Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
Glossary
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CD-RW
Short for Compact Disc-ReWriteable. Compact Disc that can be used to write or rewrite data
to it. A CD-RW can be written to several times, a CD-R can only be written to once.
CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brains of the computer; it processes the instructions
of your system’s programs. The CPU is also known as the processor or microprocessor and can
be found on the motherboard of your computer.
DC In
The Direct Current interface to which you connect your computer’s AC adapter.
DDR SDRAM
DDR SDRAM is the new version of SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
with a high-speed data transfer function called double data rate mode.
Driver
A driver is software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to
be able to use a printer, you must first install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse
driver, come with the operating system.
DVD-ROM
Short for Digital Versatile Disc. A type of read-only CD with a minimum capacity of 4.7 GB
(maximum capacity can reach 17 GB). This high storage power makes it the ideal medium for
storing films.
DVD-RW
Short for DVD-Rewriteable. A DVD format that allows the user to record and erase multiple
times on a single DVD disc. By comparison, a DVD-R can only be written to once.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely implemented local area network (LAN) technology. The Ethernet
system called 10BASE-T provides data transfer rates of 10 Mbps (megabits per second). A
more recent version of Ethernet, called 100BASE-T, provides data transfer rates of 100 Mbps.
Gigabit Ethernet supports data rates of 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second.
EULA
EULA (End-User Licence Agreement) is the name given to a licence governing the software
on your computer. The EULA can be found in the Read this first (page1) section at the
beginning of the software guide or directly on the VAIO desktop.
i.LINK™
i.LINK™ is Sony’s version of the IEEE 1394 standard for high-speed digital serial interface.
The standard is regarded in the audio/video and IT industries as the most suitable interface
for connecting computers and digital audio/video devices (such as digital cameras etc.).
ISP
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company which provides you with a user name,
password and telephone number in order to connect to the Internet.