Dell OptiPlex GX280 - Manual (Page 189)

pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution,
such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic
installation, configuration, and compatibility with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug
and Play compliant.
POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major
computer components, such as memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer
continues the start-up.
processor —
A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU
(central processing unit).
program — Any software that processes data for you, including spreadsheet, word processor, database, and game packages.
Programs require an operating system to run.
PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.
PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do
not have an operating system to be configured and started remotely.
R
RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of
RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50.
RAM — random-access memory — The primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information
stored in RAM is lost when you shut down your computer.
readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation
information and describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
read-Only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific
individuals.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also
referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the
resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to
100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are at the 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.