Ciara Enterprise/Discovery 945GTP
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Pixel -- Short for "picture element", the smallest single dot displayable on the display.
Power-On Self Test (POST) -- Internal test procedures that the BIOS runs automatically when the system is turned
on. These procedures verify that all the computer's hardware is functioning properly. If the test detects problems, the
computer displays error codes before (or instead of) starting the operating system. The error codes can help a service
person determine what is wrong with your computer.
RAM -- An acronym for "random-access memory." The type of computer memory used to store information while a
program is running. All data stored in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off or power is lost.
Refresh -- Periodic rewrite of system memory contents to the same memory locations by the microprocessor so that
the contents do not decay beyond redemption.
Resolution -- A measure of the quality of the image that can be shown on a particular display; usually expressed as
the number of pixels that can be displayed horizontally across the display screen by the number of pixels that can be
displayed vertically on the display screen.
ROM -- An acronym for "read-only memory." The type of computer memory that is used to permanently store the
information vital to computer operation, including some parts of the operating system. ROM is permanent and the
contents will not be lost when the computer is turned off.
SCSI -- An acronym for Small Computer Systems Interface. An interface that allows you to connect several
peripherals (hard drives, CD-ROM drives and tape backup units) to your computer system using a daisy-chained
controller cable.
Serial interface -- An interface that transmits and receives data in a serial manner, transmitting or receiving data one
bit at a time.
Set-up -- The arrangement of connections between an assembly of individual computing units, and the adjustments
needed for the computer to operate.
SRAM -- Static Random Access Memory. A type of memory that does not need to be refreshed. Data stored in the
SRAM remains until changed or until the computer is turned off.
System -- An assembly of components united by some form of regulated interaction to form an organized whole.
System board -- The large printed-circuit board in a computer on which most electronic devices are mounted; the
primary board in a computer. All other interfaces receive control signals or information from the system board. Also
commonly referred to as a "motherboard" or "main board".
USB -- Universal Serial Bus. USB 1.1 is a hot pluggable daisy chained 12 MB/Sec serial bus. USB 2.0 is a hot
pluggable daisy chained 480 MB/Sec serial bus. Devices may be plugged in or out without turning off the system.
USB devices include mice, scanners, keyboards, and digital cameras.
Wait states -- A delay in the computer's information processing cycle caused by a difference in speed between a
faster processor and slower memory, which holds data. Zero wait states means the processor does not have to "wait"
for memory, and can access data as fast as it is needed.
Word -- The set of bits comprising the largest unit that the computer can handle in a single operation.
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