LSI SYM22801 - Manual (Page 70)

B-4 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Motherboard See Mainboard. In some countries, the term Motherboard is not
appropriate.
Multi-tasking The executing of more than one command at the same time. This allows
programs to operate in parallel.
Multi-threading The simultaneous accessing of data by more than one SCSI device. This
increases the data throughput.
NVRAM Non Volatile Random Access Memory. Actually an EEPROM
(Electronically-Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory chip) used to
store configuration information. See EEPROM.
Operating
System A program that organizes the internal activities of the computer and its
peripheral devices. An operating system performs basic tasks such as
moving data to and from devices, and managing information in memory.
It also provides the user interface.
Parity Checking A way to verify the accuracy of data transmitted over the SCSI bus. One
bit in the transfer is used to make the sum of all the 1 bits either odd or
even (for odd or even parity). If the sum is not correct, an error message
appears.
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect. A local bus specification that allows
connection of peripherals directly to computer memory. It bypasses the
slower ISA and EISA busses.
Peripheral
Devices A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or
CD-ROM) used with a computer and under the computer’s control. SCSI
peripherals are controlled through a SCSI host adapter.
Pin-1
Orientation The alignment of pin-1 on a SCSI cable connector and the pin-1 position
on the SCSI connector into which it is inserted. External SCSI cables are
always keyed to insure proper alignment, but internal SCSI ribbon cables
are sometimes not.
PIO Programmed Input/Output. A way the CPU can transfer data to and from
memory via the computer’s I/O ports. PIO is usually faster than DMA, but
requires CPU time.
Port Address Also Port Number. The address through which commands are sent to a
host adapter board. This address is assigned by the PCI bus.
Port Number See Port Address.