Dell OptiPlex GX240 - Manual (Page 273)

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MTBF
Mean time between failures. A measurement of estimated equipment
reliability. The higher the MTBF, the longer the equipment should last. For
example, if the MTBF is 10,000 hours, the equipment should run, on the
average, at least 10,000 hours before failing.
Network Adapter
An expansion card that connects a computer to other computers on a network.
The network adapter works with the network OS to transfer information over
the network. See NIC .
NIC
Network Interface Controller. Also referred to as a network adapter .
NiCad
Nickel cadmium. A chemical composition used in certain rechargeable
batteries.
NiMH
Nickel-metal hydride. A chemical composition used in certain rechargeable
batteries.
Node
In networking and communications, a node is any computer or device
attached to a network.
NVRAM
Non-volatile random-access memory ( RAM ). Memory that does not lose its
contents when you turn off your computer. NVRAM is used for maintaining
the computer configuration information such as date, time, and other user-
settable system setup options.
On-Board
Usually refers to components that are physically located on a circuit board.
For example, the system boards of many present-day computers have
integrated video, sound, and/or network controllers .
OS
Operating system. The program that, after being loaded initially into the
computer at start-up, manages all the other application programs in a
computer. The application programs use the OS by making requests for
services through an API . Often the OS also allows direct interaction by the
user.