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Glossary 257
CD-R
CD recordable. A recordable version of a CD. Data
can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once
recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
CD-RW
CD rewritable. A rewritable version of a CD. Data can
be written to a CD-RW, then erased and written over
(rewritten).
Chip
See IC.
CIM
Common Information Model. CIM allows remote
management application programs to access system
management information on a client computer
running any Microsoft Windows
®
OS that includes
the WBEM core components.
Clock Speed
The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast
computer components operate that are connected to
the system bus. The speed is generated by a quartz
crystal on the system board that acts as a kind of
metronome. Components that are synchronized with
the clock speed can run faster or slower, but their
speed is determined by multiplying or dividing a
factor by the clock speed.
cm
Centimeter(s). A measurement of length equal to 0.39
inch.
CMOS
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. Memory
chips that are often used for NVRAM storage.
COA
Certificate of Authenticity. The Microsoft Windows
COA is a 25-digit alpha-numeric code located on a
sticker on your computer. You need the COA to
complete the OS setup or reinstallation. Also referred
to as the Product Key or Product ID. For more
information, see http://support.dell.com.
COM Port
A shortened reference to communications port. The
typical designation for a serial port connection to a
modem or other serial device. Most computers
support one or two serial ports designated as COM1
and COM2.
Control Code
An I/O character that causes an action rather than
appears as part of the data. You can input most
control codes by simultaneously pressing the <Ctrl>
key and a letter or character on the keyboard. Some
control codes usually have their own assigned keys,
such as <Escape>, <Tab>, <Delete>,
<Backspace>, and <Enter>. Different OSs and
programs have their own conventions for what effect
certain control codes will have, such as interrupting
the current process or suspending output. Control
codes can also be used to affect an output device, such
as causing a printer to start a new line of text.
Controller
Part of a computer, typically a separate circuit board
or chip, that allows the computer to use certain kinds
of devices. Types of controllers include hard-drive,
network, keyboard, interrupt, and graphics
controllers.
COO
Cost of ownership. Business asset data that helps an
organization collect and track information about its
assets. COO data is contained in a file on a computer,
defining the fiscal aspects of the computer, such as
ownership status, warranty information, lease
configuration, acquisition information, and so on.
The computer is a technology investment, and COO
business asset data provides organizations with
information they can use to target the reduction of
maintenance and support costs, as well as to assist
system integrators track the cost of computers they
provide for their customers.