HP Vectra VL6 6 User Manual page 98

Glossary
POST Power-On Self-Test. A series
of tests your computer performs
when you switch the computer on.
RAM Random Access Memory. This
memory is used to hold programs and
data temporarily.
resolution A measure of the visible
detail on a screen or printout. Screen
resolution is measured in 'pixels
across' by 'pixels down' by 'number of
colors'. Printer resolution is measured
in dpi (dots-per-inch).
ROM Read-Only Memory. Computer
memory used to store parts of the
computer's operating system
permanently. ROM chips can contain
instructions and data.
Setup program Used to set the
computer's configuration, for
example the amount of memory
installed. The setup program is stored
in ROM on the system board.
shadow RAM A method of
relocating the system and/or video
BIOS from slower ROM chips to faster
RAM to improve system performance.
SIMM Single In-line Memory
Module. These memory modules can
provide a 32-bit data path.
Sound files Files containing sound
data. Sound files are usually stored in
one of four formats, with the
extension .WAV, .MID, .VOC, or .CMF.
True color Also known as RGB
86 English
color or 24-bit color. True color
graphics systems are usually
equipped with at least 24 bits per
pixel. In the 24-bit system, for
instance, three primary colors in the
color graphics system—red, green
and blue—are allotted 8 bits each.
There are 28, or 256 intensities each
for red, green and blue. This
translates to a total palette range of
16.7 million colors (256 x 256 x 256).
Because the human eye cannot detect
the subtlety available in a palette of
16.7 million colors, this range makes it
possible to compute what appears to
be gradual shading.
video controller A chip or
expansion card which converts
signals in the computer into
displayable signals.
video RAM Memory that enables or
speeds up drawing to the screen or
increases resolution or color options.
VOC files Proprietary digital audio
format developed by Creative Labs,
Inc. Most digital audio adheres to the
Microsoft WAV format.
WAV files A Microsoft file format for
storing digital audio data.
Windows RAM (WRAM) Dual-
ported memory, which allows for
simultaneous input of data from the
graphics controller and output of data
to the display.