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Glossary
A
access time
The time period between the supply of an access signal and the output or
acceptance of the data by the addressed system. Examples are the access times for
DRAMs, SRAMs, hard drives, and CD-ROM drives. Hard drive access time is the
time it takes for a computer to get data from the drive. A hard drive with an 11 ms
access time is fast. A CD-ROM drive with a 280-ms access time is fast.
ACPI
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A power management specification
developed by Intel, Microsoft, and Toshiba. When installed on the system, ACPI
enables the operating system to control the amount of power given to each device
attached to the computer. With ACPI, the operating system can turn off peripheral
devices (such as CD-ROM drives) when they are not in use. As another example,
ACPI enables manufacturers to produce computers that automatically power up as
soon as you touch the keyboard.
adapter
An expansion board or component on the system board that communicates with
peripherals (such as the display monitor or network devices).
address
A hexadecimal number that represents a location in storage or memory. Also used
to identify communication ports. To communicate with a storage device.
AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port. A high-speed, high-performance video standard
supported by a dedicated connector on the system board. The connector allows the
connection of an AGP board to the system board's AGP bus. AGP boards feature
64- or 128-bit graphics acceleration with an integrated digital video engine and
accelerated 3-D graphics, texture mapping, and shading functions. Fast refresh
rates, high resolution, and color depth allow for incredible graphics suitable for
multimedia and graphic intensive applications.
algorithm
Any set of instructions to be followed in order.
anti-aliasing
Making jagged edges look smoother by filling in the jags with an intermediate
color. Usually used in reference to the edges of shapes, especially letters, on a
computer screen.
Glossary 1
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