Xi® MTower™ - NTower™ - NetRAIDer™
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Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
The “brains” of a computer, which interprets and executes
instructions.
DIMM An acronym for Dual In-line Memory Module, a small
circuit board that holds memory chips. A single DIMM has
a 64-bit path to the memory chips, compared to the 32-bit
path provided by SIMMs.
Direct Memory
Access (DMA)
The ability to transfer data directly into memory, without
requiring the help of the microprocessor.
Dual In-line
Package switches
(DIP switches)
Small switches typically used to configure non-PnP
expansion cards. DIP switches are so small, you have to use
a paper clip to flip them to the desired position.
DVD-ROM A drive that is functionally similar to a CD-ROM, but which
uses disk media with a capacity of 8.5 GB per diskette.
Ergonomics
The study of the problems of people in adjusting to their
environment. Ergonomics is a science that seeks to adapt
work or working conditions to suit the worker.
Expansion card A printed circuit board that you can install in a computer to
give it added capabilities. Examples of expansion cards
include video adapters, sound cards, and internal modems.
Floppy diskette
A soft magnetic disk. Floppy diskettes offer slower access
times and hold less data than hard drives. However, they are
not as expensive as hard drives and, unlike hard drives, can
be transported easily.
GB
An abbreviation for gigabytes. A gigabyte equals
1,073,741,824 bytes. Compare with KB and MB.
Grounding plug A plug that has two straight plugs for conducting electricity
and one round plug for grounding. Grounding plugs connect
to a three-slot receptacle. Your computer’s power cord is
equipped with a grounding plug.