Asus INTEL 810 MICROATX MOTHERBOARD CUW-RM - Manual (Page 118)

ASUS CUW-RM User’s Manual 118
7. APPENDIX
7. APPENDIX
Glossary
AUTOEXEC.BAT
AUTOEXEC.BAT is a special-purpose file that is automatically executed by DOS
whenever the computer is turned ON or restarted. This file contains important com-
mands that help configure the system to work with certain software and devices.
Windows 95 and later has its own startup files and may not use or may ignore parts
of the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
BIOS is a set of routines that affect how the computer transfers data between com-
puter components, such as memory, disks, and the display adapter. The BIOS in-
structions are built into the computer’s read-only memory. BIOS parameters can be
configured by the user through the BIOS Setup program. The BIOS can be updated
using the provided utility to copy a new BIOS file into the EEPROM.
Bit (Binary Digit)
Represents the smallest unit of data used by the computer. A bit can have one of two
values: 0 or 1.
Boot
Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into system memory.
When the manual instructs you to “boot” your system (or computer), it means to turn
ON your computer. “Reboot” means to restart your computer. When using Windows
95 or later, selecting “Restart” from “Start | Shut Down...” will reboot your computer.
Bus Master IDE
PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be involved in IDE access and
waiting for mechanical events. Bus master IDE transfers data to/from the memory
without interrupting the CPU. Bus master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk
drives are required to support bus master IDE mode.
Byte (Binary Term)
One byte is a group of eight contiguous bits. A byte is used to represent a single
alphanumeric character, punctuation mark, or other symbol.
COM Port
COM is a logical device name used by to designate the computer serial ports. Point-
ing devices, modems, and infrared modules can be connected to COM ports. Each
COM port is configured to use a different IRQ and address assignment.
Concurrent PCI
Concurrent PCI maximizes system performance with simultaneous CPU, PCI and
ISA bus activities. It includes multi-transaction timing, enhanced write performance, a
passive release mechanism and support for PCI 2.1 compliant delayed transactions.
Concurrent PCI provides increased bandwidth, reduced system latencies, improves
video and audio performance, and improves processing of host based applications.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU, sometimes called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the
computer. It interprets and executes program commands and processes data stored
in memory. Currently, there are socket 370 (for Pentium Celeron-PPGA), socket 7
(for Pentium, AMD, Cyrix, IBM), slot 1 (for Pentium II and III), slot 2 (for Xeon),
and slot A (for AMD) processors.