HP Vectra VL 5/xxx - Manual (Page 98)

86 English
Glossary
ROM Read-Only Memory. Computer
memory used to store parts of the
computer’s operating system
permanently. ROM chips can contain
instructions and data.
SCAM SCSI Configured
Automatically. A protocol which
automatically assigns device IDs to
SCSI devices which support SCAM.
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface. A high-speed data bus used
for connecting hard disks, tape drives,
and other accessories to your
computer.
SCSI chain Devices connected on a
single SCSI bus.
Setup program Used to inform the
computer about its configuration, for
example the amount of memory
installed. The setup program is stored
in ROM on the system board.
shadow RAM A method of
relocating the system and/or video
BIOS from slower ROM chips to faster
RAM to improve system performance.
SIMM Single In-line Memory
Module. These memory modules can
provide a 32-bit data path.
Sound files Files containing sound
data. Sound files are usually stored in
one of four formats, with the
extension .WAV, .MID, .VOC, or .CMF.
terminator A resistor at the end of a
SCSI cable that prevents the signal
from reflecting back along the cable.
True color Also known as RGB
color or 24-bit color. True color
graphics systems are usually
equipped with at least 24 bits per
pixel. In the 24-bit system, for
instance, three primary colors in the
color graphics system—red, green
and blue—are allotted 8 bits each.
There are 28, or 256 intensities each
for red, green and blue. This
translates to a total palette range of
16.7 million colors (256 x 256 x 256).
Because the human eye cannot detect
the subtlety available in a palette of
16.7 million colors, this range makes it
possible to compute what appears to
be gradual shading.
video controller A chip or
expansion card which converts
signals in the computer into
displayable signals.
video RAM Memory that enables or
speeds up drawing to the screen or
increases resolution or color options.
VOC files Proprietary digital audio
format developed by Creative Labs,
Inc. Most digital audio adheres to the
Microsoft WAV format.
WAV files A Microsoft file format for
storing digital audio data.
Windows RAM (WRAM) Dual-
ported memory, which allows for
simultaneous input of data from the
graphics controller and output of data
to the display.