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ASUS A7V-M User’s Manual 105
7 . APPENDIX
Glossary
7. APPENDIX
7.2 Glossary
AC97 (Audio Codec '97)
AC '97 is the next step in enabling PCs with audio quality comparable to consumer electronics devices. The specification defines
new cost-effective options to help integrate the components necessary to support next-generation auto-intensive PC applications
such as DVD, 3-D multiplayer gaming and interactive music. The specification also defines new extensions supporting modem
and docking to help both desktop and mobile manufacturers adopt these new technologies more quickly and cost-effectively. This
specification uses software emulation to compete with the PCI SoundBlaster specification.
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
The ACPI specification defines a cross-platform interface designed to support many operating systems. ACPI defines a flexible
and abstract hardware interface that provides a standard way to integrate power management features throughout a PC system,
including hardware, operating system and application software. This enables the system to automatically turn ON and OFF
peripherals such as CD-ROMs, network cards, hard disk drives, and printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the PC
such as VCRs, TVs, phones, and stereos. With this technology, peripherals will also be able to activate the PC. For example,
inserting a tape into a VCR can turn on the PC, which could then activate a large-screen TV and high-fidelity sound system.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
An interface specification that enables high-performance 3D graphics on mainstream PCs. AGP was designed to offer the necessary
bandwidth and latency to perform texture mapping directly from system memory.
Bus Bus Frequency Bandwidth Data Transfer Rate
PCI 33MHz 33MHz 133MByte/sec
AGP 1X 66MHz 66MHz 266MByte/sec
AGP 2X 66MHz 133MHz 512MByte/sec
AGP 4X 66MHz 266MHz 1024MByte/sec
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
BIOS is a set of routines that affect how the computer transfers data between computer components, such as memory, disks, and
the display adapter. The BIOS instructions are built into the computer’s read-only memory. BIOS parameters can be configured
by the user through the BIOS Setup program. The BIOS can be updated using the provided utility to copy a new BIOS file into the
EEPROM.
Bit (Binary Digit)
Represents the smallest unit of data used by the computer. A bit can have one of two values: 0 or 1.
Boot
Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into system memory. When the manual instructs you to “boot” your
system (or computer), it means to turn ON your computer. “Reboot” means to restart your computer. When using Windows 95 or later,
selecting “Restart” from “Start | Shut Down...” will reboot your computer.
Bus Master IDE
PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be involved in IDE access and waiting for mechanical events. Bus master
IDE transfers data to/from the memory without interrupting the CPU. Bus master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk drives
are required to support bus master IDE mode.
Byte (Binary Term)
One byte is a group of eight contiguous bits. A byte is used to represent a single alphanumeric character, punctuation mark, or
other symbol.
COM Port
COM is a logical device name used by to designate the computer serial ports. Pointing devices, modems, and infrared modules
can be connected to COM ports. Each COM port is configured to use a different IRQ and address assignment.
Concurrent PCI
Concurrent PCI maximizes system performance with simultaneous CPU, PCI and ISA bus activities. It includes multi-transaction
timing, enhanced write performance, a passive release mechanism and support for PCI 2.1 compliant delayed transactions. Concur-
rent PCI provides increased bandwidth, reduced system latencies, improves video and audio performance, and improves processing
of host based applications.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU, sometimes called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the computer. It interprets and executes program
commands and processes data stored in memory. Currently, there are socket 370 (for Pentium III FC-PGA and Celeron-PPGA),
socket 7 (for Pentium, AMD, Cyrix, IBM), slot 1 (for Pentium II and III), slot 2 (for Xeon), and slot A (for AMD) processors.
Device Driver
A device driver is a special set of instructions that allows the computer’s operating system to communicate with devices such as
VGA, audio, printer, or modem.
DOS (Disk Operating System)
DOS is the foundation on which all other programs and software applications operate, including Windows. DOS is responsible
for allocating system resources such as memory, CPU time, disk space, and access to peripheral devices. For this reason, DOS
constitutes the basic interface between you and your computer.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
There are several different types of DRAM such as, EDO DRAM (Extended Data Output DRAM), SDRAM (Synchronous
DRAM), and RDRAM (Rambus DRAM).
Flash ROM
The flash ROM is designed to be a resident program and can be updated by a specific programming method. Normally, the flash ROM
is used for system BIOS which initiates hardware devices and sets up necessary parameters for the OS. Since the contents of flash ROM
can be modified, users are able to update the BIOS by themselves.