shutter that can open to allow light past or close to block
the light.
LED
Abbreviation for light-emitting diode. An electronic de-
vice that lights up when a current is passed through it.
LIF
Acronym for low insertion force. Some computers use LIF
sockets and connectors to allow devices such as the
>< > key combination.
DEL
Glossary 7