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Glossary
BIOS Basic Input/Output System.
Code within the computer that
controls the input and output data.
Bus An electrical connection over
which information is transported.
Cache A block of memory used for
the temporary storage of data.
CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read Only
Memory. A storage device that uses
compact disc technology. CDs can
store data, but cannot be written to,
hence the term "read-only".
CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor. A separate portion of
your computer's memory, the contents
of which are preserved when you turn
off the computer. CMOS memory
stores information that must be
maintained, such as your computer's
configuration.
Controller A device that enables
another device to communicate with
the computer.
CPU Central Processing Unit. The
CPU is invariably a single chip, the
microprocessor. The speed of the CPU
is determined by the clock rate.
DAT Digital Audio Tape.
Device driver Software that enables
the computer to work with a specific
peripheral, such as a printer.
DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module
(64 or 72-bit data path)
DMA Direct Memory Access. A DMA
channel allows certain types of data
transfer between RAM and a device to
bypass the microprocessor.
DMA channel Direct Memory Access
channel. Speeds up I/O to and from the
system's memory by avoiding CPU
processing. However, the system limits
the number of cards that can use DMA.
DRAM Dynamic Random Access
Memory.
ECC Error Correcting Code can
detect and correct errors in memory
modules.
EDO Extended Data Output. A
memory system for use with a PCI bus
structure that allows faster use of
DRAM and also allows part of the main
memory to be used as a fast cache.
EPA Environment Protection Agency.
Sets standards, such as the Energy Star
Award.
FDD Floppy Disk Drive.
Hard disk Storage device for
computer providing read and write
storage. This is one type of mass
storage device.
IDE Integrated Device Electronics. A
protocol for communications between
the computer and a disk drive.
I/O address Input/Output address.
Address that defines the channel used
between the main processor and a
peripheral component.
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