Dell Precision 420 - Manual (Page 53)

synchronous dynamic random-access memory. SDRAM is a memory technology that improves the performance of your system's memory
subsystem by reducing the need for wait states. SDRAM devices have a synchronous interface to the devices to which they are connected and are
governed by the system clock. These features reduce the need for wait states often required for conventional memory devices to ensure that timing
signals have been set up correctly.
In equivalent configurations, a computer with SDRAM will have faster memory performance than a computer with EDO memory.
sec
second(s)
SEC
single-edge contact. Newer Intel processors, such as the Pentium II processor, use this type of connector as an interface between the processor
and the system board.
serial port
An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your computer. You can usually identify a serial port on your computer by its 9-pin connector.
service tag number
A bar code label on the computer that identifies it when you call Dell for customer or technical support.
shadowing
A computer's system and video BIOS code is usually stored on ROM chips. Shadowing refers to the performance-enhancement technique that
copies BIOS code to faster RAM chips in the upper memory area (above 640 KB) during the boot routine.
SIMD
single instruction, multiple data
SIMM
single in-line memory module. A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
SMART
Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A technology that allows hard-disk drives to report errors and failures to the system BIOS,
which then displays an error message on the screen. To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART-compliant hard-disk drive and
the proper support in the system BIOS.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is an industry-standard interface that allows a network manager to remotely monitor and manage
workstations.
SRAM
static random-access memory. Because SRAM chips do not require continual refreshing, they are substantially faster than DRAM chips.
SRS
sound retrieval system
SVGA
super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than
previous standards.
To display a program at a specific resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution. Similarly,
the number of colors that a program can display depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video driver, and the amount of video memory
installed in the computer.
switch
On a computer system board, switches control various circuits or functions in your computer system. These switches are know as DIP switches;
they are normally packaged in groups of two or more switches in a plastic case. Two common DIP switches are used on system boards: slide
switches and rocker switches. The names of the switches are based on how the settings (on and off) of the switches are changed.
syntax
The rules that dictate how you must type a command or instruction so that the computer understands it.