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Clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer components that are connected to the system bus operate. 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 — A metric unit of measure equal to 0.39 inch.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your computer. You may need the COA to complete the operating
system setup or reinstallation. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID.
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 microprocessor and memory or between the microprocessor and devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module— A special module without any memory chips that is used to fill unused RIMM slots.
Cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard 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.
Device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or connected to your computer.
Device driver — See driver.
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrinorm) standards; it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse
cable connectors.
Disk striping — A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations that retrieve data from disk storage. Systems
that use disk striping generally allow the user to select the data unit size or stripe width.
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the microprocessor.
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A consortium of hardware and software companies who develop management standards for distributed
desktop, network, enterprise and Internet environments.
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory that stores information in integrated circuits containing capacitors.
Driver — Software that allows the operating system to control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not work properly if the correct driver is not
installed in the computer.
Dual display mode — A display setting that allows you to use a second monitor as an extension of your display. Also referred to as extended display mode.
DVD — digital versatile disc — A disc usually used to store movies. DVDs are double-sided, whereas CDs are single-sided. DVD drives read most CD media as
well.
DVD drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read data from DVDs and CDs.
DVD player — The software used to watch DVD movies. The DVD player displays a window with buttons that you use to watch a movie.
DVD-RW drive — A drive that can read DVDs and most CD media and write to DVD-RW (rewritable DVDs) discs.
DVI — digital video interface — A standard for digital transmission between a computer and a digital video display; the DVI adapter works through the
computer's integrated graphics.
E
ECC — error checking and correction — A type of memory that includes special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory.
ECP — extended capabilities port — A parallel connector design that provides improved bidirectional data transmission. Similar to EPP, it uses direct memory
access to transfer data and often improves performance.
EDO RAM — extended data output RAM — A type of memory that improves the time to read from memory on faster microprocessors.
EIDE — enhanced integrated device electronics — An improved version of the IDE interface for hard drives and CD drives.
EMI — electromagnetic interference — Electrical interference caused by electromagnetic radiation.
Energy Star — EPA requirements that decrease the overall consumption of electricity.
EPP — enhanced parallel port — A parallel connector design that provides bidirectional data transmission.
ESD — electrostatic discharge — A rapid discharge of static electricity. ESD can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment.
Expansion card — A circuit board that installs in an expansion slot on the computer's system board, expanding the capabilities of the computer. Examples
include video, modem, and sound cards.
Expansion slot — A connector on the computer's system board where you insert an expansion card, connecting it to the system bus.
Express Service Code — AnumericcodelocatedonastickeronyourDell™computer.UsetheExpressServiceCodewhencontactingDellforassistance.