Samsung SN6000 Series User Manual page 113

Glossary
AC adapter
BIOS
Boot
Boot disk
Byte
Cache memory
Samsung SN6000 Series User's Manual
The AC (or alternating current) adapter regulates current coming
into your computer from the wall outlet. The current at the wall
outlet is alternating current and needs to be changed by the adapter
to DC (direct current) before your computer can use it for power.
BIOS stands for basic input/output system. The BIOS is software
(often called firmware) that is independent of any operating
system. It enables the computer to communicate with the screen,
keyboard, and other peripheral devices without using programs on
the hard disk.
The BIOS on your computer is flash BIOS, which means that it has
been recorded on a flash memory chip that can be updated if
needed.
To start your computer. A cold boot resets the entire computer and
runs through all computer self-tests. A warm boot clears out
computer memory only.
A disk containing operating system programs required to start
your computer. A boot disk can be a floppy disk, hard drive, or
compact disc.
The basic unit of measure for computer memory. A character—
such as a letter of the alphabet—uses one byte of memory.
Computer memory is often measured in kilobytes (1,024 bytes) or
megabytes (1,048,576 bytes).
Each byte is made up of eight bits. For more information on bytes
and bits, see an introductory book on computers.
Cache is very fast, zero-wait-state memory located between the
microprocessor and main memory. Cache reduces the average
Glossary 102