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RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): a way for the same data to
be stored in different places on many hard drives. By using this method, the
data is stored redundantly and multiple hard drives will appear as a single drive
to the operating system. RAID level 0 is known as striping, where data is striped
(or overlapped) across multiple hard drives, but offers no fault-tolerance. RAID
level 1 is known as mirroring, which stores the data within at least two hard
drives, but does not stripe. RAID level 1 also allows for faster access time and
fault-tolerance, since either hard drive can be read at the same time. RAID level
0+1 is both striping and mirroring, providing fault-tolerance, striping, and faster
access all at the same time.
RAIDIOS: RAID I/O Steering (Intel)
RAM (Random Access Memory): technically refers to a type of memory where
any byte can be accessed without touching the adjacent data and is often
referred to the system's main memory. This memory is available to any program
running on the computer.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): a storage chip which contains the BIOS; the basic
instructions required to boot the computer and start up the operating system.
SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM): called as such because it can keep
two sets of memory addresses open simultaneously. By transferring data
alternately from one set of addresses and then the other, SDRAM cuts down on
the delays associated with non-synchronous RAM, which must close one
address bank before opening the next.
Serial port: called as such because it transmits the eight bits of a byte of data
along one wire, and receives data on another single wire (that is, the data is
transmitted in serial form, one bit after another).
Sleep/Suspend mode: in this mode, all devices except the CPU shut down.
SDRAM (Static RAM): unlike DRAM, this type of RAM does not need to be
refreshed in order to prevent data loss. Thus, it is faster and more expensive.
Standby mode: in this mode, the video and hard drives shut down; all other
devices continue to operate normally.
UltraDMA-33/66/100: a fast version of the old DMA channel. UltraDMA is also
called UltraATA. Without a proper UltraDMA controller, your system cannot take
advantage of higher data transfer rates of the new UltraDMA/UltraATA hard
drives.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): a versatile port. This one port type can function
as a serial, parallel, mouse, keyboard or joystick port. It is fast enough to
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