Dell OptiPlex GX280 - Manual (Page 183)

clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer components that are connected to the system bus
operate.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your computer. You may need
the COA to complete the operating system setup or reinstallation. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID.
Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system and hardware settings, such as display
settings.
controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and
devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module — A special module that has no memory chips and is used to fill unused
RIMM slots.
cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse action will occur. It
often is a blinking solid line, an underline character, or a small arrow.
D
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving system
performance.
device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or connected to your computer.
device driver — See driver.
DIN connector — A round, six-pin connector that conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards; it is typically used
to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse cable connectors.
disk striping — A technique for spreading data over multiple disk drives. Disk striping can speed up operations that retrieve
data from disk storage. Computers that use disk striping generally allow the user to select the data unit size or stripe width.
DMA — direct memory access — A channel that allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the
processor.
docking device — See APR.
DMTF — Distributed Management Task Force — A consortium of hardware and software companies who develop management
standards for distributed desktop, network, enterprise, and Internet environments.
domain — A group of computers, programs, and devices on a network that are administered as a unit with common rules and
procedures for use by a specific group of users. A user logs on to the domain to gain access to the resources.
DRAM — dynamic random-access memory — Memory that stores information in integrated circuits containing capacitors.
driver — Software that allows the operating system to control a device such as a printer. Many devices do not work properly
if the correct driver is not installed in the computer.
DSL — Digital Subscriber Line — A technology that provides a constant, high-speed Internet connection through an analog
telephone line.