Dell Precision 670 - Manual (Page 196)

Glossary: Dell Precision Workstation 470 and 670 Computers User's Guide
file:///T|/htdocs/systems/ws670/EN/ug_en/glossary.htm[3/20/2013 9:32:02 AM]
N
network adapter — A chip that provides network capabilities. A computer may include a network adapter on its system
board, or it may contain a PC Card with an adapter on it. A network adapter is also referred to as a NIC (network interface
controller).
NIC — See network adapter.
notification area — The section of the Windows taskbar that contains icons for providing quick access to programs and
computer functions, such as the clock, volume control, and print status. Also referred to as system tray.
ns — nanosecond — A measure of time that equals one billionth of a second.
NVRAM — nonvolatile random access memory — A type of memory that stores data when the computer is turned off or loses
its external power source. NVRAM is used for maintaining computer configuration information such as date, time, and other
system setup options that you can set.
O
optical drive — A drive that uses optical technology to read or write data from CDs, DVDs, or DVD+RWs. Example of optical
drives include CD drives, DVD drives, CD-RW drives, and CD-RW/DVD combo drives.
P
parallel connector — An I/O port often used to connect a parallel printer to your computer. Also referred to as an LPT port.
partition — A physical storage area on a hard drive that is assigned to one or more logical storage areas known as logical
drives. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives.
PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of PC
Cards.
PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-
speed data path between the processor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.
PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card International Association — The organization that establishes standards for PC
Cards.
PIN — personal identification number — A sequence of numerals and/or letters used to restrict unauthorized access to
computer networks and other secure computers.
PIO — programmed input/output — A method of transferring data between two devices through the processor as part of the
data path.
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.