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170 Glossary
CPU — Central processing unit. See processor.
DC — Direct current.
DDR — Double-data rate. A technology in memory modules that potentially doubles
the data rate by transferring data on both the rising and falling pulses of a clock cycle.
device driver — A program that allows the operating system or some other program to
interface correctly with a peripheral.
DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A method of automatically
assigning an IP address to a client system.
diagnostics — A comprehensive set of tests for your system.
DIMM — Dual in-line memory module. See also memory module.
DNS — Domain Name System. A method of translating Internet domain names, such
as www.example.com, into IP addresses, such as 208.77.188.166.
DRAM — Dynamic random-access memory. A system’s RAM is usually made up
entirely of DRAM chips.
driver — See device driver.
DVD — Digital versatile disc or digital video disc.
ECC — Error checking and correction.
EMI — Electromagnetic interference.
ESD — Electrostatic discharge.
ESM — See iDRAC.
expansion bus — Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to
communicate with controllers for peripherals, such as NICs.
expansion card — An add-in card, such as a NIC or SCSI adapter, that plugs into an
expansion-card connector on the system board. An expansion card adds some
specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion
bus and a peripheral.
expansion-card connector — A connector on the system board or riser board for
plugging in an expansion card.
F — Fahrenheit.
FAT — File allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize
and keep track of file storage. The Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems can
optionally use a FAT file system structure.
Fibre Channel — A high-speed network interface used primarily with networked
storage devices.
flash memory — A type of electronic chip that can be programmed and