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Glossary 199
carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports into
foreign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport.
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 disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).
CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and
CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can
write to CD-R discs only once.
CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a combo drive, that can read
CDs and DVDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs.
You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs only
once.
clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer components
that are connected to the system bus operate.
CMOS — A type of electronic circuit. Computers use a small amount of battery-
powered CMOS memory to hold date, time, and system setup options.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a
sticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or
Product ID.
Consumer IR — A port that allows you to transfer data between the computer and
infrared-compatible devices without using a cable connection.
Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system and
hardware settings, such as display settings.
controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory
or between the processor and devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module — A special module that has no
memory chips and is used to fill unused RIMM slots.
cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard, touch
pad, or mouse action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an underline character, or
a small arrow.
D
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDRAM that doubles the data
burst cycle, improving system performance.