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Glossary 267
RS-232
A long-established standard describing the interface
for serial data communication between computers
and related devices. See also DCE and DTE.
RTC
Real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry on
the system board that keeps the date and time after
you turn off the computer.
RTCRST
Real-time clock reset. A jumper on the system board
that can often be used for troubleshooting problems.
SCSI
Small computer system interface. A high-speed
interface that can be used to connect devices to a
computer, such as hard drives, CD drives, printers,
and scanners. The SCSI can connect up to seven
devices using a single controller. Each device is
accessed by an individual ID number on the SCSI
controller’s bus. See also LVD.
SDRAM
Synchronous dynamic random-access memory
(DRAM). A type of DRAM used on DIMMs. SDRAM
is synchronized with the system clock speed,
operating at the same speed as the system bus.
sec
Second(s). A measurement of time.
Serial Port
An I/O port on your computer that transfers data
sequentially, one bit at a time. It uses either a 9-pin
or a 25-pin, male subminiature-D connector, typically
to connect a device such as a modem or mouse. Also
referred to as a COM port. See also DCE and DTE.
Service Tag Number
A five to seven-digit alpha-numeric code located on
a sticker on your Dell computer. This code is
programmed into your computer’s system setup by
Dell during the manufacturing process. Dell
customer support applications use the Service Tag to
display all of the configuration and support history
information for your specific computer. See also
Express Service Code. For more information, see
http://support.dell.com.
SIMM
Single in-line memory module. A slim circuit board
containing RAM chips. SIMMs can be plugged into
sockets on the computer's system board to add
memory to the computer. Depending on the
computer, SIMMs may need to be installed in
multiples of two or four. See also DIMM and RIMM.
SMART
Self-Monitoring And Reporting Tool. A standard for
developing hard drives and software systems that
automatically monitors a hard drive's health and
reports potential problems. Ideally, this should allow
you to take proactive actions to prevent impending
hard-drive failures.
SMBIOS
System management BIOS. A standard method by
which the BIOS data of a WfM-compliant computer
can be accessed remotely.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol. The protocol
governing network management and the monitoring
of network equipment.
SPGA
Staggered pin grid array. A type of socket for a
computer chip. The SPGA socket has all its pins in
staggered rows, as opposed to the PGA socket, which
has its pins lined up in even rows.
SPX
Sequenced packet exchange. A transport layer protocol
that works with IPX to ensure reliable data
transmissions. See also IPX/SPX.