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is used for maintaining computer configuration information such as date, time, and other system setup options that you can set.
O
On-Board — Usually refers to components that are physically located or integrated on the computer's system board.
P
Parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
Partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical drives. Each partition can contain
multiple logical drives.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32- and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-speed data path between the
microprocessor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.
PIO — programmed input/output — A method of transferring data between two devices through the microprocessor as part of the data path.
Pixel — A single point on a display screen arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the
number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility
with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug and Play compliant.
POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major computer components, such as
memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer continues the start-up.
Program — Any software that processes data for you, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and game packages. Programs require an operating
system to run.
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to
be configured and started remotely.
R
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A system of two or more drives working together for performance and fault tolerance. RAID drives are
typically used on servers and high-end PCs.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn
off your computer.
Readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation information and describe new
product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
Read-Only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
l It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk.
l It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific individuals.
Refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency).
The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.
Resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are
at the lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have interference than the higher frequency radiations such as infrared and
light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its
contents after you turn off your computer. Some programs essential to the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of rotations that occur per minute.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock 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.
S
ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard drive's surface for errors. ScanDisk often runs after a lockup occurs.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the microprocessor.
Serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer.