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LaCie d2 SCSI AIT Drive
9. Glossary
Buffer –
RAM cache that is faster than the data that is being delivered. Buffers are used so data may be stored and delivered
to the receiving item as it is needed.
Bus –
Electronic links that enable data to flow between the processor, RAM and extension cables (peripherals).
Byte –
A sequence of adjacent binary digits, or bits, considered as a unit, 8 bits in length. There are 8 bits in 1 Byte. See
also MB (MegaByte) or GB (GigaByte).
Configuration –
When talking about a PC, configuration is understood to be the sum of the internal and external components
of the system, including memory, disk drives, the keyboard, the video subsystem and other peripherals, such as the mouse,
modem or printer. The configuration also implies software: the operating system and various device managers (drivers), as
well as hardware settings and options set by the user via configuration files.
Controller –
This is a component or an electronic card (referred to in this case as a "controller card") that enables a computer
to communicate with or manage certain peripherals. The controller manages the operation of the peripheral associated with
it and links the PC bus to the peripheral via a ribbon cable inside the PC. An external controller is an expansion card which
fills one of the free slots inside your PC and which enables a peripheral (CD-ROM drive, scanner or printer, for instance) to be
connected to the computer.
Data Stream –
The flow of data that accomplishes a task, usually related to moving data from storage to computer RAM or
between storage devices. In DVD-Video, these bits are processed by the decoder on the video player. This stream contains all
the information necessary for the decoder to work and view the image on the DVD video player.
Digital –
Discrete information that can be broken down to zero or one bits.
Driver (peripheral manager) –
A software component that enables the computer system to communicate with a peripheral.
Most peripherals will not operate correctly – if at all – if the appropriate drivers are not installed on the system.
Folder –
A list created on a disk to store files. Creating folders and sub-folders enables you to organize the storage of your
files in a logical, hierarchical manner so that you can find and manage them more easily.
GB (GigaByte) –
This value is normally associated with data storage capacity. Basically, it means a thousand million or a
billion Bytes. In fact, it equals 1,073,741,824 Bytes (or 1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024).
Hardware –
Physical components of a computer system, including the computer itself and peripherals such as printers,
modems, mice, etc.
Host Bus Adapter (HBA) –
A printed circuit board that installs in a standard microcomputer and an interface between the
device controller and the computer. Also called a controller.