HP Kayak XA User Manual page 170

crystal.bk : glossary.fb4 Page 154 Monday, March 23, 1998 4:09 AM
Glossary
computer. It is used to store
information that must be maintained,
such as your computer's
configuration.
controller A device that enables
another device (such as a hard disk)
to communicate with the computer.
DAT Digital Audio Tape.
DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module.
These memory modules provide a 64-
bit data path for improved system
performance.
device driver Software that enables
the computer to interface with a
specific peripheral, such as a printer
or display.
Digital audio Digitally recorded
sound such as speech and sound
effects.
DMA channel Direct Memory
Access channel. Speeds up I/O to and
from the system's memory by
avoiding CPU processing. However,
the system limits the number of
boards that can use DMA.
DVD player Digital Versatile Disk
player. A standardized device to play
digital audio and video sequences.
ECC Error Correcting Code can
detect and correct data errors in
memory modules.
154 English
expansion slot A slot inside the
computer, connected to the system
board, that can be used for accessory
boards.
extended memory Memory which
can be addressed by the processor in
the area of memory above the first
1 MB.
Extended MIDI format Allows
MIDI channels 1 to 10 of the General
MIDI operation mode to be used when
notes are played through MIDI.
FM synthesis A technique for
synthesizing sound that uses a
combination of modulated sine waves
to produce different waves forms.
General MIDI format A standard
set of 128 sounds. Allows 16 channels
to be used when notes are played
through MIDI.
IDE Integrated Device Electronics.
An interface standard for
communications between the
computer and a hard disk or CD-ROM.
IRQ Interrupt Request. A signal, that
when received by the processor, halts
the current process and allows a
different task to be undertaken.
IRQ line The Interrupt Request line
is the signal line used to notify the
CPU that it wants to send or receive
data for processing.