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CPU - An acronym for Central Pro-
cessing Unit. A CPU performs arith-
metic calculations, makes logical
decisions, and directs the operation of
the computer in conjunction with the
operating system.
DIMM - An acronym for Dual Inline
Memory Module. A small printed cir-
cuit board containing memory chips.
Disk Drive - A hardware device which
provides for the storage of data on dis-
kettes or hard metal disks that have a
magnetic coating. A disk drive func-
tions by spinning at high speed while
moving a device called the read/write
head across the disk's surface in order
to read or write data in magnetic code.
DRAM - An acronym for Dynamic
Random Access Memory. A type of
memory chip that only keeps its
memory if supplied with regular clock
pulses and a chance to regularly refresh
its data. It is slower and more cost ef-
fective than SRAM. See SRAM.
ECC - An acronym for Error Check-
ing and Correction. ECC is logic de-
signed to correct memory errors. The
number of errors that can be corrected
depends upon the algorithms used, and
the number of error correction bits
(non-data bits) present.
ECP - An acronym for Expanded
Capabilities Port. A standard set by
Hewlett Packard and Microsoft Corpo-
ration to expand the capabilities of the
parallel port.
Micronics C400 System Board Manual
EDO Memory - An acronym for Ex-
tended Data Out. A DRAM perfor-
mance feature that permits multiple bit
of data in a single row to be accessed
quickly.
EPP - An acronym for Enhanced Par-
allel Port. A standard which increases
the capabilities of the parallel port.
EPROM - Acronym for Erasable Pro-
grammable Read Only Memory. A
type of ROM chip that can be pro-
grammed with relatively simple tools
that will retain its data until erased. It
can only be erased by exposing the cir-
cuitry in the chip to ultraviolet light.
See also Flash ROM.
Flash ROM - A type of ROM chip that
will retain its data until erased. It can
be erased or reprogrammed by supply-
ing it with +12V of voltage. See ROM
and EPROM.
Gigabyte - A disk storage capacity mea-
surement. Approximately one thousand
megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes.
IDE - An acronym for Integrated
Device Electronics. A standard for
communicating between a hard drive
and a computer.
Internal Cache - Cache which is built
into the CPU. See Cache.
ISA - An acronym for Industry Stan-
dard Architecture. A well-established
bus standard that originated with the
IBM AT. See PCI and VESA Local Bus.
Glossary
79
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