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Dell Precision T5400 (Late 2007) User Manual

Page 301

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Glossary

301

CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to a

CD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).
CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs)

and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but

you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a combo drive, that can read

CDs and DVDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)

discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discs

only once.
clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computer

components that are connected to the system bus operate.
CMOS — A type of electronic circuit. Computers use a small amount of battery-

powered CMOS memory to hold date, time, and system setup options.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a

sticker on your computer. 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.
DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type of DDR SDRAM that uses a

4-bit prefetch and other architectural changes to boost memory speed to over 400

MHz.
device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or

connected to your computer.
device driver — See driver.
DIMM — dual in-line memory module — A circuit board with memory chips that

connects to a memory module on the system board.