Dell X51 - Manual (Page 136)

136 Glossary
R O M — read-only memory — Memory that stores data and programs that cannot
be deleted or written to by the device. ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after
you perform a reset. Some programs essential to the operation of your device
reside in ROM.
S D R A M — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM
that is synchronized with the optimal clock speed of the microprocessor.
S ECURE D IGITAL MEMORY CARD — A type of removable memory commonly
used in digital cameras, handheld devices, cell phones, and other devices. Secure
Digital memory cards are approximately the size of a postage stamp.
SERIAL CONNECTOR — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a
handheld digital device or digital camera to your computer.
S M S — short message service — A service that is capable of sending short
messages to wireless devices.
S M T P — simple mail transfer protocol — A type of protocol used for sending
and receiving e-mail. SMTP is typically coupled with POP3 or IMAP.
SYNC CABLE — A cable through which you can connect a handheld device to a
computer to transfer or synchronize files.
SYNCHRONIZATION — An automated process that replaces the files in one
location with the most updated files from another location. For example, you can
synchronize the files on your computer with the files on your handheld device.
T C P / I P — transmission control protocol/Internet protocol — The basic
communication language of the Internet. TCP/IP can also be used as a
communication protocol in an intranet or extranet.
U S B — universal serial bus — A hardware interface for a low-speed device such
as a USB-compatible keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, set of speakers, printer,
broadband devices (DSL and cable modems), imaging devices, or storage devices.
Devices are plugged directly into a 4-pin socket on your computer or into a
multiport hub that plugs into your computer. USB devices can be connected and
disconnected while the computer is turned on, and they can also be
daisy-chained together.
V P N — virtual private network — A set of communication protocols that allows
remote users to securely access a network.
WA P — wireless application protocol — A standardization for the way that
wireless devices access the Internet.