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Glossary 73
SXGA+ — super-extended graphics array plus — A
video standard for video cards and controllers that
supports resolutions up to 1400 x 1050.
system board — The main circuit board in your
computer. Also known as the motherboard.
system setup — A utility that serves as an interface
between the computer hardware and the operating
system. System setup allows you to configure
userselectable options in the BIOS, such as date and
time or system password. Unless you understand what
effect the settings have on the computer, do not
change the settings for this program.
T
TAPI — telephony application programming
interface — Enables Windows programs to operate
with a wide variety of telephony devices, including
voice, data, fax, and video.
text editor — A program used to create and edit files
that contain only text; for example, Windows
Notepad uses a text editor. Text editors do not
usually provide word wrap or formatting functionality
(the option to underline, change fonts, and so on).
TPM — trusted platform module — A hardware-
based security feature that when combined with
security software enhances network and computer
security by enabling features such as file and e-mail
protection.
travel module — A plastic device designed to fit
inside the module bay of a portable computer to
reduce the weight of the computer.
U
UMA — unified memory allocation — System
memory dynamically allocated to video.
UPS — uninterruptible power supply — A backup
power source used when the electrical power fails or
drops to an unacceptable voltage level. A UPS keeps a
computer running for a limited amount of time when
there is no electrical power. UPS systems typically
provide surge suppression and may also provide
voltage regulation. Small UPS systems provide battery
power for a few minutes to enable you to shut down
your computer.
USB — universal serial bus — A hardware interface
for a low-speed device such as a USB-compatible
keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers,
printer, broadband devices (DSL and cable modems),
imaging devices, or storage devices. Devices are
plugged directly in to a 4-pin socket on your computer
or in to a multi-port hub that plugs in to your
computer. USB devices can be connected and
disconnected while the computer is turned on, and
they can also be daisy-chained together.
UTP — unshielded twisted pair — Describes a type of
cable used in most telephone networks and some
computer networks. Pairs of unshielded wires are
twisted to protect against electromagnetic
interference, rather than relying on a metal sheath
around each pair of wires to protect against
interference.
UXGA — ultra extended graphics array — A video
standard for video cards and controllers that supports
resolutions up to 1600 x 1200.
V
video controller — The circuitry on a video card or on
the system board (in computers with an integrated
video controller) that provides the video
capabilities—in combination with the monitor—for
your computer.