TYAN THUNDER K8HR Manual page 88

DIMM bank: sometimes called DIMM sockets, because the physical slot and
the logical unit are the same. That is, one DIMM module fits into one DIMM
socket, which is capable of acting as a memory bank.
DMA (Direct Memory Access): channels that are similar to IRQs. DMA
channels allow hardware devices (like soundcards or keyboards) to access the
main memory without involving the CPU. This frees up CPU resources for other
tasks. As with IRQs, it is vital that you do not double up devices on a single line.
Plug-n-Play devices will take care of this for you.
Doze mode: in this mode, only the CPU's speed is slowed.
DRAM (Dynamic RAM): widely available, very affordable form of RAM which
has the unfortunate tendency to lose data if it is not recharged regularly (every
few milliseconds). This refresh requirement makes DRAM three to ten times
slower than non-recharged RAM such as SRAM.
ECC (Error Correction Code or Error Checking and Correcting): allows data
to be checked for errors during run-time. Errors can subsequently be corrected
at the same time that they're found.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): also called Flash
BIOS, is a ROM chip which can, unlike normal ROM, be updated. This allows
you to keep up with changes in the BIOS programs without having to buy a new
chip. TYAN's BIOS updates can be found at http://www.tyan.com
EMRL: Embedded RAID Logic. An Adaptec specific RAID technology.
ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data): a format for storing
information about Plug-n-Play devices in the system BIOS. This information
helps properly configure the system each time it boots.
Fault-tolerance: a term describing a system where one component can quickly
be replaced without causing a loss of service, such as in a RAID system.
Firmware: low-level software that controls the system hardware.
Form factor: an industry term for the size, shape, power supply type, and
external connector type of the Personal Computer Board (PCB) or motherboard.
The standard form factors are the AT and ATX, although TYAN also makes
some Baby-AT and ATX Footprint boards.
Global timer: onboard hardware timer, such as the Real-Time Clock (RTC).
Handshaking: a process where two devices initiate communications. One
device, typically the server, sends a message to another device, typically a
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