Dell OptiPlex SX270 User Manual page 60

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Glossary
Dell™ OptiPlex™ SX270 Systems User's Guide
A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W X Z
Terms in this Glossary are provided for informational purposes only and may or may not describe features included with your particular computer.
A
AC — alternating current — The form of electricity that powers your computer when you plug the AC adapter power cable in to an electrical outlet.
ACPI — advanced configuration and power interface — A power management specification that enables Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to put a
computer in standby or hibernate mode to conserve the amount of electrical power allocated to each device attached to the computer.
AGP — accelerated graphics port — A dedicated graphics port that allows system memory to be used for video-related tasks. AGP delivers a smooth, true-color
video image because of the faster interface between the video circuitry and the computer memory.
antivirus software — A program designed to identify, quarantine, and/or delete viruses from your computer.
APR — advanced port replicator — A docking device that allows you to conveniently use a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other devices with your portable
computer.
ASF — alert standards format — A standard to define a mechanism for reporting hardware and software alerts to a management console. ASF is designed to
be platform- and operating system-independent.
B
backup — A copy of a program or data file on a floppy disk, CD, or hard drive. As a precaution, back up the data files from your hard drive regularly.
battery — An internal power source used to operate portable computers when not connected to an AC adapter and an electrical outlet.
battery life span — The length of time (years) during which a portable computer battery is able to be depleted and recharged.
battery operating time — The length of time (minutes or hours) that a portable computer battery holds a charge while powering the computer.
BIOS — basic input/output system — A program (or utility) that serves as an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system. Unless you
understand what effect the settings have on the computer, do not change the settings for this program. Also referred to as the system setup program.
bit — The smallest unit of data interpreted by your computer.
Bluetooth™ — A wireless technology standard for short-range (9 m [29 feet]) networking devices that allows for enabled devices to automatically recognize
each other.
boot sequence — Specifies the order of the devices from which the computer attempts to boot.
bootable CD — A CD that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always have
a bootable CD or floppy disk available. Your Drivers and Utilities or ResourceCD is a bootable CD.
bootable disk — A disk that you can use to start your computer. In case your hard drive is damaged or your computer has a virus, ensure that you always
have a bootable CD or floppy disk available.
bps — bits per second — The standard unit for measuring data transmission speed.
BTU — British thermal unit — A measurement of heat output.
bus — A communication pathway between the components in your computer.
bus speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast a bus can transfer information.
byte — The basic data unit used by your computer. A byte is usually equal to 8 bits.
C
C — Celsius — A temperature measurement system where 0° is the freezing point and 100° is the boiling point of water.
cache — A special high-speed storage mechanism which can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. The
cache enhances the efficiency of many microprocessor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the microprocessor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the microprocessor or incorporated into the microprocessor architecture.
carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport.
CD — compact disc — An optical form of storage media, typically used for audio and software programs.