Dell PowerEdge 350 - Manual (Page 47)

support.dell.com Glossary 1
Glossary
The following list defines or identifies
technical terms, abbreviations, and acro-
nyms used in Dell user documents.
A
Abbreviation for ampere(s).
AC
Abbreviation for alternating current.
adapter card
An expansion card that plugs into an
expansion-card connector on the sys-
tem's system board. An adapter card adds
some specialized function to the system
by providing an interface between the ex-
pansion bus and a peripheral device.
Examples of adapter cards include net-
work cards, sound boards, and SCSI
adapters.
application program
Software designed to help you perform a
specific task, such as a spreadsheet or
word processor. Application programs are
distinct from operating system and utility
software.
backup
A copy of a program or data file. As a
precaution, you should back up your sys-
tem's hard-disk drive on a regular basis.
baud rate
Data transmission speed. For example,
modems are designed to transmit data at
one or more specified baud rate(s)
through the COM (serial) port of a system.
BBS
Abbreviation for bulletin board service. A
system that serves as a central location
for accessing data or relaying messages
by modem. For example, Dell's TechCon-
nect BBS contains the latest version of
software such as video drivers and the
Dell Directory. If your system has a
modem, you can access the BBS and
download the most recent version of this
software.
beep code
A diagnostic system message in the form
of a series of beeps from your system's
speaker. See your
Installation and
Troubleshooting Guide for a complete dis-
cussion of system beep codes.
BIOS
Acronym for basic input/output system.
Your system's BIOS contains programs
stored on a ROM chip. The BIOS controls
the following functions:
•
Communications between the
microprocessor and peripheral
devices such as the keyboard and
the video adapter
•
Miscellaneous functions, such as
system messages
bit
The smallest unit of information interpret-
ed by your system.
boot routine
When you start your system, it clears all
memory, initializes devices, and loads the
operating system. Unless the operating