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Appendices
96
Configuration
The combination of hardware and software that
makes up your system and how it is allocated
for use.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube. A display device which uses
a beam of electronic particles striking a lumi-
nescent screen. It produces a visual image by
varying the position and intensity of the beam.
Data
The information a system stores and processes.
DC
Direct current. A voltage or current that does
not fluctuate periodically with time.
Default Value
A preprogrammed value to be used if you fail to
set your own.
DIMM
Dual In-line Memory Module.
Disk
A spinning platter of magnetic data storage
media. If the platter is very stiff it is a hard
drive, if it is highly flexible it is a floppy disk,
if it is a floppy disk in a hard housing with
a shutter it is commonly called a diskette.
Disk Drive
The hardware which spins the disk and has the
heads and control circuitry for reading and
writing the data on the disk.
Diskette
A floppy disk in a hard housing with a shutter.
DMA
Direct Memory Access. Special circuitry for
memory to memory transfers of data which do
not require CPU action.
DMI
Desktop Management Interface. A standard that
provides PC management applications with a
common method of locally or remotely query-
ing and configuring PC computer systems, hard-
ware and software components, and peripherals.
DOS
Disk Operating System (MS-DOS is a Microsoft
Disk Operating System).
Driver
A computer program which converts applica-
tion and operating system commands to exter-
nal devices into the exact form required by
a specific brand and model of device in order
to produce the desired results from that
particular equipment.
ECP
Extended Capability Port. A set of standards for
high speed data communication and intercon-
nection between electronic devices.
ESD
Electro-Static Discharge. The sudden discharge
of electricity from a static charge which has
built-up slowly. Example: the shock you get
from a doorknob on a dry day or the sparks
you get from brushing hair on a dry day.