Dell Dimension 3100C - Manual (Page 128)

128 Glossary
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lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and
are more likely to have interference than the higher
frequency radiations, such as infrared and light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data
and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the
computer. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after
you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to
the operation of your computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of
rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often
measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the
system board that keeps the date and time after you shut
down the computer.
RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the
system board of some computers that can often be used
for troubleshooting problems.
S
S CAN D ISK — A Microsoft utility that checks files,
folders, and the hard disk’s surface for errors. ScanDisk
often runs when you restart the computer after it has
stopped responding.
SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access
memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the
optimal clock speed of the processor.
SERIAL CONNECTOR — An I/O port often used to
connect devices such as a handheld digital device or
digital camera to your computer.
S
ER VICE T AG — A bar code label on your computer
that identifies your computer when you access Dell
Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for
customer service or technical support.
SETUP PROGRAM — A program that is used to install
and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or
install.exe program comes with most Windows software
packages. Setup program differs from system setup.
SHORTCUT — An icon that provides quick access to
frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When
you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and
double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding
folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons
do not change the location of files. If you delete a
shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can
rename a shortcut icon.
SHUTDOWN — The process of closing windows and
exiting programs, exiting the operating system, and
turning off your computer. You can lose data if you turn
off your computer before completing a shutdown.
SMART CARD — A card that is embedded with a
processor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used to
authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart
cards.
SOFTWARE — Anything that can be stored
electronically, such as computer files or programs.
S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio
transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from
one file to another without converting it to and from an
analog format, which could degrade the quality of the file.
STANDBY MODE — A power management mode that
shuts down all unnecessary computer operations to save
energy.
SURGE PROTECTORS — Prevent voltage spikes, such as
those that may occur during an electrical storm, from
entering the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge
protectors do not protect against lightning strikes or
against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops
more than 20 percent below the normal AC-line voltage
level.
Network connections cannot be protected by surge
protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the
network connector during electrical storms.
SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard
for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA resolutions
are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.
The number of colors and resolution that a program
displays depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the
video controller and its drivers, and the amount of video
memory installed in the computer.
S-
VIDEO TV- OUT — A connector used to attach a TV
or digital audio device to the computer.