Appendix Glossary | Absolute Beginners Guide to A+ Certification. Covers the Hardware and Operating Systems Exam

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Numbers

2-megapixel: Refers to digital cameras with a charge- coupled device (CCD), which has approximately two million pixels. Resolution is approximately 1,536x1,024 pixels.

3-megapixel: Refers to digital cameras with a CCD having approximately three million pixels. Resolution is approximately 2,048x1,536 pixels.

5-pin DIN: Original IBM PC/AT keyboard connector. Electronically identical to 6-pin mini-DIN connector.

6-pin mini-DIN: Also called the PS/2 keyboard connector ; adapters can convert between 6-pin and 5-pin keyboards and connectors.

6x86: VIA (originally Cyrix) Pentium-class CPU (also known as MII ).

8-bit color: 2 ⁸ (256) colors.

9-pin: Printhead design on dot-matrix printers that is optimized for multipart forms.

10/100 Ethernet: Ethernet cards, hubs, and switches that support either 10Mbps (10BaseT Ethernet) or 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) standards.

10/100/1000 Ethernet: Ethernet cards, hubs, and switches that support 10Mbps (10BaseT Ethernet), 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) and 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) standards.

10Base2: Thinnet; low-cost version of 10Mbps Ethernet based on RG-58 cables and T-adapters.

10Base5: Thicknet; original version of 10Mbps Ethernet.

10BaseT: 10Mbps Ethernet based on UTP cable.

16-bit color: 2 ¹⁶ (65,536) colors.

24-bit color: 2 ²⁴ (16,777,216) colors.

24-pin: Printhead design on dot-matrix printers that is optimized for NLQ (Near Letter Quality) printing.

32-bit color: 3D implementation of 24-bit color.

32-bit disk access: Windows disk access that bypasses the ROM BIOS for speed; optional in Windows 3.x; a standard feature in Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP.

32-bit file access: Windows for Workgroups 3.11 disk cache that replaces Smartdrv.exe ; a standard feature in Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP.

48-bit LBA mode: An extension to logical block addressing (LBA) mode that enables ATA/IDE drives to use capacities beyond 137.4GB. A BIOS update and sometimes a motherboard chipset driver update might be necessary to use the full capacity of these drives on many systems.

56K modem: Common term for any modem that can download at speeds above 33.6Kbps. Includes X2, K56flex, V.90, and V.92 standards.

100BaseTX: 100Mbps Ethernet based on UTP cable. Also called Fast Ethernet .

115 “ 120V/60 cycle: AC standard used in North America.

230 “ 240V/50 cycle: AC standard used in Europe, Japan, and other world areas.

286: First CPU used in MS-DOS systems to allow more than 1MB of RAM.

386: First CPU to allow upper memory blocks and EMS memory with EMM386 memory manager; available in 32-bit (DX) and 16-bit (SX) versions.

486: First CPU with built-in math coprocessor (DX versions) and cache RAM (all versions).

586: CPUs roughly equal to Pentium-class; also used by AMD and Cyrix for CPUs that could be used to upgrade 486 systems to Pentium 75MHz performance.

802.11a: 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet (5GHz frequency).

802.11b: 11Mbps Wireless Ethernet (2.4GHz frequency).

802.11g: 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet (2.4GHz frequency).

8086: 16-bit sibling of the 8088; used by some compatible systems such as Compaq.

8088: Original chip used in IBM PC and PC/XT; has 8-bit data bus and 1MB RAM limit.

1000BaseTX: 1000Mbps Ethernet based on UTP cable. Also called Gigabit Ethernet .

A

AC (alternating current): Devices that use AC current are potential shock hazards, including some types of printers, monitors , and computer power supplies. Power supplies convert AC into DC.

access control: Windows NT/2000/XP method of using user and group lists to limit access to drives and folders.

access point: Device on a Wi-Fi network that provides a connection between computers on the network. Can be combined with a router and a switch.

Accessories folder: Start menu folder used for Windows utilities.

AccuPoint: Toshiba's licensed version of IBM TrackPoint II.

ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface): A power-management method supported by Windows 98 and newer versions. Supports more power-saving modes than APM and can be controlled through the Windows Control Panel.

active (partition): A primary partition that has been set as bootable. Option must be set manually within Fdisk if a primary plus extended partition is configured on a hard disk. It must be formatted with the /S option to be bootable in Windows 9x.

active heatsink: A heatsink with a fan. Active heatsinks were originally introduced to keep processors cool, but are also being used to cool the 3D accelerator chips of most high-performance video cards and the North Bridge chips on many recent motherboards. An active heatsink is usually powered by a motherboard power connector or a spare drive power connector.

active-matrix: An LCD display technology that uses a transistor for each pixel.

ActiveX: Microsoft technology used by many Web sites for active content. Web content zones and security settings control how ActiveX controls are handled by a particular computer.

Add Hardware or Add/Remove Hardware Wizard: Control Panel icons used to install, remove, or troubleshoot hardware.

Add Printer Wizard: Windows tool for installing a new printer.

address bus: Bus used by CPU to access memory by its hexadecimal address.

Administrative Tools: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP folder containing System Management tools.

Administrator: Windows NT/2000/XP term for the user or group in charge of the computer's hardware/software configuration. Administrator-class login is required before hardware or software can be installed, removed, or changed on Windows NT/2000/XP systems.

ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A form of DSL that enables faster downloads than uploads. Can be provided over high-quality existing phone lines and is well suited for residential and small-business use.

Advanced CMOS Configuration: Menu that has various types of settings for hardware.

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): A series of high-speed standards for video cards and 32-bit slots used strictly for graphics cards. Available in four speeds: 1x through 8x.

AGP Pro: An AGP slot that has the characteristics of an AGP Universal slot and also provides the additional power and connector used by AGP Pro cards.

AGP Universal: An AGP slot that can handle both 3.3V and 1.5V cards.

air dam: A barrier to freely flowing air inside the case; usually caused by ribbon cables.

allocation unit: A group of sectors (number varies with file system and drive size ) used by Windows to store files. If a file's data occupies only part of an allocation unit, the rest of the allocation unit is unavailable.

allocation unit size: Minimum amount of disk space a file actually uses; varies with FAT type and disk size; also known as cluster size .

AMD: Advanced Micro Devices; one-time second source for Intel 286 “486 CPUs now makes advanced CPUs. Current models include Athlon XP (comparable to Pentium 4) and the 64-bit Opteron and Athlon 64. Also made Athlon, Duron, K6, and K5 processors.

AMI (American Megatrends): Another leading third-party BIOS developer.

AMR slot: Audio Modem Riser slot; a small slot designed to handle a riser card that supports a motherboard's built-in audio and modem capabilities. AMR slots are frequently found on recent motherboards, but the actual riser cards are hard to find.

analog: Infinitely variable; opposite of digital. VGA is an analog display technology.

analog multimeter: Multimeter with a needle and scale readout.

antistatic: A product that prevents the buildup of static electricity.

Antivirus Boot Sector: A BIOS option that enables disk partitioning and boot managers to work but blocks boot-sector viruses from working.

APM (Advanced Power Management): It is supported by most recent BIOS and Windows 3.1/9x/Me/2000/XP. Requires BIOS configuration.

AppleTalk: Apple's native low-speed network protocol. AppleTalk printers can be used by Windows NT 4.0 and 2000.

application programs: Programs that create, modify, print, or view data, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, or Internet Explorer.

application response: Optimizing Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP system to run the active window's task with a higher priority than other tasks .

archive attribute: Indicates file has not yet been backed up; automatically set when a file is created or modified.

ARCNet: Attached Resource Connection Network. This early coaxial-cable network was used to replace IBM 3270 terminals that used the same RG-59 cable; it is now obsolete.

ARMD (ATA removable media device): General term for removable-media drives that connect to the ATA/IDE interface.

AT: Advanced Technology. IBM's first 286-based PC.

AT commands: Used to control a modem or display its configuration; named such because all commands start with AT (attention) .

ATA (AT Attachment): A series of standards for IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drives and devices. ATA is the most common type of IDE interface.

ATA host adapter card: An adapter that enables a computer to use larger ATA/IDE drives than the computer's BIOS can manage by itself.

ATA RAID: A RAID array (usually RAID 0 or RAID 1) created with two or more ATA drives. An SATA RAID array uses SATA drives.

ATA/IDE (AT Attachment/Integrated Drive Electronics): A popular drive interface that incorporates the controller inside the drive itself. It uses a 40-pin connector with a 40-wire or 80-wire cable with parallel signaling and supports two drives per channel.

ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface): The type of ATA/IDE interface used by optical and removable-media drives.

Athlon: AMD processor with large L2 cache and fast FSB with clock speeds comparable to Pentium III. Early versions used Slot A, but later versions used Socket A (Socket 462).

Athlon XP: Improved version of Athlon with full-speed L2 cache, faster FSB, and faster internal design. Comparable in performance to most Pentium 4 chips. All versions use Socket A. Model names are based on comparison to nearest Pentium 4, not to actual clock speed. For example, Athlon XP 2600+ is similar in performance to Pentium 4 2.6GHz, but actual clock speed is around 2GHz.

ATTRIB: Views/changes basic file attributes at the command prompt.

ATX: The most common motherboard family; features two rows of ports along the rear and three sizes: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Flex-ATX. The power supply uses a 20-pin connector. ATX has become the standard for PC motherboards since it was introduced in 1996.

ATX power supply: A power supply form factor similar in size to Slimline, but with a keyed 20-pin connector. Some ATX power supplies have an on-off switch, but this is not required.

ATX-12V: An addition to the ATX standard to support the Pentium 4 processor. ATX-12V “compliant power supplies have a 4-pin connector to provide additional +12V power.

AUI: Attachment Unit Interface. This 15-pin connection on 10Base5 Ethernet cards is now obsolete.

Auto: ATA/IDE BIOS setting that queries the drive for the correct settings every time you start the computer.

Auto-detect: BIOS feature used to query the ATA/IDE drives for the correct settings. The settings are usually transferred to the user-defined drive type option for each drive.

auto- ranging: A multimeter that determines the correct voltage level automatically.

Autoexec.bat: Text-based configuration file used by Windows 9x to load TSR (terminate-and-stay resident) programs, launch programs such as antivirus scanners , and adjust Io.sys defaults. Windows Me uses Autoexec.bat to adjust some Registry values.

automatic configuration: Selecting an option such as Optimal, Fail-Safe, Turbo, Setup defaults, or Original to configure all except the standard setup screen.

Autorun: Windows feature used to automatically launch CD programs.

auxiliary: A 6-pin power connector required by some motherboards.

B

B-size paper: 11x17-inch paper; the next size up from A-size paper used in Europe (similar to 8.5x11-inch U.S. letter size).

Baby-AT: Reduced-size version of the original IBM AT motherboard. Widely used before the late 1990s, but now obsolete.

background services: Non-active programs, printing, and other tasks that are not in the active window.

backup: Process of transferring important information to off-system storage, such as tape, removable media, or optical media. Backups may be compressed to save space. Full backup backs up the entire contents of the specified drive or system; a differential backup backs up only the files that have changed since the last full backup.

bank: Amount of memory that must be added to be recognized by the system.

barrel distortion: Screen geometry fault in which the sides of the display area are bowed outward.

base memory: Also known as conventional memory ; memory between 0 “640KB used by MS-DOS.

Basic Rate Interface: 64Kbps ISDN connection. A 128Kbps ISDN connection uses two BRI channels.

Batch.exe: Windows 98 utility used to create setup scripts.

bayonet: Mounting method used to attach ARCNet and Thin Ethernet cables to cards or T-adapters.

beep code: Series of long/short or high/low beeps used to indicate a POST test failure. Beep codes vary by BIOS vendor and version.

beta: 1394b port that connects only to other 1394b devices.

bilingual: 1394b port that can connect to 1394a or 1394b devices.

binary: Numbering system used to store computer data; 0 and 1 are the only digits.

binary (file): Computer-readable file.

BIOS (basic input/output system): Firmware that configures and controls onboard hardware, performs the POST, and loads the operating system (OS) during the beginning of the boot procedure. It also acts as the interface between onboard hardware and the OS. Other devices with BIOS chips include VGA video cards and some types of ATA/IDE and SCSI host adapters.

BIOS defaults: Automatic BIOS setup option that selects low-performance settings. Also called Original or Fail-Safe .

BIOS setup: A program (stored in the BIOS on most systems) that can be activated at system startup and is used to configure settings for BIOS-controlled devices and options. Also called CMOS setup .

BIOS upgrade: Replacement of BIOS code to support new hardware and software. Usually involves a software download and installation, but occasionally requires a chip swap (mostly on older systems or systems in which a Flash BIOS update has failed).

bit: 1/8 of a byte; 8 bits equals 1 byte; many devices send/receive data in bits.

black: The K in CMYK color printing.

blackout: Complete loss of electrical power.

block mode: A BIOS option for ATA/IDE drives that enables multiple-sector reads before an IRQ must be issued; speeds up disk throughput on almost all drives.

blog: Short for weblog . A journal created by one or more writers and posted on the Web, a blog usually has short paragraphs added on a daily or weekly basis that discuss current topics of all types with links to other Web sites for more information, with similar or contrasting points of view on the topic.

blogger: Creator of a blog.; See also [blog]

blogging: The process of creating a blog.; See also [blog]

Blue Screen of Death ( BSOD ): Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP fatal system error that stops computer operation. It is also called a stop error , and is named after the blue background and the white text error message. Blue screens can also appear in other versions of Windows, although Windows 2000 first made the term popular.

Bluetooth: A short-range wireless network that also supports electronic devices such as mobile phones and PDAs as well as computer devices. Bluetooth uses the 2.45GHz frequency with a range up to about 30 feet. Data transmission runs at 1Mbps or 2Mbps, depending upon the version of the technology supported by the devices.

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman): A barrel-shaped network cable connector used by RG-8, RG-59, and RG-58 network cables used with ARCNet cables and Thin Ethernet T-connectors.

boot: Starting the computer. A warm boot is restarting the computer without a reset or shutdown. A cold boot is shutdown or reset before startup.

boot disk: A disk that can be used to start the computer.

boot manager: Utility software that enables the user to choose between two or more operating systems at startup.

boot order: BIOS setting specifying sequence in which bootable drives are accessed.

boot sector: Starting location of operating system files on a floppy disk or hard disk.

boot sequence: Sequence of files and processes used to start a system; varies with the version of Windows in use.

Boot.ini: Configures Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP startup process.

bootable CD: CD that can start a computer.

bootlog.txt: File created by the Logged startup option in Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP. A hidden file stored in the root directory (folder) of the boot drive, it stores all startup events and can be used to troubleshoot startup problems.

bootstrap loader: Portion of the BIOS responsible for starting the computer and locating the operating system.

bridge: Connects two networks that use the same protocol, such as Fast Ethernet and Wireless Ethernet.

Broadband Internet: Internet connections with rated download speeds in excess of 100Kbps. Most common types include cable modem and DSL , but ISDN, fixed wireless, and satellite Internet services are also broadband services.

broadband Internet access device: General term for cable and DSL modems.

brownout: A voltage dip below acceptable levels.

browser: Program that interprets HTML documents and allows hyperlinking to Web sites.

BSOD: See [Blue Screen of Death]

BubbleJet: Canon's name for high-temperature inkjet printing.

buffer: A special holding area for data before the data is transferred to the destination device. CD-RW drives use RAM buffers to store data being written to CD-R media by a disk-mastering program.

buffer underrun: A CD writing error that takes place when the drive runs out of data. The media must be discarded. Drives with buffer-underrun prevention features such as BURN-Proof can pause a drive's writing operation and enable it to continue after the buffer is refilled.; See also [burning a coaster]

BURN-Proof: Sanyo's technology for preventing buffer underruns on CD-RW drives.

burning a coaster: An unsuccessful attempt to create a CD-R with a mastering program; usually caused by a buffer underrun, but can also be caused by defective media.

bus: Network topology in which all stations share a single-wire connection. Used by 10Base2 and 10Base5 Ethernet and HomePNA networks.

bus frequency: The actual clock speed of the system bus; it is multiplied by a given factor to calculate the bus speed. In typical system BIOS setups on recent systems, the bus frequency needs to be selected so that the BIOS can calculate the correct bus speed for the processor. For example, an Athlon XP with a bus speed of 333MHz has a bus frequency of 166MHz (the processor performs two operations per cycle). A Pentium 4 with a bus speed of 800MHz has a bus frequency of 200MHz (the processor performs four operations per cycle).; See also [bus speed]

bus mouse: Obsolete mouse connector using an 8-pin mini-DIN round connector. Used a separate add-on card or port integrated into some graphics cards.

bus speed: Also called front-side bus or FSB speed ; this is the speed at which the CPU addresses the memory and motherboard components . Common bus speeds on current systems include 333MHz (recent Athlon XP processors), 400MHz (early Pentium 4 and Celerons based on the Pentium 4 design), and 533MHz (newer Pentium 4s). Note that the bus speed of these processors is not the same as the bus frequency.; See also [bus frequency]

bus-powered hub: A USB generic hub that uses the upstream USB hub for power. A bus-powered hub provides no more than 100mA of power to each device connected to it.

busmaster: A PCI device that can control the system bus directly. Most recent motherboards support ATA/IDE busmastering if the appropriate drivers are installed.

byte: One character; the basic building block of data storage; 8 bits equals 1 byte.

Byte-by-Byte Verify: Verification process that compares each byte of the backup to the original.

C

C-shaped paper path: Cross-section of the paper path used by some inkjet printers; the paper is pulled through the printer and returns to an output tray on the same side of the printer as the input tray.

cable Internet: A broadband Internet connection that uses the cable TV line.

cable modem: Broadband Internet access device that acts as a tuner to pick up cable Internet signals from the cable TV network.

cable select: Cable (such as the 80-wire UDMA-66 cable) and jumper setting that assigns master and slave based on the position of the ATA/IDE drives on the cable. The end of the cable (sometimes black) is used for master; the middle of the cable (sometimes marked in gray) is used for slave.

cache: High-speed memory that holds a copy of information recently requested by the processor. The cache can be accessed faster than main memory if the same information is needed again. Used for drives (disk cache) and memory (Level 1, Level 2 caches).

cache hit: Data in cache.

cache miss: Data not in cache. It must be retrieved from the next cache level, normal storage, or RAM location.

camera dock: Device that transfers photos automatically from compatible digital cameras to your PC and recharges the camera's batteries. Some camera docks also incorporate a 4x6-inch dye-sublimation printer.

Card and Socket Services: See [CSS]

CardBus: 32-bit version of PC Card (PCMCIA) standard. It is used for fast network interfacing, USB 2.0, and IEEE-1394 ports.

carpal-tunnel syndrome: A common type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) affecting the wrists.

CAS Latency: How quickly (in cycles) a memory module can switch to a new memory address.

Castlewood Orb: A high-capacity removable-media drive available in two capacities (2.2GB and 5.7GB) and a variety of interfaces. Developed by Castlewood Systems, Inc.

Category 5: The most common type of UTP cable in recent Ethernet installations. Supports 10BaseT, Fast, and Gigabit Ethernet speeds. Also called CAT5 . Gigabit Ethernet uses all four wiring pairs in Category 5 cable; the others use only two pairs. You can use Category 5E (CAT5E) or Category 6 (CAT6) cables in place of CAT5 to provide an extra margin of signal quality.

Category view: Windows XP view of the Control Panel, organized by types of configurations to perform.

CATV: Cable TV provider.

CAV: Constant Angular Velocity. CAV is the method used by low-cost CD-ROM and similar optical drives to read data. CAV drives spin the media at a constant speed and, as a result, reach their maximum x-speed ratings only at the outer edge of the media. P-CAV drives combine CAV and CLV technologies for more speed.

CD-R (recordable CD): Contents can be added but not erased.

CD-ROM: Read-only optical drive compatible with music and data CDs. CD-ROM drives require MultiRead capability and a UDF reader program to read CD-RW media.

CD-RW (rewritable CD): Contents can be added, changed, and erased. A CD-RW drive can also use CD-R media.

Celeron: Low-cost version of Pentium II, Pentium III, or Pentium 4 (depending upon slot/socket used) with reduced FSB speed and L2 cache size. Early versions fit into Slot 1, with later versions using Socket 370. The latest versions fit into Socket 478.

Centronics: A port style that uses an edge connector. Parallel printers use a 36-pin version (also called the IEEE-1284-B connector ), whereas some versions of SCSI use a 50-pin version.

CGA: Color Graphics Adapter. This was the early digital video standard with 320x200 4-color or 640x200 2-color modes.

changeline support: Feature that enables all 3.5-inch floppy drives (and AT-compatible 5.25-inch drives) to automatically sense disk changes. If line 34 of the floppy interface or cable is damaged, this doesn't work properly.

channel: Pathway between two devices, as in DMA channel.

Character Map: Visual selection and pasting of icons and alternative characters from different fonts into a document.

character printers: Term for printers that output one character at a time, such as dot-matrix, inkjet, and obsolete daisywheel printers; also called line printers .

character/line printer: Printers that print a character or line at a time such as dot-matrix, inkjet, direct thermal, or thermal transfer.

charging (primary) corona wire: Used in older laser printers to place an electrostatic charge on the paper as part of the EP process. Replaced by conditioning rollers in newer models.

CHDIR: Changes to a folder/directory (CD) at the command prompt.

chip: Ceramic shell containing miniaturized computer circuits and connectors.

chipset: A group of chips that perform support functions for a motherboard (such as memory controllers, I/O, PCI, and ISA bus controllers) and replace the large numbers of separate chips once used for these tasks. Chipsets normally contain anywhere from one to three chips, including the North Bridge, South Bridge, and Super I/O chips (see separate entries for details). A motherboard's processor and memory compatibility and other features are determined by the chipset it uses.

Chipset configuration: Menu that has memory and AGP settings. Also called Advanced Chipset or Chipset Features .

CHKDSK: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP disk check/repair tool. Windows 9x/Me's CHKDSK is used mainly for reporting disk stats.

CHS: Cylinder head sectors per track. CHS refers to the standard hard-disk geometry specifications that must be specified in the system BIOS for IDE drives. The user can enter the values manually, but most recent systems can auto-detect the correct values.

Classes.dat: Windows Me Registry file.

Classic Start: Optional Start menu for Windows XP; mimics look of previous Windows versions.

Classic view: Windows 95 “style Windows Explorer split-screen view.

clean boot: Booting system without device drivers; also refers to starting a system with an uninfected floppy disk for virus detection.

clean install: Installation of the only operating system on a hard disk.

client: Computer that uses shared resources on network.

client environment: Where the computer is located, including physical location, power, and network connections.

client/server: Network model in which specialized servers provide shared resources and network management services to client PCs. Uses dedicated server operating systems such as Novell NetWare or Windows Server.

clock multiplier: The value used to multiply the CPU frequency to determine the core clock speed.

cluster: An older term for allocation unit ; can be used interchangeably.

cluster size: See [allocation unit size]

CLV: Constant Linear Velocity. A method used by more expensive CD-ROM and similar optical drives to read data. CLV drives vary their rotational speed depending upon what part of the media is being read by the laser. As a result, speed ratings across the media are more consistent.

Cmd: The Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP command interpreter.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor): A type of low-power construction used for chips. CMOS-based chips are very vulnerable to ESD. Also the name for the Real-Time-Clock/Non-Volatile RAM chip (RTC/NVRAM) used to retain BIOS setup information.

CMOS battery: Motherboard battery used to retain CMOS settings.

CMOS setting: Values stored in the CMOS generated by the selections made in the BIOS/CMOS setup.

CMYK: Four-color printing process used by inkjet, some dye-sub, and solid-ink printers.

CNR slot: Communication Network Riser slot. The CNR slot is a successor to the AMR slot and is designed to provide a standard motherboard connector for a small card with modem, Fast Ethernet networking, and audio capabilities.

coast: Time period that a computer's power supply can continue to run without AC power flowing to it; the coast time for typical PC power supplies is longer than the switchover time from AC to battery backup power.

COAST (Cache On A STick): A removable cache module. This is the standard pipeline-burst cache module used on some early Pentium systems; it resembles a SIMM but uses a different type of connector.

coaxial: Single-wire cable protected by metal mesh shielding. Used by early versions of Ethernet and for cable and satellite TV/Internet connections.

cold boot: System start after being turned on or reset. The complete POST including memory test is run after a cold boot.

collating: The process of holding a page in the memory of a laser or LED printer and printing multiple copies before receiving and printing the next page; activated by the print options in the application being used to print the document.

color depth: General term for the number of colors displayed. For example, a monitor set for 16-bit color depth displays 65,536 colors. Color depth is often referred to in powers of 2. Common values include 8-bit (2 ⁸ equals 256 colors), 16-bit (2 ¹⁶ equals 65,536 colors), and 24-bit (2 ²⁴ equals 16,777,216 colors). The 32-bit color depth settings on 3D video cards provide the same color depth as 24-bit color, but use the extra 8 bits for 3D drawing functions.

color temperature: Refers to the relative "warmth" or "coldness" of the colors onscreen. Noon daylight has a color temperature of 5,500 degrees Kelvin, whereas a blue sky has a color temperature of 9,000 degrees Kelvin; sunrise or sunset has a color temperature of 3,200 degrees Kelvin. As you can see, the higher the color temperature, the bluer (colder) the light is. Many monitors offer two or more color temperature settings to help adjust for differences in room lighting.

COM: Short for Communications port; another name for the serial port.

COM 1: First serial port. Default resource usage: IRQ 4 and 3F8-3FFh I/O port address.

COM 2: Second serial port. Default resource usage: IRQ 3 and 2F8-2FFh I/O port address.

COM 3: Third serial port. Default resource usage: IRQ 4 and 3E8-3EFh I/O port address.

COM 4: Fourth serial port. Default resource usage: IRQ 3 and 2E8-2EFh I/O port address.

combo card: A PC Card (PCMCIA card) that combines two functions, usually network and modem.

combo slot: Two slots grouped together so that only one at a time can be used; typically used for PCI and ISA slot types.

command interpreter: The program used to open a command prompt in Windows and enter commands. Windows 9x/Me use Command.com; Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP use Cmd .

command prompt: DOS-like interface to the operating system. User enters commands to perform specific tasks.

command.com: The Windows 9x/Me command interpreter.

Common Tasks: Windows XP Windows Explorer view that incorporates a context-sensitive task pane.

Compact Flash: Popular Flash-memory storage standard used by digital cameras. It can be attached to desktop and portable PCs by means of a card reader or PC Card adapter.

Compact installation: Windows 9x/Me installation option that does not load optional accessories to save disk space.

compliance check: Verifying your system has a qualifying version of Windows installed or available on media.

compression: Windows NTFS file attribute that shrinks a file to a smaller size to save disk space.

Computer Management Console: Windows 2000/XP interface for system and disk management components.

computer virus: A program that looks benign but carries a (usually harmful ) payload and can spread itself from one system to another.

conditioning rollers: Used in recent laser/LED printers to place an electrostatic charge on the paper.

Config.sys: A text-based configuration file used by MS-DOS and Windows 9x/Me to load device drivers and to adjust the operating system's configuration. Windows NT/2000/XP use Config.NT to perform similar functions.

configuration: The settings used by hardware, software, and firmware at a particular time.

consumables: Collective term for paper, media, ink, and toner used by various types of printers. The true long-term cost of a given printer must take into account the cost per page of the consumables used by the printer.

continuity: Tests fuses or cables to determine if a signal passes through the device properly.

continuity module: Empty Rambus module that must be plugged into a Rambus RDRAM module socket not occupied by a memory module. Also called Continuity RIMM .

continuous-tone: Printing process in which no ink or dye dots are visible in the finished product.

Control Panel: Windows interface to hardware, software, and system settings. It can be accessed from the Start or Start, Settings menu in most versions of Windows.

conventional memory: Memory between 0 and 640KB.

cool-switching: Windows use of Alt+Tab keys to move from one active program to another.

COPY: Copies files at the command prompt.

copy-protection: Methods of preventing software from being duplicated or used without the developer's permission. Old methods included using the original floppy disk at all times to run the program and using an install program that rendered the original floppy disk useless after installation. Current methods include the use of a dongle , which must be attached to the serial or parallel port of a computer before the program can be run, or deliberately damaging a section of the program CD-ROM so that the CD can't be duplicated.

core clock speed: The speed at which the processor runs internally. Also called CPU clock speed .

core voltage: Voltage level used by processor core. Set automatically by Pentium II and more recent processors.

CPU (central processing unit): The chip that serves as the computational " brains " of the computer, such as Pentium 4, Athlon XP, and so on.

CPU frequency: Clock speed at which CPU connects with motherboard. Also called bus speed or system bus speed .

CQ: Correspondence Quality. This is the best print option on some 9-pin dot-matrix printers.

cradle: Device used to recharge a PDA's batteries and transfer data between a PDA and a PC.

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Describes monitors that use a picture tube, a large vacuum tube that displays information.

CSS (Card and Socket Services): Software needed by MS-DOS and Windows NT 4.0 to use PC Cards (PCMCIA cards).

curved paper path: Paper path in which the paper curves around one or more rollers inside the printer.

Custom (network settings): Enables Windows XP users to change normal settings for the network.

Custom installation: Windows 9x/Me installation option that provides maximum control over the setup process.

cyan: The C in CMYK color printing.

cycle: Refers to alternating current sine wave; 50Hz (cycles per second) is the European/Asian standard; 60Hz is the North American standard.

cylinder: Part of hard disk geometry; all the tracks are in a vertical row.

CYMK: Cyan Yellow Magenta Black. Refers to a four-color model for printed graphics; compare to RGB (Red, Green, Blue), a three-color model used for onscreen graphics.

D

DAE: Digital Audio Extraction. The process of converting tracks from a music CD to a digital format such as MP3 or WMA at faster than normal 1x analog speeds. Many recent CD-ROM and CD-RW drives have high-speed DAE rates to make the production of digital audio more efficient. A DAE rate of 24x, for example, means that a CD audio track that takes 4 minutes (240 seconds) to play at normal 1x speed can be converted to digital format in 10 seconds!

daisy-chain: Connecting multiple devices to a single port with direct connections between devices. Used by SCSI, IEEE-1394, and parallel interfaces (when configured for EPP and ECP modes). USB uses a variation of daisy-chaining, which uses a hub, but the other interfaces enable devices to be connected directly to each other.

daisy-chaining: Attaching multiple devices to a single port.; See also [daisy-chain]

daisywheel: Obsolete typewriter-style fully formed character printing.

data: Information created or stored in computer-readable form, such as documents, financial data, photos, graphics, and others.

data bus: Carries data between devices on the motherboard.

data mirroring: A type of RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) configuration in which one drive is an exact copy of the other. As the first drive's contents change, the second drive's contents are changed in exactly the same way to create an automatic, immediate backup. This technique is used by RAID Level 1.

data stream: The commands sent to the printer for characters, formatting, graphics, and so forth.

data striping: A type of RAID configuration in which two drives are used as a single logical unit. By writing to two drives at once, disk performance is increased, but if either drive fails, all data is lost. This technique is used by RAID Level 0.

DB-9M: Newer D-shaped 9-pin male serial port. Can be adapted to use 25-pin cables.

DB - 15F: VGA connector on video card.

DB - 15M: VGA cable's connector.

DB-25F: A 25-pin D-shaped connector with holes; used for parallel ports on PCs and most parallel devices other than printers. Also called the IEEE-1284 - A connector .

DB-25M: Original D-shaped 25-pin male serial port. Can be adapted to use 9-pin cables.

Dbset.exe: Windows 98 utility used to add personalization to setup scripts.

DC (direct current): The power supply distributes DC current to the motherboard, drives, and other peripherals attached to the computer. Safe at low voltages, but dangerous at the high voltages used by laser printers.

DCC: Direct Cable Connection. This is a temporary "mini-network" used by Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP to connect to computers through server or parallel ports for data transfer; it can also be used with IR ports, which emulate serial ports. XP calls this Direct Parallel Connection when parallel ports are used.

DDR SDRAM (Double-Data-Rate SDRAM): Performs two memory accesses per clock cycle for double the throughput.

DDR266, DDR333, DDR400: Standard speeds (in MHz) for DDR SDRAM.

Debug startup options: /d: startup options used by Windows 9x/Me for troubleshooting.

decimal: Base-10 numbering system (0 “9) used for ordinary calculations.

dedicated server: Computer used strictly to provide shared resources, such as Novell NetWare, Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, or Windows Server 2003.

default printer: Printer that will be used for all print jobs unless you select a different one with the Printer dialog.

Defragment: Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP tool that puts file sectors and empty space into contiguous sections for faster disk access.

Degaussing: The process of demagnetizing the shadow mask inside a CRT monitor. When the monitor builds up excess magnetism , color fringing or image distortion takes place. Some monitors automatically degauss the CRT when the monitor is turned on, and others offer a degaussing button or menu option to degauss on demand.

DEL ( ERASE ): Deletes files at the command prompt.

DELTREE: Removes specified folders and subfolders and their contents at the command prompt.

desktop: Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP location for shortcuts; Windows 3.1 location for program groups.

desktop PC: A computer that sits on the top of the desk, instead of on the floor (tower style). Usually has fewer drive bays and fewer expansion slots than a tower PC.

desktop shortcut: Shortcut on the desktop to a program or object.

detlog.txt: A Windows 9x/Me hidden file that records the results of the hardware detection performed when Windows was first installed. If a Windows installation fails, use detlog.txt to see which hardware may not have been detected properly.

device driver: Program used to modify an operating system to support new devices.

device ID: Unique value for each SCSI device in a daisy-chain.

Device Manager: The Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP interface for displaying and adjusting hardware resources (IRQ, DMA, I/O port address, memory) and driver settings.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): A DHCP server provides server-assigned IP addresses to connected devices.

dial-up networking: Networking software used by Windows NT 4.0/9x/Me for analog modems.

digital camera: Camera that records photos on Flash memory, floppy disks, or other magnetic or optical media.

Digital Flat Panel ( DFP ): Early standard for LCD display interfacing; replaced by DVI.

digital multimeter: Multimeter with a digital readout.

digital rights management ( DRM ): This refers to storage devices such as Secure Digital Flash memory cards or to file formats and programs such as WMA (created by Windows Media Player), which enable the creator of digital content to control how the content is used and where it is played back.

digital signature: Special coding placed in system and driver files to indicate they are approved by Microsoft for use with a particular operating system.

digital video ( DV ): Video recording process that stores moving images on digital tape or Flash memory instead of analog tape such as VHS or 8mm.

Digital Visual Interface ( DVI ): Mainstream digital interface for LCD displays; DVI-I version also supports analog displays when a VGA adapter is used. DVI-D is digital only.

digitally signed device driver: Device driver approved by WHQL for use with the installed version of Windows.

DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module): A memory module with different connectors on each side. Used for SDRAM (168-pin) and DDR SDRAM (184-pin).

DIP (Dual Inline Pin): A rectangular chip with pins on the long sides. Used for the system BIOS chip on some motherboards.

DIP switches: Small, two-position switches used by printers with serial interfaces to configure the interface speed and settings. Other devices that use DIP switches for configuration include motherboards, other types of printers, and various types of interface cards.

DIR: Displays file/folder listings at the command prompt.

direct thermal: A method of thermal printing used to transfer printing directly to heat-sensitive paper or other media.

Direct3D: The 3D graphics portion of DirectX used by many Windows-based games .

directory entry: A directory (folder) or file allocation unit in use by a file or folder; all file systems have limits on the maximum number of directory entries per drive, and FAT16 has a limit of 512 entries in the root directory.

DirectX: Microsoft's application program interfaces (APIs) for 3D graphics, 3D sound, game controls, and other multimedia hardware/software.

DirectX Diagnostics: DirectX utility that tests DirectX audio and video performance.

DirecWAY: A major satellite Internet provider. DirecWAY is available under several brand names.

discrete graphics: Separate graphics chip and memory on the motherboard. Provides faster performance than integrated graphics.

Disk Administrator: The Windows NT GUI-based program used to partition and format hard disk drives and provide other drive-management functions.

disk cache: Memory used to hold data being read from or sent to a drive, thus speeding up the time it takes a computer to retrieve data.

Disk Cleanup: Easy removal of temporary, temporary Internet, and other files to save disk space.

Disk Management: The Windows 2000/XP component of the GUI-based MMC; Disk Management is used for partitioning and formatting hard disk drives and provides other drive-management functions.

Disk Manager Drive Overlay: Disk management program used to control drive capacity larger than the BIOS can manage; not compatible with Windows 2000/XP.

Diskprobe: A Windows NT 4.0 disk sector editor used to repair NTFS boot sectors and other types of disk problems. Supplied as part of the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit.

Display Properties sheet: Multitabbed Windows interface used to control monitor and video card features and display appearance.

.dll files: Dynamic link library files, loaded by most Windows programs as part of program operation.

DMA (Direct Memory Access): High-speed transfers between devices and RAM that bypass the CPU.

docking station: Device that can provide card slots, ports, and drive bays to portable computers with a compatible expansion bus.

domain: Windows Server term for a group of computers that share resources and use a common user account; a server called the domain controller stores the Active Directory data used to manage the domain.

domain name: Name used as an alias for an IP address.

domain name system ( DNS ): System for translating between domain names and IP addresses.

dongle: Proprietary cable connection attached to a Type II PC Card or CardBus card so it can be used with standard modem or network cable. Also refers to copy-protection devices attached to serial ports or parallel ports to allow software to run.

DOS alias: MS-DOS “compatible eight-character plus file extension name made from LFN.

DOS partition: Term used in the Fdisk program for primary and extended partitions.

Dos=high: Config.sys statement that loads the MS-DOS kernel into the first 64KB of XMS memory, the high memory area (HMA).

dot-matrix printer: Uses a ribbon and a matrix of thin wires (usually 9 or 24) to impact print one or more copies.

dpi: Dots per inch. The resolutions of a printer, scanner, or monitor are commonly defined in dpi. Higher values provide sharper images and text, but use more memory or disk space to store.

Dr. Watson: Windows 98/Me utility handy for capturing details of illegal operations. The Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP version of Dr. Watson is used primarily for capturing errors during application development.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Requires frequent recharges. Most RAM is a variation on DRAM.

driver: See [device driver]

DriveSpace: Windows 9x disk compression; can be read by Windows Me.

drop on demand: Another name for inkjet printing.

DSDD (double-sided double-density): Stores half the capacity of DSHD on 3.5-inch floppy drives.

DSED (double-sided extra-density): Stores twice the capacity of DSDD on 3.5-inch floppy drives, but is not widely used.

DSHD (double-sided high-density ): The most common media type used by floppy drives.

DSL (digital subscriber line): Broadband Internet access provided through high-quality phone lines at speeds similar to cable modems. Two major types of DSL are ADSL and SDSL.

DSL modem (digital subscriber line): A broadband Internet access device that uses the telephone line to carry high-frequency digital signals.

dual head: Popular term for a video card that can support two monitors. Many recent mid-range and high-end graphics cards have this feature.

dual-boot installation: Installation that enables the user to choose between two operating systems at startup time.

dual-channel: Memory access type that treats two banks as a single bank. Requires two identical memory modules.

dual-scan: An improved version of passive-matrix displays used in older portable computers. Uses two sets of transistors for faster response.

DualView: Windows XP adaptation of multiple-display support that treats monitors plugged into a portable computer's external VGA port as a secondary monitor. Also requires graphics chipset support.

DUN: See [dial-up networking]

Duron: Low-cost version of Athlon with smaller L2 cache and slower FSB. All versions use Socket A.

DVD: Digital Versatile Disk. High-capacity replacement for CD-ROM.

DVD+R: Recordable DVD compatible with DVD+RW Alliance standards.

DVD+RW: Rewritable DVD compatible with DVD+RW Alliance standards. Early DVD+RW drives could not use DVD+R media, but all current models can.

DVD ±R/RW: Drives that support DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media.

DVD-R: Recordable DVD compatible with DVD Forum standards.

DVD-RAM: Rewritable DVD compatible with DVD Forum standards; more durable than DVD-RW, can be double sided, but less compatible than other rewritable DVD standards. Some models can also use DVD-R media.

DVD-ROM: Read-only optical drive compatible with video and data DVDs.

DVD-RW: Rewritable DVD compatible with DVD Forum standards. DVD-RW drives can also use DVD-R media.

DVI: Digital Video Interface. Replaces DFP as the standard for support of LCD displays on desktop computers. DVI-D is for digital displays only; DVI-I supports digital and analog displays.

DXDIAG (DirectX Diagnostics): A program that can be used to test graphics, sound, and other hardware used by Microsoft's DirectX 3D drivers.

dye-sub: Abbreviation for dye-sublimation.

dye-sublimation: A thermal printing process that heats dye on a multicolored ribbon into a gas that is absorbed by the media. Creates continuous-tone photos.

Dynamic Drive Overlay: A disk-based replacement for BIOS support for a large hard disk. Installed by Disk Manager and other Ontrack-created disk setup programs if the BIOS can't manage the full size of the hard disk.

Dynamic Update: Technique used by Upgrade Advisor to download the latest compatibility information from Microsoft.

E

ECC (Error Correcting Code): A type of memory that uses parity bits to correct memory. Requires motherboard/chipset support, and is used primarily on servers and high-end PCs. Enabled through system BIOS.

ECHO: Turns on/off the display of commands in batch files at the command prompt.

Economode: A toner-saving method developed by HP that can be used to print drafts of documents on laser printers.

ECP (Enhanced Capabilities Port): Used by daisy-chained parallel devices, it uses an IRQ, I/O port address, and a DMA channel. Part of the IEEE-1284 parallel port standard.

EDIT: Command-prompt text editor.

EDO (Extended Data Out): A faster form of DRAM using overlapping memory addresses.

EEMS: Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification. This nonstandard version of EMS memory was used by some AST memory boards but is now obsolete.

EGA: Enhanced Graphics Adapter. It provided 640x350 16-color digital graphics but is now long obsolete.

EISA: A 32-bit backward-compatible development of ISA; long obsolete, but might be seen in some very old servers and workstations.

electrophotographic ( EP ) process: A six-part process (cleaning, conditioning, writing, developing, transferring, and fusing) used by most laser and LED printers to create pages.

email: Electronic mail. The contents of email can include text, HTML, and binary files. Email can be sent between computers via an internal computer network, a proprietary online service such as AOL or CompuServe, or via the Internet.

emergency boot disk ( EBD ): Another name for the emergency startup disk (ESD) .

emergency repair disk ( ERD ): Windows 2000 disk used to help restore system function.

emergency startup disk ( ESD ): Disk created with Windows 9x or Me that can be used to start the computer or prepare a hard disk for use.

EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio-frequency interference): Some high-quality surge suppressors minimize EMI/RFI to provide more reliable power.

EMM386.EXE: MS-DOS/Windows 9x memory manager that can interfere with an upgrade.

EMS: Enhanced Memory Specification. Paged memory used by some MS-DOS programs; it can be created with Emm386.exe with the RAM option or by specifying the amount of EMS memory to create. It is now obsolete.

Encrypted File System ( EFS ): Built-in data encryption option added to NTFS by Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

encryption: Windows NTFS (2000/XP) file attribute that prevents users other than the original user or Administrator from accessing the file.

enhanced BIOS ( eBIOS ): A method of translating drives to break the 8.4GB limit on disk size. Almost all BIOS chips since 1999 support LBA mode. Also known as extended Int13h .

Enhanced IDE ( EIDE ): Marketing term used by some vendors to refer to ATA/IDE drives that meet ATA-2 standards.

EP: Electrophotographic. The process by which a laser printer creates a page.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency. Federal, state, and local organizations that set standards for safe disposal of products, including computer consumables such as batteries and cleaning supplies.

EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port): Used by most recent parallel printers, EPP uses an IRQ and I/O port address. Part of the IEEE-1284 parallel port standard.

EPP/ECP: Supports both modes and uses the same resources as ECP mode. Part of the IEEE-1284 parallel port standard.

Epson ESC/P2: Enhanced version of the escape sequence “based printer language used for dot-matrix and inkjet printers by Epson and other vendors.

ergonomics: The study of the usability of hardware and software products with an eye to comfort and efficiency.

escape sequence: A series of printer commands prefaced by the ESC (ASCII code 27) character. This method is used by most dot-matrix and many inkjet printers. HP's PCL uses a more elaborate version of escape sequences.

ESD (electro-static discharge ): The discharge of electricity between two objects with different electrical potential. ESD has a high voltage but a low amperage, so it is harmful to equipment but not to people. ESD can damage or destroy computer components, even if the ESD discharge level is too low to feel. Also called static electricity .

ESD (emergency startup disk): Windows 9x/Me disk used to start the system and prepare the hard disk for use. Can also repair a damaged Windows installation. Also called an EBD (emergency boot disk) .

ESDI: Enhanced Small Device Interface. Obsolete hard disk interface standard using two cables; primarily for drives over 100MB to about 300MB.

Ethernet: General name for networks based on Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) transmission of data. IEEE-802.3 standard.

EULA (End-User License Agreement): Agreement between the user and the software vendor that specifies how software can be used. Must be agreed to before an installation can proceed.

executable: File that can start a program or procedure; .COM, .EXE, and .BAT are traditional executable file extensions.

Expanded memory: Bank-switched memory (also called EMS memory ). Accessed in 64KB pages through a page frame in unused UMB space.

expansion board: Also known as add-on card or add-on board .

expansion slot: A motherboard connection used for add-on cards; PCI and AGP are typical types on recent systems.

Express Installation: Method for installing service packs that requires an Internet connection during the entire process. Use for one computer.

Extended INT13h: An extension of the standard INT13h BIOS interface for hard disks that allows hard disks to exceed 8.4GB in size. Also called enhanced BIOS .

Extended memory: Memory over 1MB. Converted to XMS memory by Himem.sys .

extended partition: A hard disk partition that cannot be used to start a computer. Only one extended partition can be created on a single hard disk, but an extended partition can hold multiple logical drives.

external commands: Operating system commands that require a specific program to be launched, such as Windows Explorer ( Explorer.exe ).

external hard drive: Hard disks with an enclosure and (usually) an external power source. Most recent models connect to USB 2.0 or IEEE-1394a ports, but some models connect to SCSI ports.

external modem: Modem that plugs into a serial or USB port.

EZ-BIOS: Disk management program used to control drive capacity larger than the BIOS can manage; not compatible with Windows 2000/XP.

F

Faraday cage: Type of antistatic electronics storage bag with a metalized exterior.

Fast Ethernet: Another name for 100Mbps Ethernet.

Fast SCSI: A version of SCSI with double the transfer rate of SCSI-2; up to 20MB per second.

FastDisk: Also known as 32-bit disk access, an optional high-speed disk access method introduced by Windows for Workgroups 3.11. FastDisk used a special driver that was added to the System.INI file. FastDisk is the ancestor of the 32-bit disk access features found in Windows 95 and later versions.

FAT (File Allocation Table): A special database of file locations and sizes used by DOS and Windows operating systems.

FAT16: A file system used by all 32-bit versions of Windows. Supports up to 65,536 entries (16 ² entries) with a maximum drive size of 2,048MB (2.1GB). Also called FAT (Windows NT/2000/XP also support FAT16 drive sizes up to 4GB).

FAT32: A file system used by Windows 95 OSR 2.x through Windows XP; also Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 and later. Supports up to 2 ³² files maximum per drive and a maximum of 2TB per drive. It uses disk space more efficiently than FAT16.

fatal error: Error detected during POST that prevents the system from starting; Phoenix, AMI, IBM, and MR BIOS use beep codes to indicate most fatal errors.

fault tolerance: Technology that enables a defective component to fail without destroying data. RAID 1 and RAID 5 are examples of fault-tolerant technologies, because they enable one drive to fail without wiping out the data stored in the drive array.

FC (Flip Chip): A method of building processors that places the processor die on the top of the chip for better heat transfer. Used by most recent processors.

Fdisk: Disk-partitioning program built into Windows 9x/Me. A command-line program with text menus ; similar in appearance to the Fdisk programs supplied with MS-DOS.

Fdisk/mbr: An undocumented Fdisk switch that re-creates the standard Windows 9x/Me master boot record. Can be used to recover from some types of boot sector viruses and damage. Should not be used on drives that use EZ-BIOS, Dynamic Drive Overlay, or similar methods to overcome BIOS drive-size limitations.

fiber- optic: Network cabling using photons rather than electrical signals to transfer information.

FIFO (first in, first out): A type of data buffer used on 16550 and newer UART chips to enable multitasking without loss of serial data under Windows.

file allocation table ( FAT ): The structures used by FAT-based file systems to track the locations of data. There are two synchronized FATs in FAT16 and FAT32.

file and printer sharing: Optional Windows feature that enables a computer to share folders, drives, and printers with other computers over the network.

file attachment: Text or binary data such as pictures, music files, and other types of data files that are sent along with an email message.

file attributes: Indicates which files need to be backed up (archive), are read-only, used by the operating system (system), or are not visible with default Windows settings (hidden). Additional attributes can be viewed and set within the Windows GUI. Windows 2000 and XP also support compressed and encrypted file attributes when the NTFS file system is used.

file extensions: One-to-three character part of a filename after the last period. Windows uses the file extension to determine which program to use to open a file.

file format: Structure of a data file.

File Manager: Windows 3.1 file management program; similar to My Computer or Windows Explorer in later versions.

file permissions: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP feature on NTFS drives that enables file/folder access control by user/group. Disabled in Windows XP if simple file sharing is enabled.

File Signature Verification: Windows utility used to determine if system and ( optionally ) driver files have been digitally signed.

file system: General term used for the organization and naming of files and partitions on a hard disk. Windows uses two major types of file systems: FAT and NTFS.

File Transfer Protocol ( FTP ): Protocol used for file transfers to and from the Internet.

Find: Windows NT 4.0/9x/Me interface for locating files and other network information.

firewall: Program or device that blocks unauthorized access to a computer. Software firewalls such as Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Security are sometimes referred to as personal firewalls . Routers can also function as firewalls.

FireWire: Apple's term for IEEE-1394 ports and devices. FireWire 400 is a recent term for IEEE-1394a; FireWire 800 is the same as IEEE-1394b. When FireWire is used without numbers, it usually means IEEE-1394a.

firmware: "Software on a chip" such as BIOS.

Fixboot: A Windows 2000/XP program that can be run from the CD or the Recovery Console to re-create the boot sectors on a FAT-based drive. Run Fixmbr afterward.

fixed wireless: Broadband Internet service that uses microwave line-of-sight transmission.

fixed-pitch font: A font such as Courier New, in which each letter uses the same amount of horizontal space.

fixed-size font: A font that can't be scaled, such as the fonts built into a dot-matrix printer.

Fixmbr: A Windows 2000/XP program that can be run from the CD or the Recovery Console to re-create the standard master boot record.

Flash BIOS: BIOS chip with Flash memory; can be upgraded with special software.

Flash memory: RAM that can retain data without electrical power. It is widely used for BIOS chips and for digital camera and digital music storage. Sometimes referred to as Flash ROM when used in a BIOS chip.

Flash recovery: A jumper on some systems that enables recovery from a failed Flash BIOS upgrade.

flashing: The process of reprogramming a Flash ROM chip with new instructions.

Flex-ATX: An ATX motherboard with no more than two slots, and typically has integrated video and audio. Designed for corporate offices and so-called small form factor systems.

flicker-free refresh rates: Term for vertical refresh rates of 72Hz or above that reduce or eliminate screen flicker.

floppy disk: Low-capacity removable media used by 3.5- and 5.25-inch floppy disk drives.

flow control: Various methods such as Xon/Xoff or CTS/RTS used to control data flow between modems.

FM synthesis: A method of simulating MIDI instrument sounds.

fonts: A particular size and shape of a typeface, such as Times New Roman 12 point. Times Roman Italic is the font; Times Roman is the typeface.

forced hardware: PnP hardware that has been manually configured in Device Manager.

form factor: The physical shape, size, and mounting arrangement of computer components such as a motherboard or power supply. A replacement for an existing component must have the same form factor as the original device.

form feed command: Ejects current page from the printer; can be software driven or uses a button on the printer.

format: Can refer to document layout or the process of preparing a floppy disk or hard disk for use.

Format: Command-line program used by Windows to create file systems on hard disks partitioned with Fdisk . Can also be used with Windows NT/2000/XP; all versions can also format floppy disks.

formatting: The process of creating sectors and tracks on a magnetic disk to organize it for use.

FPC: Standard attachment method for connecting an LCD display to a portable computer's motherboard.

FPM (Fast Page Mode DRAM): Standard DRAM type used on SIMMs.

FQDN (fully qualified domain name): A way of referring to servers on a TCP/IP network: Name-of-server.name-of-domain.root-domain . Similar to UNC naming, but uses the domain name or IP address of the server rather than its network name.

frame rate: How quickly still images are displayed onscreen to simulate movement, usually measured in FPS ( frames per second). Values below 30fps will cause noticeable jerkiness in viewing streaming media. Much higher frame rates are desirable for gaming for more realistic and responsive game play.

free system resources ( FSR ): Windows 9x/Me measurement of the amount of space left for GDI and User heaps. Low FSR values can cause illegal operations.

Front-Side Bus speed ( a.k.a. FSB ): The effective speed at which the processor communicates with memory. A multiple of the CPU frequency on Athlon, Duron, Athlon XP, and Pentium 4 processors.

FTP://: File Transfer Protocol. File transfer to or from a special server site on the World Wide Web.

full access: Network access that enables other computers to read/write/change/delete files.

full version: (of an operating system) An operating system that can be installed to an empty hard disk.

full-duplex: Network adapter setting permitting simultaneous sending and receiving of data; doubles throughput.

full-speed USB: USB 1.1 devices running at 12Mbps.

fuser: Hot roller assembly in a laser printer that melts toner to paper.

G

game port: 15-pin port used for analog joysticks and game controllers. Not found on some recent sound cards or integrated audio systems because USB game controllers are replacing game-port based models.

garbage output: Unreadable printer output usually caused by using the wrong printer driver.

gateway: A device that connects one network to another. A router acts as a gateway.

GB: Gigabyte. 1 Billion bytes.

general protection faults ( GPFs ): Windows 9x/Me software error caused by a program's attempt to use memory set aside for another program. GPFs are common with Windows 3.1/9x/Me due to cooperative multitasking's weak memory barriers and are often caused by programs running incorrect DLL driver files.

generic driver: Device driver that provides minimal functions for a hardware device. The Generic/Text-only printer driver in Windows prints text but no fonts or graphics.

generic hub: A USB hub connected to a root hub or another generic hub.

geometry: Term for the arrangement of sectors per track, cylinders , and heads on BIOS-controlled hard disks such as IDE/ATA. The manufacturer's recommended geometry is typically found on a label attached to the drive.

gibberish printing: A term for meaningless alphanumerics produced by a printer with a damaged or loose cable, incorrect printer driver, or incorrect serial interface settings. Also called garbage printing .

gibibit: 1,073,741,824 bits or 2 ³⁰ bits (Gib). Also called binary gigabit .

gibibyte: 1,073,741,824 bytes or 2 ³⁰ bytes (GiB). Also called binary gigabyte .

gigabit: One billion (1,000,000,000) bits or 10 ⁹ bits (Gb).

Gigabit Ethernet: Another name for 1000Mbps Ethernet.

gigabyte: One billion (1,000,000,000) bytes or 10 ⁹ bytes (GB).

graphics aperture: A BIOS setting used to determine the size of the memory address space used by the AGP card.

graphics card: Another name for video card.

graphics resolution: Resolution of graphics printed by a laser or LED printer; can be adjusted to save memory, whereas text prints at highest resolution of printer.

.grp files: Files used by Windows 3.1 to display shortcuts to related programs.

GUI: Graphical User Interface. User interface with features such as icons, fonts, point-and-click commands; Windows and Mac OS are popular GUIs.

H

Hal.dll: Hardware Abstraction Layer. Translation layer between NT 4.0/2000/XP kernel and system hardware.

half-duplex: Default network adapter setting in which sending and receiving is performed in separate operations.

hard drives: Drives that use one or more rigid platters to store data magnetically.

hardware: Physical computing devices (printers, drives, monitors, keyboards, and so on).

Hardware Monitor: Menu that displays fan speed, system temperature, and processor voltage. Also called PC Health .

hardware profile: Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP feature that enables the user to store multiple hardware configurations and select the desired configuration at boot time.

HCL (Hardware Compatibility List): Microsoft database of hardware supported by different Windows versions. Being replaced by Microsoft Windows Catalog.

HD-50: High-density 50-pin interface for SCSI.

HD-68: High-density 68-pin interface for SCSI.

head: Reads and writes data in a drive.

header cable: A cable running from the motherboard or add-on card that has the I/O port connector. Used mostly with Baby-AT motherboards or multi-I/O cards.

heatsink: Device that dissipates heat from a processor or other chip such as a North Bridge, MCH, or graphics accelerator chip. Usually has fins or corrugated construction to expose more surface to the air, and usually also has a fan. Passive heatsinks have no fan, but active heatsinks include a fan.

hexadecimal: Base-16 counting system (0 “9, A “F) used in computers for memory addresses and I/O port addresses.

Hi-Speed USB: Another name for USB 2.0.

hibernate: Similar to suspend/resume, but uses disk space only and is supported by ACPI.

hidden attribute: File attribute that makes a file invisible to the default Windows Explorer view or to the DIR command.

High memory: First 64KB of XMS memory.

High Performance File System ( HPFS ): A file system supported by the OS/2 operating system and optionally supported by Windows NT 4.0. HPFS is not supported by Windows 2000 or Windows XP, so HPFS drives should be converted to NTFS before a Windows NT 4.0 system is upgraded to 2000 or XP.

high-level format: Creates or re-creates a file system on a hard, floppy, or removable-media disk. Erases existing file allocation tables (if any) and checks media for errors. Select the Quick Format option in the Windows Explorer Format dialog box to perform a high-level format on a floppy disk.

Himem.sys: Device driver used by Windows to convert extended memory into XMS memory for use by Windows.

hives: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP term for Registry files (default, SAM , SECURITY , software, system, ntuser.dat [XP only] and UsrClass.dat [XP only]).

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT: Registry branch containing file associations.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG: Registry branch containing settings for the current hardware profile.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER: Registry branch containing settings for the current user.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE: Registry branch containing hardware settings.

HKEY_USERS: Registry branch containing settings for all users.

HomePNA: A phone line “based bus-topology network.

host adapter: Term for any disk interface (motherboard or card-based) that builds the actual controller into the drive, such as ATA/IDE or SCSI.

host-based: A method of printer control that uses the operating system to rasterize the page and control the printing process. This method is used by very low-cost inkjet and laser printers, but can make using the printer with operating systems other than Windows difficult or impossible .

hot-swap: The process of removing or connecting a device without shutting down the computer. Refers to the ability to change USB and IEEE-1394 devices without shutting down the system. Introduced with Windows 98 Second Edition. PC Cards can also be hot-swapped in these versions of Windows and older versions as well.

HSF: Heatsink/fan combo; a popular abbreviation for an active heatsink.

HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol): The protocol used by Web browsers.

https ://: Indicates a secure Web site.

hub: Simplest central connecting device used by 10BaseT and faster Ethernet versions. Hubs subdivide the bandwidth and broadcast data to all stations. Compare to switch.

hybrid mouse: A mouse or other pointing device that can connect to more than one type of port.

Hypertext Markup Language ( HTML ): Native language of Web pages. Uses tagged text to allow hyperlinking, fonts, special text attributes, graphics, and other enhancements to be added to text files for display with Web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. The official source for HTML standards is the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), but both Microsoft and Netscape have added proprietary features to the HTML dialects they understand.

hypothesis: A suggestion about the cause of a problem and its solution.

I

i . LINK: Sony's implementation of IEEE-1394a; it uses a four-wire cable at both ends.

I/O: Input/Output.

I/O device configuration: BIOS configuration menu that configures onboard peripherals. Also called Onboard Peripherals or Integrated Peripherals .

I/O port address: Hardware resource used to transfer data between devices; major resource used by Windows to detect hardware during installation.

I/O shield: A dust cover that fits between the ports on an ATX-family motherboard and the rear of the case. It has cutouts for the ports on the motherboard and markings to help users determine where to connect components.

icon: Onscreen symbol used in Windows to link you to a program or routine.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics): A popular parallel-signaling interface for hard drives, CD-ROMs and other optical drives, and other removable-media drives. Also refers to a type of hard disk, tape, or removable-media drive in which the controller logic is built into the drive. Also called ATA Attachment .

IDE channel: ATA/IDE host adapter (each channel can handle two drives).

IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Sets standards for computer, electrical, and electronics devices.

IEEE-587A: IEEE standard for surge suppressors.

IEEE-802.x: Series of IEEE networking standards used as the basis for Ethernet, token ring, and others.

IEEE-802.11a: A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 5 “6GHz radio signals and provides performance at rates from 6Mbps up to 54Mbps. It is not compatible with other 802.11-based wireless networks unless dual- band access points are used.

IEEE-802.11b: A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance from 2Mbps to 11Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11g-based wireless networks, but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.

IEEE-802.11g: A wireless Ethernet standard that uses 2.4GHz radio signaling for performance up to 54Mbps. It is compatible with 802.11b-based wireless networks, but not with 802.11a-based networks unless dual-band access points are used.

IEEE-1284: Official standard for parallel ports. An IEEE-1284 “compliant parallel cable supports all parallel port modes, including EPP, ECP, and EPP/ECP.

IEEE-1284-C: Small version of the IEEE-1284-B connector; used on some laser printers.

IEEE-1394: A series of standards for the high-speed serial interface also known as FireWire or i.Link. IEEE-1394a is the most common variety, also known as FireWire 400.

IEEE-1394b (FireWire 800): 800Mbps second-generation version of the IEEE-1394 standard. Uses a nine-wire port, but can also be used with six-wire or four-wire IEEE-1394a devices by using adapter cables.

Ifshlp.sys: Installable file system driver. Loaded by Io.sys .

illegal operation: Windows 9x/Me software error that can be caused by driver or program conflicts, shortages of FSR, and other problems.

in the wild: Term for viruses found outside virus labs.

.INF file: Driver or software configuration file; a special text file used by Windows to install and configure PnP hardware or to guide the installation of a particular program or operating system component.

infrared adapter: Device that emulates a serial or parallel port; provides line-of-sight printing or file transfer between infrared-enabled devices.

.INI file: Windows configuration file type, a special text file used more often with Windows 3.1 but still used with Windows 9x/Me.

initialization string: Series of AT& commands used to configure the modem before dialing.

ink dispersion printer: Another name for inkjet printer.

inkjet printer: A printer that sprays ink directly onto the paper.

install: Process of making a computer program usable on a system, including expanding and copying program files to the correct locations, changing Windows configuration files, and registering file extensions used by the program.

installation path: The drive/directory (folder) where Windows will be installed.

integrated audio: Sound card features built into the motherboard.

integrated graphics: Graphics incorporated into the motherboard's main chipset. For example, the Intel 845G chipset includes 3D graphics. Integrated graphics use part of the system memory.

integrated port: Port built into motherboard, such as USB, ATA/IDE, IEEE-1394, and so on.

Intel: Leading manufacturer of CPUs, chipsets, and other PC components. See Intel's Web site at www.intel.com.

interface: Connection between two devices.

Interlink: MS-DOS file-transfer program using serial or parallel ports with LapLink-style cables.

internal commands: Operating system commands that are available without starting any additional programs. For example, DIR and ERASE are built into MS-DOS and Windows.

internal modem: Modem built into an add-on card (PCI or ISA).

Internet: The network of networks; a worldwide network of computers running TCP/IP.

Internet access device: General term for any broadband device used instead of a dial-up modem.

Internet Options: Control Panel icon and Internet Explorer menu option used to control the behavior of Internet Explorer.

Internet service provider ( ISP ): Company that provides Internet access.

Io.sys: Binary file used by Windows 9x/Me to start system. Use Msdos.sys and Config.sys to modify its defaults.

IPConfig: Command-line utility (Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP) that displays IP configuration and can be used to release and renew a server-assigned IP address.

IPX/SPX: Novell's native network protocol through NetWare 4.x. Now replaced by TCP/IP. It is also called NWLink .

IR: Infrared. Type of port common on portable computers and found on some desktop computers. This type of port is used for short-distance file transfer via DCC or for printing to IR-equipped printers and is normally configured as a serial port. Being replaced by Bluetooth.; See also [Bluetooth]

IrDA: Leading infrared port standard used for printing and data transfer.

IRQ (interrupt request): 0 “15; used by CPU to receive and send signals to hardware devices needing or requesting attention.

IRQ conflict: Conflict between two ISA devices or an ISA and PCI device trying to use the same IRQ. Causes device failure or system crash until conflict is resolved.

ISA (Industry Standard Architecture): An obsolete 16-bit version of the original IBM PC slot. Variations include EISA (32-bit double-deck version of ISA) and VL-Bus (ISA slot plus a separate 32-bit connector).

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): Broadband Internet access that also supports telephone and fax machines. Largely replaced by DSL.

isopropyl alcohol: A type of alcohol used as the principal solvent in many specialized computer cleaning kits.

J-K

Java: Cross-platform computer language that is used by many Web sites for active content. Web content zones and security settings control how ActiveX and Java controls are handled by a particular computer. It requires special files called Class Libraries to be added to the Web server for download by client PCs accessing the page. Not to be confused with JavaScript.

JavaScript: A programming language that can be embedded in HTML files for simple, nongraphic calculations and interactive features. Not to be confused with Java.

Jaz drive: Iomega removable-media drive with 1GB and 2GB capacities.

K5: An early AMD Pentium-class CPU; replaced by the K6 family.

K6: AMD's highly successful Pentium-class chip. Now discontinued.

K56flex: Proprietary 56Kbps modem standard developed by Rockwell; now replaced by V.90.

kibibit: 1,024 bits or 2 ¹⁰ bits (Kib). Also called binary kilobit .

kibibyte: 1,024 bits or 2 ¹⁰ bytes (KiB). Also called binary kilobyte .

kilobit: 1,000 bits or 10 ³ bits (Kb).

kilobyte: 1,000 bits or 10 ³ bytes (KB).

Kbps: Kilobits per second. Often used to rate modems and broadband Internet connections.

KBps: Kilobytes per second. Often used to rate parallel port performance.

known-working: Computer or component that has been tested and is known to work correctly; not the same as "new."

L

L1 cache: Cache memory built into the processor core; processor checks L1 cache first. All Pentium-class and newer processors have L1 cache.

L2 cache: Cache memory outside the processor core; processor checks L2 cache after L1. Found on the motherboard of most Pentium-class systems. Slot-based processors have L2 cache inside the processor assembly, but socketed processors have on-die L2 cache, which runs at full CPU speed.

L3 cache: Third-level memory cache. Very rare on PCs, but occasionally seen on servers.

LAN (local area network): A network located in an office or building. When used on a router, indicates which ports are used by the switch built into some models.

lands: Flat section of the spiral data track on a stamped CD or DVD, or a reflective area of the spiral data track on a burned CD or DVD. Compare to pits .

landscape mode: Rotates text and graphics and prints them across the long side of standard paper sizes.

LapLink: Popular MS-DOS and Windows file transfer program and cable standard; Windows Direct Cable Connection and old MS-DOS Interlink programs can use LapLink cables.

LARGE: Award BIOS disk option for translating drives over 528MB; not the same as LBA mode.

large disk support: The Fdisk term for the FAT32 file system in Windows 95 OSR 2.x, Windows 98, and Windows Me.

laser printer: Uses an imaging drum and toner to create a page electrostatically.

LaserJet Error 11: Paper-out error.

LaserJet Error 13: Paper jam.

LaserJet Error 20: An out-of-memory error; usually caused by sending a page with too many graphics to the laser printer.

Last Known Good Configuration: Startup option for Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP; reverts system to its last working configuration.

LBA (Logical Block Addressing): A method of translating the drive's CHS (cylinder-head-sector) geometry to bypass operating system and BIOS limits.

LCC: Leaded Chip Carrier. Early method for packaging 286 CPUs; chip was held in place by a hinged cover and wire retainer.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Display technology that is used by laptops and in flat-panel displays in place of CRTs.

LD-50: 50-pin Centronics interface for SCSI.

LED printer: Similar to laser, but substitutes an LED array for the laser.

legacy card: A non-PnP card, usually ISA.

legacy hardware: Non-PnP hardware. ISA slots, PS/2, serial, and parallel ports are typical examples of legacy technologies.

legacy port: A ports that predates modern standards such as PS/2, serial, and parallel ports.

legacy USB support: BIOS option that enables USB keyboards to work outside of Windows in command-prompt and BIOS setup modes.

legacy-free: A system without serial or parallel ports. Often lacks PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports.

LFN: Long file/folder names.

Li-Ion (Lithium Ion): A more advanced, longer- lasting technology than NiMH; has similar power output but weighs 35% less.

line feed: Advances paper to next line; button found on many dot-matrix printers.

line printer: Another name for a parallel printer; LPT is the abbreviated form also used to refer to a parallel port. Also refers to printers that print a line at a time such as dot-matrix or inkjet printers.

line-draw graphics: Also known as box-draw characters; these are used with many MS-DOS batch files and programs to create shapes onscreen. They may be inserted with Alt + number pad entries if PC-850 or IBM character set is in use. In Windows, use the Character Map utility with a fixed-pitch font such as Courier New to create boxes and lines in your text documents.

line-interactive: Another name for a true UPS.

local drive: A drive letter that is built into or directly attached to your own computer, such as hard, floppy, IDE, USB, SCSI, or IEEE-1394 drives. Network drives that have been assigned drive letters (mapped drives) appear as local drives in the My Computer view of the system in Windows.

local printer: Printer connected directly to your computer.

Logged: Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP startup option that creates a logfile of all startup events. Very useful for troubleshooting a system that won't start.

logging: Recording events during a process, such as in Windows's Bootlog.txt file, used to record Windows startup events.

Logical Block Address ( LBA ): A method of translating disk structures used to break the 528MB (504MiB) limit on disk size. Almost all BIOS chips since 1994 support LBA mode.

logical DOS drive: Term use in Fdisk program for logical drives inside an extended partition.

loopback plug: A plug that has the transmit and receive lines connected to each other. Used to test serial and parallel ports with third-party testing programs such as CheckIT, AMIDiag, and Ultra-X QuickTech Professional.

low-level format: Rewrites sector markings across the entire disk surface. Use the /u option with the command-line Format program or deselect the Quick Format option in the Windows Explorer Format dialog box to perform a low-level and high-level format on a floppy disk.

low-speed USB: USB 1.1 devices running at 1.5Mbps such as a mouse or a keyboard.

LPT (LinePrinTer): A parallel port.

LPT1: First parallel port; has defaults of 378-37Fh or 3BC-37Fh and IRQ 7 (in EPP or ECP modes); ECP mode also uses DMA 3.

LPT2: Second parallel port; has defaults of 278-27Fh or 378-37Fh and IRQ 5 (in EPP or ECP modes); ECP mode also uses DMA 3.

LPX: Low-profile motherboard; a semi-proprietary design with a riser card. Widely used until the late 1990s for low-cost systems, but now obsolete. Also refers to low-profile version of power supplies using the 12-pin motherboard connector; these power supplies are used in most systems that use Baby-AT motherboards as well as LPX motherboards.

LS-120: Original 120MB version of the SuperDisk drive and media. Drive can also read/write standard 3.5-inch media.

LS-240: Second-generation 240MB version of the SuperDisk drive and media. LS-240 drives can also format standard 1.44MB floppy disks to hold 32MB of data.

LVD ( low-voltage differential): A type of SCSI signaling used for all Ultra-class and faster devices.

M

macro: A series of commands that can be stored inside a spreadsheet or word processing file to automate certain operations; some viruses exploit the macro feature of Microsoft Word or Excel.

macro virus: A virus that uses Microsoft WordBasic or VBA commands to infect Microsoft Word or Excel documents; can be used to damage or destroy files or drive contents.

magenta: The M in CMYK color printing.

Maintenance Wizard: Windows 98 interface for scheduling ScanDisk, Defrag, and Disk Cleanup.

Makeboot: The Windows 2000 program for making boot disks; can be run from Windows 9x/Me.

Makebt32: The Windows 2000 program for making boot disks; can be run from Windows NT or Windows 2000.

mapped drive: Network folder that is referred to with a local drive letter. Mapping a drive is optional with UNC-aware operating systems such as Windows 9x/Me/NT 4.0/2000/XP, but necessary for MS-DOS programs to use network drives.

mass storage: General term for IDE/ATA/SCSI/RAID/Serial ATA drives and host adapters.

master: Jumper setting that assigns the drive as the first of two drives on an IDE channel. When the 80-wire ATA/IDE cable is used with cable select settings, the drive on the black connector is master.

master boot record: Located in the first sector of a floppy or hard disk, this tells the BIOS whether the disk is bootable and where to find the operating system on a bootable disk. A disk with a damaged master boot record can't be used to start the computer.

Master File Table ( MFT ): The location used to store information about files created on a drive using the NTFS file system.

mastering: The process of creating a CD or DVD with a program such as Easy CD/DVD Creator or Nero Burning ROM. These programs and others write large amounts of data to the media with disk-at-once or track-at-once methods, instead of the packet writing method used by UDF.

math coprocessor: Also known as FPU. Used for floating-point math computations performed by spreadsheet and CAD programs, it is now part of 486DX and all newer CPUs.

matrix: In dot-matrix printing, the matrix is the series of columns of pins in the printhead. Also refers to the nozzles in the printhead of an inkjet printer. The smaller the pins or nozzles and the more closely they are positioned to each other, the better the print quality.

MAU (media access unit): The device used in token-ring networks to connect computers to each other.

Mbps: Megabits per second. Often used to describe speeds of networks and broadband Internet connections.

MBps: Megabytes per second. Often used to describe speeds of ATA/IDE and SCSI storage devices.

MBR: Master Boot Record. Pointer in first sector of a drive indicating where operating system files can be found; can be attacked by viruses.

MCGA: MultiColor Graphics Array. 320x200 256-color or 640x480 2-color subset of VGA used on early low-end IBM PS/2 computers.

MDA: Monochrome Display Adapter. Nongraphics digital " green-screen " monochrome display standard used on early IBM PCs and compatibles.

mebibit: 1,048,576 bits or 220 bits (Mib). Also called binary megabit .

mebibyte: 1,048,576 bytes or 220 bytes (MiB). Also called binary megabyte .

media: Anything used to carry information, such as network cables, paper, floppy disks, and so on.

media-sensing hole: A hole in the jacket of 3.5-inch DSHD, DSED, and SuperDisk media that enables the drive to determine the type of media in use and prevents the wrong type of media from being used.

megabit: One million (1,000,000) bits or 10 ⁶ bits (Mb).

megabyte: One million (1,000,000) bytes or 10 ⁶ bytes (MB).

MEM: Displays memory statistics/usage at the command prompt.

memory: Temporary storage workplace for instructions and data. There are two types of memory: RAM and ROM.

memory address: Hardware resource used by some add-on cards for RAM or ROM chips.

memory bank: Memory bits equal to data bus of CPU; might require one or more memory modules.

memory chip: Holds one bit or more of memory space.

memory effect: Problem affecting NiCad-based batteries; prevents partially discharged batteries from being recharged to full capacity.

memory module: Memory device made up of memory chips, such as SIMM, DIMM, or Rambus RDRAM module.

Micro-ATX: An ATX motherboard with no more than four slots, and typically has integrated video and audio. Designed for low-cost home and office computers.

microfilters: Small filters used on telephones and similar devices to prevent interference with a DSL connection.

Microsoft Knowledge Base: Online collection of Microsoft technical articles used by Microsoft support personnel to diagnose system problems. Can also be searched by end users by using the www.http://search.Microsoft.com Web site.

Microsoft Management Console ( MMC ): The computer-management program used by Windows 2000 and XP. Contains Disk Management.

Microsoft System Information: The Windows 98/Me/2000/XP utility for viewing hardware and software information about the system.

Microsoft Windows Catalog: Online listing of products compatible with Windows XP.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): A method of playing a musical score through a sound card. MIDI is also supported by many electronic keyboards.

Milliseconds ( ms ): One-thousandth of a second; used to rate storage or Internet access times; smaller is faster.

Mini-ITX: A very compact motherboard design developed by VIA Technologies for use in low-power computing appliances. Mini-ITX motherboards have one or two PCI expansion slots, integrated video, audio, and 10/100 Ethernet as well as legacy ports, but use surface-mounted VIA C3 or Eden processors instead of removable processors.

mini-PCI: A reduced-size version of PCI used in many recent notebook computers for modem, wired, and wireless network interfacing. Mini-PCI devices are customized for the notebook computers they are used with, and are currently not sold at retail.

mixer: The volume, balance, and other controls used by audio hardware. Open the Speaker icon in the Windows system tray or open the Sounds icon in Control Panel to adjust settings.

MKDIR: Makes a folder/directory ( MD ) at the command prompt.

modem: Device that converts digital-to-analog signals or analog-to-digital signals; transmits or receives analog signals through telephone lines. Also called analog modem or dial-up modem . Name is short for modulate -demodulate.

Molex: A type of rectangular power connector used on internal hard drives and optical drives; features two clipped corners for positive keying.

monitor: TV-like device that uses either a CRT or an LCD screen to display activity inside the computer. Attaches to the video card or video port on the system.

motherboard: Large circuit board that has sockets for memory, CPU (processor), chipset, BIOS, and expansion slots (if any). Also called a system board or planar board .

Mount Rainier: A specification for CD-RW and DVD+RW drives that supports background formatting and defect management. Mount Rainier support is not yet standard in current operating systems, but is expected to be added to future version of Windows. See www.mt-rainier.org for additional information.

mouse: Pointing device that is moved across a flat surface; older models use a removable ball to track movement; most recent models use optical sensors.

mouse elbow: Similar to tennis elbow; RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) due to excessive mouse usage.

MP3: A compressed digitized music file format widely used for storage of popular and classical music; quality varies with the sampling rate used to create the file. MP3 files can be stored on recordable or rewritable CD or DVD media for playback and are frequently exchanged online. The process of creating MP3 files is called ripping .

MPEG: Motion Picture Expert Group; creates standards for compression of video (such as MPEG 2) and audio (such as the popular MP3 file format).

mPGA (micro PGA): A variation on PGA used on Socket 478 processors to put more pins in a smaller space.

MS-DOS: Command-line operating system predating Windows 95.

MSCDEX: Microsoft CD-ROM extensions used in Autoexec.bat in Windows 9x if CD-ROM drive uses Config.sys driver.

MSConfig: The Microsoft System Configuration Utility; a GUI-based way to adjust startup options for Windows 98/Me/XP.

Msdos.sys: Text-mode configuration file used to adjust boot options and Io.sys defaults in Windows 9x/Me.

MSDS (material safety data sheet): A document provided by a vendor to provide information about potential hazards, use, and disposal of a product.

multi-I/O card: Card that contains two or more different types of I/O ports. Typically includes one or more parallel and one or more serial ports, but other combinations are possible.

multi-mode: A type of fiber-optic cable used for short-distance runs.

multibit chip: A memory chip that holds more than one bit of memory. Multibit chips make high-capacity memory modules with relatively few chips possible.

multimeter: An electrical testing device that can be used for DC and AC voltage and polarity, resistance, diodes, continuity, and amperage.

multiple-display support: The capability to run two or more monitors at the same time on a PC.

multiplier: Also called clock multiplier , this is the number of times faster the CPU's internal speed is when compared to its bus speed. For example, a 3.06GHz Pentium 4 has a bus speed of 533MHz and a multiplier of 5.75 (533x5.75 equals 3060MHz or 3.06GHz).

MultiRead: Standard for reading CD-RW media on a CD-ROM drive.

MultiRead2: Standard for reading CD-RW media on a DVD-ROM drive.

My Computer: Windows interface to drives and other important objects such as Control Panel. Incorporates Windows Explorer.

N

Narrow SCSI: 8-bit SCSI interface, requires a 50-pin or 25-pin interface.

Near Letter Quality ( NLQ ) mode: Highest-quality print mode on a dot-matrix printer. Available with 24-pin printers.

negative pressure: Cooling method used by most power supplies; the power supply fan creates a weak vacuum to draw air through the system.

Net: Command-line utility that can be used to perform various network and diagnostic tasks.

NetBEUI: A non-routeable network protocol that is simple to use. An enhanced version of NetBIOS.

NetBIOS: A non-routeable network protocol now replaced by NetBEUI.

Netsetup: Windows 95 program used to copy Windows install files to a network drive.

network: Two or more computers that are connected and share a resource such as hard disks or printers.

network client: Computer that uses another computer's shared resources.

network drive: Drive or folder available through the network; usually refers to a network resource that has been mapped to a local drive letter.

Network Installation: Method for installing service packs in which the entire service pack is downloaded for installation on multiple computers.

network operating system ( NOS ): An operating system built specifically for networking, such as Novell NetWare or Windows NT/2000/Server 2003.

network topology: Logical/physical layout of the network.

nibble: 4 bits.

NIC: Network Interface Card.

NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium): An early rechargeable battery technology.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydrite): The successor to NiCad in low-cost, rechargeable, portable computers. Has similar characteristics and a longer battery life, but no memory effect.

NLX: A quick-change motherboard design intended to replace LPX. The motherboard plugs into a side-mounted riser. NLX-based systems have largely been replaced by Flex-ATX systems.

non-parity: Memory that doesn't use parity checking, or a system on which parity checking is not available or is disabled.

North Bridge: The chip in a chipset that connects the processor bus to high-speed buses such as memory and AGP slots.

Norton Utilities: Symantec disk and system utilities for Windows; contains Disk Editor and many other useful tools.

NOS: Network Operating System. Software that enables a PC to access shared resources; might be part of a regular OS or might be an add-on.

ns (nanosecond): One billionth of a second; the basic measurement used for memory. Smaller ns ratings indicate faster memory.

NSLookup: Command-line utility (Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP) that displays DNS servers and DNS information for a specified IP address or server.

ntbtlog.txt: Bootlog created by Windows 2000/XP when started with the Logged option.

Ntdetect.com: Detects hardware during Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP startup.

NTFS (New Technology File System): File system used by Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Supports compression, more efficient use of disk space, and a different type of internal structure than FAT-based file systems: NTFS stores file locations in the Master File Table (MFT) and uses access control lists for better security than FAT16 or FAT32 file systems. NTFS 5 adds support for encryption and requires Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later.

NTLDR: NT loader program used by Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP to start Windows.

Ntoskrnl.exe: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP kernel.

null-modem: Serial cable that crosses send and receive lines to enable two PCs to communicate directly with each other without a modem. LapLink, Interlink, and DCC serial cables are null-modem cables.

NVRAM: Non-Volatile RAM. A motherboard chip that stores BIOS configuration information, also known as a CMOS chip.

O

objects: Items that can be viewed or configured with Windows Explorer, including drives, folders, computers, and so on.

odd parity: Parity-check method in which the sum of the data bits and the parity bit adds up to an odd number. If an even number results, the system halts with a parity error.

OEM (original equipment manufacturer): Refers to hardware or software included with or built into a PC.

OEM version: (of an operating system) An operating system supplied as part of the computer.

OEMSETUP: Automatic Windows 9x/Me setup option included on the boot floppy disk supplied with OEM versions of Windows 9x/Me on CD-ROM.

offline content: Content originally located on a remote server that's now stored on a local hard disk.

offline mode: Print spooler setting used to hold print jobs when printer is not available.

one-way service: Broadband Internet service that uses a telephone line for uploads. Older cable modems, DirecPC (ancestor of DirecWAY), and some fixed wireless services are one-way.

onscreen display: Menu displayed by most recent CRT and LCD monitors for use in adjusting color quality, screen geometry, and other display-quality settings. Often abbreviated as OSD.

OpenGL: An application programming interface (API) originally developed for CAD but also popular with 3D game developers.

operating system: Software that manages all the programs and hardware in or attached to the computer.

operating system upgrade: Installation that replaces the original operating system with a new version.

optical drive: A drive (CD or DVD based) that uses a laser to read or write data.

optical mouse: A mouse that uses a miniature camera to track mouse motion instead of a ball. Some very old mouse devices used a metal plate with a grid, but current models can work on almost any non-mirrored surface.

Orb drive: Castlewood removable-media drive with 2.2GB and 5.7GB capacities.

OS: Operating system. Software that configures and manages hardware and connects hardware and applications. Windows XP is an OS.

OSR: OEM Service Release. Updates to the original version of Windows 95. OSR1 can be downloaded; OSR2.x can only be purchased with hardware.

Other Devices: Device Manager category for devices for which Windows can't find drivers.

outlet tester: Device that plugs into a wall outlet to determine if wiring is properly grounded or polarized (doesn't test current levels).

overclocking: Running memory or other components at faster-than-normal speeds; can improve performance but can cause system instability and overheating , and can void system warranties.

overcoat: A protective coating applied by many dye-sub printers to the prints they make.

overloading: Connecting devices to a computer that require more watts than the power supply can support.

ozone filter: Device used to trap ozone on laser printers that use charging corona wires.

P

packet writing: A method for writing data to an optical disc in small blocks (packets). This method is used by UDF programs. Packet-written media requires a UDF reader, unlike media created with a mastering program, which can be read without any additional software.

page description language ( PDL ): The commands used to define the page's layout, contents, fonts, and graphics before it is transferred to a laser or LED printer. Leading PDLs include HP PCL (Printer Control Language) and Adobe PostScript.

page printer: Printers that print a page at a time such as laser, LED, solid-ink, and most dye-sub printers.

paging file: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP term for virtual memory file. Can be spread across multiple drives.

palm rest: The area between the spacebar and the front edge of the case on a portable computer. Buttons for pointing devices as well as touchpads and trackballs are built into the palm rest.

paper bail: Spring-loaded arm with rollers running in parallel with the platen on dot-matrix printers to hold a single sheet of paper in place.

paper path: Route paper takes through a printer; straight-through paths have fewer jams.

parallax: The difference in view between the camera lens and a separate optical viewfinder on digital and film cameras. Parallax can cause objects at close shooting distances to be cut off or cropped incorrectly. Use the LCD display found on most digital cameras to avoid parallax errors.

parallel: Data-transfer method used to send 8 bits or multiples of 8 in a single operation; used by parallel port, IDE, floppy, SCSI, and memory devices.

parallel port: Also called Line Printer or LPT port , it's used for parallel printers and other high-speed external devices. Uses a DB-25F connector on the computer and a Centronics 36-pin edge connector on printers. Other devices also use a DB-25F connector.

parallel test: An electrical test (such as for voltage) in which the multimeter is not part of the circuit, but is parallel to it.

parity: Error-checking method used for modems; some remote computers use even or odd parity, whereas the Internet uses no parity checking.

parity checking: System for detecting memory errors; uses a parity bit plus the data bits to create a checksum.

partition: Section of a hard disk set aside for use by an operating system.

partition table: Area near the beginning of the hard disk that stores disk geometry used to prepare drive, operating system(s) in use on drive, and partition start/end positions .

passive-matrix: An LCD display technology that uses transistors to control rows and columns in the display. Has slower response and a dimmer screen than dual-scan or active matrix.

password: A word or combination of letters and numbers that is matched to username or resource name to enable the user to access network resources or accounts.

path: Series of drives and folders (subdirectories) that are checked for executable programs when a command is issued at a command prompt. Also refers to drive/network server and folders used to access a given file.

PC Card: Credit-card sized storage, memory, or I/O devices for notebook computers that use the standards established by PCMCIA.

PC-66, PC-100, PC-133: Standard speeds (in MHz) for SDRAM.

PC-850 character set: A character set that supports line-draw characters.

PC800, PC1066: Standard speeds (in MHz) for RDRAM.

PC2100, PC2700, PC3200: Standard speeds (in MBps) for DDR SDRAM.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): A 32-bit slot that replaced VL-Bus and EISA from the mid-1990s. 64-bit versions are used in servers.

PCI Configuration: Menu used to adjust IRQ and other PCI slot/device settings.

PCL (Printer Control Language): The printer language developed by HP for its laser and some of its inkjet printers. It is widely emulated by other laser printer makers .

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): The organization responsible for PC Card, CardBus, and Zoomed Video standards.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Examples included hand-held computers running PalmOS or Windows CE. Can use data from desktop and portable computers, but processors, memory, and operating systems are different.

peer server: Client PC that also shares drives or other resources on a Windows network.

peer-to-peer: Network model in which client PCs share resources with each other.

Peerless drive: Iomega modular removable-media drive with 10GB and 20GB capacities.

Pentium: 32-bit processor with integrated L1 cache (no L2 cache). Fits into Socket 4, 5, or 7. AMD K5, K6 series, and Cyrix 6x86/MII family are Pentium-class processors. First Intel processor with a 64-bit data path.

Pentium II: Enhanced version of Pentium Pro designed for PC and server use. Contains L2 cache inside the processor shell. Fits into Slot 1. Pentium II Xeon is made for workstations and servers, and fits into Slot 2.

Pentium III: Improved version of Pentium II, with faster FSB, L2 cache and clock speeds. Early versions fit into Slot 1, but later versions fit into Socket 370.

Pentium 4: Advanced-design processor with fast FSB, large L2 cache, and high clock speeds (1.4GHz to over 3GHz). Early versions fit into Socket 423, but current versions use Socket 478.

Pentium Pro: Server-optimized version of Pentium with integrated L2 cache. Fits into Socket 8.

peripheral: An external device not required for basic computer use but added to enable a computer to perform a particular task, such as printing or communications with another computer.

personal firewall: Software that blocks unauthorized access to a computer with an Internet connection. Can also be configured to prevent unauthorized programs from connecting to the Internet. The free Shields Up! service at Gibson Research (http://grc.com) tests the protection provided by personal firewalls and recommends specific products.

PGA (Pin Grid Array): A square or rectangular chip with pins on the bottom; the basis for all socketed processors from the Pentium to present models.

phantom directory: Refers to floppy drives that cannot detect a disk change; indicates that changeline support (line 34) isn't working. If the user doesn't force the drive to reread the new floppy disk, the computer assumes the new disk has the same FAT as the original disk, and trashes the contents of the new disk.

Phoenix Technologies: Original third-party BIOS developer. Owns the former Award Software.

physical drive: Same as hard drive or hard disk; all physical drives must be partitioned and high-level formatted before they can be used by Windows.

piezo-electric: Low-temperature method of controlling inkjet printing.

PIF file: Program Information File. A file that provides special instructions to Windows on how to run a particular MS-DOS program; manually created with Windows 3.1, automatically created when program is run in Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP. Can be modified through program's properties sheet in 9x/Me/2000/XP.

pincushion distortion: Screen geometry fault in which the sides of the display area are bowed inward.

pinfeed: A simplified version of a tractor feed that uses pins fixed to either end of a platen to pull paper past the printhead of a dot-matrix printer; unlike a tractor feed, a pinfeed mechanism cannot be used with labels or other narrow paper stock.

Ping: Command-line utility that tests and checks connection speed to a particular server or IP address.

pins: Wires in the dot-matrix printhead. The printhead activates various combinations of wires in the printhead's matrix to create letters and print graphics.

PIO: Programmed Input Output. A series of IDE interface transfer standards (modes 0 “4) for data flow that runs through the CPU. PIO modes have been replaced by faster UDMA modes.

pipeline-burst cache: Surface-mounted cache chips used on late-model Pentium-class motherboards. Internally, pipeline-burst cache chips send a continuous stream of data (pipelining) in a single operation called a burst .

pitch: Horizontal space occupied by each letter in a fixed-pitch font such as Courier or Courier New. 10-pitch equals 10 characters per inch.

pits: Raised area in the spiral data track of a pressed CD or DVD or a burned area in the spiral data track of a recordable or rewritable CD or DVD. Pits don't reflect light back to the CD or DVD pickup lens. Compare to lands .

plain-text: Text without control characters or fonts, such as .TXT, .BAT, and .INI.

platen: Rubber roller used as part of the paper-feed mechanism in some dot-matrix printers; used for single-sheet feed.

PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier): A square chip with leads on all four sides; plugs into a matching socket. Used by BIOS and audio codec chips on many recent motherboards.

plenum: Special network cable designed for use in air vents and suspended ceilings. Gives off less smoke and fewer toxic fumes when burned than ordinary network cable.

Plug and Play ( PnP ): Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP and BIOS technology for installing PCI, AGP, and PnP-compliant ISA cards and external devices such as printers, monitors, scanners, and modems with minimal user intervention. Also allows for hardware resources to be adjusted to make room for new devices.

PnP Configuration: Menu(s) used to prevent hardware resource conflicts (IRQ, DMA, I/O port) between PnP and non-PnP hardware. Can sometimes be disabled in the BIOS.

Pocket PC: Hand-sized PDAs that run Windows CE.

point of failure: A device or connection between devices that is most likely to cause a malfunction.

pointing device: Mouse or other input device used to select menu items, highlight text, and create graphics.

pointing stick: A small, pressure-sensitive, eraser-shaped button in the middle of the keyboard on some portable computers. It emulates a mouse. The best-known version is the IBM TrackPoint.

port replicator: Enables notebooks with a compatible expansion bus to connect to keyboard, mouse, monitor, and external peripherals with a single device. Universal models use PC Card slot or USB interfacing.

portrait mode: Prints text and graphics across the short side of standard sizes of paper.

POST (power-on self test): The series of tests performed by the BIOS when the computer is turned on or rebooted. If the POST fails, the computer can't start.

POST card: A PCI or ISA card that displays POST codes during system startup. Can be used to determine codes indicating POST failure when error messages or beep codes don't apply.

POST code: Two-digit hex codes used to indicate various checkpoints during the startup process. Also called checkpoint codes .

POST error message: Error message such as "stuck key" or "CMOS error" generated by the POST.

PostScript: A printer language developed by Adobe that supports very elaborate graphics effects.

POTS: Plain Old Telephone System. Regular copper -wire telephone system that uses modems to connect one computer with another; distinguished from ISDN or DSL connections.

Power Good: A signal that is used by the motherboard to determine if the system can continue to run. If Power Good is too high or too low, the system is automatically rebooted.

Power Management: Menu that configures power management and its options.

power management: Method for reducing power usage to improve battery life in portable computers.

PPPoE (point-to-point protocol over Ethernet): A protocol used on many DSL connections that requires the user to log in with a username and password.

primary partition: A hard disk partition type that can be used to start a computer. Up to four primary partitions can be created on a single hard disk.

Primary Rate Interface: 1.536Mbps ISDN connection used mostly by large businesses.

Primary VGA BIOS: A BIOS setting that controls whether the AGP or PCI card is the primary display.

print job: Any page or group of pages sent to be printed at one time. Each time you click Print in an application, the page or pages you print are a separate print job.

print queue: Windows holding area for print jobs; usually the default temporary files folder.

print spooler: Windows feature that saves print jobs to the default temporary folder and feeds them to the printer when it's ready. Enables user to reorder, pause, and cancel some or all print jobs. Runs as a service in Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP.

printer driver: Software used to control the printer in Windows or another operating system.

printer font: A font built into a printer. Could be fixed-size or scalable.

printer language: Commands and statements used to control a printer, such as PCL, PostScript, or Epson ESC/2.

printhead: Device that moves over the paper and transfers characters and graphics. Used by character/line, thermal, and dye-sublimation printers.

product activation: Process of unlocking Windows XP after installation. Activation matches the product key to the system configuration.

product key: Alphanumeric identifier used by Microsoft to unlock Windows for installation. Used by Windows XP for product activation.

properties sheet: Windows method for modifying and viewing object properties. In most cases, you can right-click an object to display its properties sheet.

proportional font: A font such as Times New Roman or Arial (TrueType) or Times Roman and Helvetica (PostScript) that use different widths for different letters ( W is wide, and I is narrow, for example).

proprietary: Opposite of standard; refers to technologies that are used only by a single vendor. For example, a particular proprietary memory module fits only a few models of notebook computers made by a particular vendor.

protected-mode drivers: Drivers that load into XMS memory (above 1MB) in Windows NT 4.0/9x/Me/2000/XP.

protocol: Rules that define telecommunications connections between devices. TCP/IP is a family of related protocols.

proxy server: A device that checks Internet data requested by a computer and filters out unapproved content or viruses before passing it to the recipient.

PS/2: IBM series of computers introduced in 1987. It replaced IBM PC and AT. Models 50 and up introduced Micro Channel Architecture, an unsuccessful attempt to make PCs easier to maintain and service. Term also refers to round 6-pin mouse and keyboard ports originally introduced by the IBM PS/2 series but still widely used.

PS/2 mode or bidirectional mode: Parallel port configuration mode that uses eight wires for both input and output, and only I/O port addressing.

pull tractor: Paper-feed mechanism that pulls continuous-form paper through the printer. It's located after the printhead in a dot-matrix printer, and requires the user to waste a sheet of paper to tear off a print job.

push tractor: Paper-feed mechanism that pushes continuous-form paper through the printer. It's located before the printhead in a dot-matrix printer, and makes zero-tear-off printing possible.

Q-R

QWERTY: The standard arrangement of typewriter keys is also used by most English or Latin-alphabet computer keyboards; name derived from the first five letter keys under the left hand.

radio-frequency interference ( RFI ): Electrical interference that interferes with radio or TV reception . It is caused by inadequately shielded electrical devices.

RAID: Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives. Various technologies for using two or more SCSI, ATA/IDE, or Serial ATA (SATA) drives as a logical unit (array) for improving speed, fault tolerance, or both. Some motherboards have ATA or SATA RAID 0 (data striping) or RAID 1 (data mirroring) capabilities onboard. For RAID 0+1 (striping and mirroring) or RAID 5 (advanced striping with parity checking), dedicated SCSI, SATA, or ATA/IDE host adapter cards must be used.

RAM (Random Access Memory): Memory that can be written to and erased freely. Its contents are lost when the power is turned off.

Rambus RDRAM Module: A memory module that uses Rambus DRAM. A single-channel module has 184 pins, whereas a dual-channel module has 232 pins. Current.

random access: Data access method that locates and reads data in any order. Random access is used by hard disk drives, floppy and removable-media disk drives, and optical drives.

RCA jack: A TV-out connector that mixes luma and chroma into a single signal.

RDRAM (Rambus Direct RAM): A narrow-channel memory type that is faster than SDRAM but much more expensive than (and about the same performance as) DDR SDRAM.

read-only: Storage that is protected from changes.

read-only access: Network access that enables other computers to read but not change files.

read-only attribute: File attribute used to protect a file from unauthorized changes; the file cannot be overridden or altered and can be deleted only by explicit user override in Windows Explorer.

read-only caching: Disk-caching method used by Windows for floppy and removable-media drives; uses memory to cache reads, but disk writes go directly to the drive.

read-write caching: A method of disk caching that uses RAM to hold data being saved to disk as well as data being read from disk for faster performance. Windows uses read-write caching for hard drives by default.

read-write heads: Magnetic heads used to read and write data to any type of magnetic media, including disk and tape.

Readiness Analyzer: Downloadable version of the Upgrade Analyzer.

real-mode drivers: Drivers that load into conventional or UMB space from Autoexec.bat or Config.sys in Windows 9x.

recovery CD: Windows installation stored in a special form that can be uncompressed only to a particular configuration of hardware.

Recovery Console: Windows 2000/XP repair option. It creates a special command-line environment where system repairs can be performed. Recovery Console can be launched from the Windows 2000 or XP CD-ROM or can be installed as a boot option.

Recycle Bin: Windows holding area for deleted files, allowing them to be restored to their original locations; can be overridden to free up disk space.

recycling: Sending a consumable product such as a toner or inkjet cartridge back to a vendor who can rebuild the product or reuse its components.

refresh rate: Rate at which electron guns in the monitor's CRT repaint the picture onscreen; also called vertical retrace rate . It is measured in Hz (Hertz); 1Hz = 1 time per second.

Regedit: Registry editor.

Regedt32: Multi-pane Registry editor used by Windows NT 4.0/2000 as an alternative to Regedit.

Regional Settings: Settings such as language, keyboard, and time zone.

register size: CPU's internal data pathway in bits.

registered file types: File types that can be opened by programs known to the Windows Registry.

Registry: Windows database of hardware, software, and user settings. Structure and files in the Registry varies by Windows version.

Release: Frees up an IP address provided by a DHCP server.

REM: REMark; used to disable statements in Config.sys or Autoexec.bat . The semicolon (;) is used for the same purpose in .INI files used by Windows.

remote printer: Printer available over the network.

removable-media: Any drive whose media can be interchanged; floppy disk, CD-ROM, optical, and tape.

RENAME: Renames files at the command prompt.

Renew: Obtains a new IP address provided by a DHCP server.

repeater: Increases range of a network connection by amplifying the signal. Hubs and switches also act as repeaters.

Repetitive Strain Injury ( RSI ): Injuries that occur because of repeating the same movement again and again.

replicate: Make a copy.

resistance: Tests resistance (ohms) of a device.

resistor: Used on networks and drives to indicate "end of bus."

resolution: Number of horizontal x vertical dots used by the display or by a digital camera. Standard VGA is 640x480, but most systems today use monitors that support 1,024x768 or higher resolutions. Also refers to the number of dots per inch (dpi) supported by a display, scanner, or printer. Typical displays support resolutions of about 96dpi, whereas printers have resolutions of 600dpi to as much as 2,400dpi. Bitmaps should be scanned or created to suit the different resolution requirements of the target device. A low-resolution bitmap works well onscreen but won't print well because printers have higher resolution than displays.

Resource Meter: Windows 9x/Me utility used to track FSR.

restore (data files): Process of making data files available to the system. Might require the use of a backup program compatible with the backed-up data files.

ribbon cable: Flat cable used to connect drives to interfaces.

RIMM: Rambus Inline Memory Module. Kingston term for a memory module using Rambus DRAM (RDRAM). RIMMs and other RDRAM-based modules use serial instead of parallel data transfers.

ring: Network topology in which each station is connected to two other stations and data flows in a single direction. Token ring uses this topology.

RIP (raster image processor): A program that converts PostScript commands into printer commands recognizable by a non-PostScript printer. RIPs can be added in software or firmware form to lower-cost inkjet printers to enable them to print PostScript output.

ripping: Converting CD audio tracks into compressed digital audio files such as MP3 or WMA.

riser slot: A motherboard slot used for special types of motherboard support cards (as opposed to standard slot types such as ISA, AGP, or PCI). Riser slots are used on LPX motherboards for the riser card used for add-on cards, and on more recent motherboards for AMR and CMR cards.

RJ-11: Four-wire connector telephone jack using unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling. Also used for dial-up (analog) modems and HomePNA network connections. Smaller than RJ-45.

RJ-45: Eight-wire connector used by 10BaseT and faster Ethernet connections, DSL and ISDN broadband Internet, and by newer token-ring connections. Similar to RJ-11 but larger.

RMDIR: Removes a folder/directory ( RD ) at the command prompt.

ROM (read-only memory): Memory whose contents normally cannot be changed.

root directory: Top-level folder on a drive that stores all other directories (folders); the root directory of C: drive is C:\ . Sometimes referred to as a root folder .

root hub: Name for USB hub built into motherboard or I/O card. Each root hub handles two USB ports.

router: Connects a network (such as a local area network) to another network (such as the Internet) and routes data between the networks. Often integrated with wireless access points and switches.

RS-232: Recommended Standard-232; the formal name for the serial (COM) port standard, the standard serial port type for PCs.

RTC/NVRAM (real-time clock/non-volatile RAM): The official name of the CMOS.

S

S-registers: Modem registers used to store or adjust timing and other technical details.

S-Video: High-quality video standard used in many recent VCR and DVD products for input and output of video signals. Many recent video cards with TV output use S-Video jacks for this purpose.

S/PDIF: Sony/Philips Digital Interface; a digital sound interface standard. Might use wired or optical-cable connectors.

safe format: Default floppy disk format for MS-DOS; allows floppy disk to be unformatted.

Safe Mode: A Windows startup mode used for troubleshooting; it uses standard VGA drivers but doesn't load any 32-bit drivers, so many devices don't work.

Safe Mode Command Prompt: Windows 9x startup option that skips all startup files and displays a command prompt.

Safe Mode with Network Support: Windows 9x/Me startup option that loads standard drivers as well as network drivers.

sampling rate: Frequency at which analog sound data is stored for digital conversion; a higher sampling rate produces better quality but also larger .wav files.

satellite Internet: Broadband Internet that uses geosynchronous satellites to send and receive data.

scalable font: A font that can be made any size from a single outline. For example, the Times New Roman scalable font can be used to print 10pt, 24pt, and 72pt text in the same document.

SCAM (SCSI Configuration AutoMagically): An automatic SCSI configuration method used by some hard disks and SCSI host adapters.

ScanDisk: Windows 9x/Me disk repair tool.

Scanner and Camera Wizard: Windows Me/XP utility that transfers pictures from digital cameras or scanners to a specified folder on a PC.

Scanreg: Windows 98/Me Registry checker/backup program.

Scheduled Tasks: Enables user to schedule utility and other tasks to run as desired.

screen geometry: Appearance of the sides of the display area on a CRT. Should be straight on all four sides, but might require adjustment if bowed or wavy.

screensaver: Blanks the screen or displays a changing animation to protect the screen from phosphor burn-in.

SCSI (small computer system interface): A flexible interface that uses parallel signaling. It can be used for hard and optical drives, scanners, and other devices. Narrow SCSI interfaces enable daisy-chaining of seven devices to a single port. Wide SCSI enables daisy-chaining of up to 15 devices to a single port.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): Memory running in sync with processor bus. Speeds include 66MHz (PC-66), 100MHz (PC-100), and 133MHz (PC-133).

SDSL: Synchronous DSL. A type of DSL connection in which upload and download speeds are the same. SDSL connections are marketed to business rather than to home users and almost always require a newly installed circuit to the location and professional installation.; See also [DSL]; See also [ADSL]

SE (single-ended): A type of SCSI signaling used for low-speed devices.

Search: Windows 2000/XP interface for locating files and other network information.

SECC (Single Edge Contact Cartridge): The packaging method used by Pentium II processors (using Slot 1). SECC2 is an improved version with better cooling.

sectors: 512-byte areas on a disk; the basic building block of all disk storage structures. The sectors arranged in a concentric circle on the media's surface comprise a track.

Secure Socket Layers ( SSL ): Encryption/security system used by secure (https) Web sites.

self-powered hub: A USB hub that plugs into an AC power source. Can be used with devices that require more power than a bus-powered hub can provide. A self-powered hub provides 500mA of power for each USB port.

SEPP (Single Edge Processor Package): A simplified version of SECC without a cover, used by early Celeron processors.

sequential access: Data access method that locates and reads data by reading data in the order of creation. Tape drives use sequential access.

serial: Data-transmission technique that sends a single bit at a time at various rates; used by RS-232, USB, Serial ATA, and IEEE-1394 interfaces.

Serial ATA ( SATA ): High-speed version of ATA that uses serial signaling; uses same commands as ATA/IDE but a smaller cable with no master/slave jumpering.

serial port: RS-232 or COM port, a 9-pin or 25-pin male port used for slow-speed devices.

Series A: Flat USB connector used to connect USB devices with fixed cables to a USB root hub or generic hub.

Series B: Notched-square USB connector found on external devices with USB ports. A typical USB cable has a Series A connector on one end and a Series B connector on the other end.

series test: An electrical test (such as for amperage) in which the multimeter is part of the circuit.

server: Specialized computer that shares resources with client PCs. Often features high-speed and redundant hardware for extra reliability. A peer server is also a client on a peer-to-peer network.

server-assigned IP address: An IP address provided by a DHCP server. Might vary from session to session. Also called a dynamic IP address .

service: A component of Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP that can be started, stopped , or restarted without restarting Windows.

service pack: Collection of improvements, fixes, and updates to a particular Windows version. Can be downloaded or ordered on CD.

SET: A command-line command used to configure settings for a particular program.

SET BLASTER: This command sets up the software used by Sound Blaster and compatible sound cards in DOS.

Setup defaults: Automatic BIOS setup option that selects normal performance settings. Also called Optimal .

Setup.exe: Common name for Windows installation program.

SETVER: Displays/sets operating system version number to enable older programs to run under Windows.

SFX: A power supply form factor that is designed for Micro-ATX and Flex-ATX systems. It uses the same connector as the ATX power supply, but comes in two varieties. The more common SFX-S has the AC power connector along the short side of the power supply enclosure, whereas SFX-L has the power connector along the long side of the power supply enclosure.

SGRAM: Synchronous Graphics RAM. A variation on SDRAM used by some recent video cards.

shadowing: A method for speeding up ROM access by copying ROMs in Upper memory area to RAM, which "shadows" the same area. Should be disabled on Windows-based systems.

share-level: Type of network access used by peer servers. A separate password is required for each shared resource; no central list of users is maintained .

shared folder: A folder that can be accessed by other computers over the network.

shared printer: Local printer available to others over the network.

shared resource: A drive, printer, or other resource available to more than one PC over a network.

SID (Security Identifier Number): Must be unique on each computer running Windows NT/2000/XP found on a network. Can be modified through the use of Sysprep on a cloned system.

SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module): The earliest type of memory module. Available in 30-pin and 72-pin versions. Obsolete.

simple file sharing: Standard network configuration for Windows XP; disables user/group access control. Can be disabled to improve security.

single sheet: Paper-feed mechanism that handles individual sheets of paper.

single-mode: A type of fiber-optic cable used for long-distance runs.

SIPP (Single Inline Pin Package): A memory module similar to a 30-pin SIMM, but with sharp spikes for memory contacts. Obsolete.

slave: Jumper setting that assigns the drive as the second of two drives on an IDE channel.

slimline: A desktop case that is slimmer than a tower and stands on the long side of the case.

Slimline power supply: A power supply form factor with a 12-pin connector and a power switch on a cable. Used by Baby-AT and LPX motherboards. Also called LPX or PS/2 power supply .

Slot 1: Slot used for Intel Pentium II, early Celeron, and some Pentium III CPUs.

Slot A: Slot used by early AMD Athlons; not compatible with Slot 1.

small form factor: A case factor similar to slimline, but thinner, and sometimes convertible between vertical and horizontal placement.

Smart Media: A type of Flash memory used by some digital cameras; requires a card reader or PC Card adapter to be compatible with portable and desktop computers.

socket: Square or rectangular motherboard connector used for processors or other removable chips such as BIOS chips.

Socket 4: Socket used by original Pentium processors (60 and 66MHz). 5V power.

Socket 5: Used by Pentium processors from 75 “133MHz. Uses 3.3V power.

Socket 7: Used by 75MHz and faster Pentium processors and AMD K5, K6, and Cyrix 6x86/MII series. Various voltages.

Socket 8: Used by Pentium Pro. Can be adapted to Celeron-based processors via third-party adapters.

Socket 370: Used by socketed Pentium III and Celeron.

Socket 423: Used by early Pentium 4.

Socket 478: Used by current Pentium 4 and Celeron.

Socket 603: 603-pin square socket used for Pentium-4 based Xeon processor.

Socket 754: 754-pin square socket used by the Athlon 64 processor.

Socket A: Also called Socket 462 , the socket used by all socketed Athlon processors, as well as Duron and Athlon XP.

SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM): Compact version of DIMM for notebook computers. Current.

soft modem: Another term for a Winmodem.

software: Instructions that create or modify information and control hardware; must be read into RAM before use.

solid-ink printer: Uses melted solid ink and a drum to print.

Sound Blaster: A line of sound cards from Creative Labs that have become a de facto industry standard.

South Bridge: The chip in a motherboard chipset that connects the PCI bus to the slower ISA bus. Newer South Bridge designs also perform the tasks of the Super I/O chip.

spam: Unsolicited email. Named after (but not endorsed by) the famous Hormel lunch meat. Many email clients and utilities can be configured to help filter, sort , and block spam.

SPGA (Staggered PGA): A variation on PGA used on Socket 370 and Socket A processors to put more pins in the same space.

spike: Momentary overvoltage.

SPS (standby power supply): A battery backup unit that switches to battery power only when AC power fails. Most so-called UPS units are really SPS units.

SR: Service Release. Microsoft term for updates to Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and so on.

SRAM (Static RAM): A form of RAM based on transistors that uses electricity less often and is faster but bulkier and more expensive than DRAM. Used for cache memory.

SSID (Service Set Identifier): Identifies a particular Wireless Ethernet network.

ST-506: Improved variation of the ST-412 hard disk interface invented by Seagate Technology in the early 1980s; original hard disk interface for IBM PC/XT and AT; uses two cables for data and signals but is now obsolete.

stand-off: A brass or plastic spacer used between the motherboard and the motherboard tray or case-mounting area.

Standard CMOS Configuration: Menu that typically sets date, time, and drive configuration.

standard device: Device built into the motherboard.

standard mode: Original parallel port mode, uses only I/O port addressing.

standby: Power-saving mode in which the CPU drops to a reduced clock speed and other components wait for activity.

star: Network topology in which each station connects to a central distribution device such as a hub, switch, or wireless access point. 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 1000BaseT Ethernet, and Wireless Ethernet in infrastructure mode use this topology.

Starband: A major satellite Internet provider.

Start menu: Stores shortcuts to programs; contains folders for related programs.

start page: The Web page that is first displayed when you open a Web browser; can be customized to view any Web page available online or stored on your hard disk.

startup event: File loading and other activities during the startup of Windows.

Startup folder: Folder used by Windows to store shortcuts to programs launched when Windows starts.

static electricity: See [ESD]

static IP address: An IP address set in the TCP/IP properties sheet for a network or dial-up adapter.

step-by-step startup: Windows 9x/Me startup option that permits user to skip some startup commands.

stop bit: Bit used to indicate a byte (character) has been sent.

Stop error: See [Blue Screen of Death]

storage: Any device that holds programs or data for use, including hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROM drives, and so on.

STP (shielded twisted pair cable): Used by token-ring networks. The cable uses an IDC/UDC hermaphrodite connector, and features metal shielding to protect against interference.

straight-through paper path: Paper path has little if any curving ; better for heavy paper and label stock.

stuck pixel: A pixel on an active-matrix display that is always on or always off.

subsystem: Hardware, software, and firmware in the computer that performs a particular task, such as printing, display, and so on.

SuperDisk: Common name for LS-120 and LS-240 drives and media. All SuperDisk drives can also read and write standard 1.44MB and 720KB 3.5-inch floppy disks.

SuperI/O chip: Part of the motherboard chipset that controls I/O devices such as serial and parallel ports, USB ports, the floppy controller, the keyboard, and the mouse port. May be integrated with the South Bridge in newer chipsets.

surge: Sustained overvoltage.

surge suppressor: Device that blocks harmful power surges (overvoltages) from reaching your computer.

suspend mode: A computer power-saving mode that uses very little power, but enough power is present to cause damage to components that are disconnected if the AC power cord is connected to the system.

suspend/resume: A process that involves saving the current open programs and data to RAM or hard disk for quick restarts later.

SVGA: Super VGA. May refer to 800x600 VGA resolution or to any VGA display setting that uses more than 16 colors or a higher resolution than 640x480.

swapfile: Windows 9x/Me term for virtual memory file.

switch: A more complex central connecting device (compared to a hub) used by 10BaseT and faster Ethernet versions. Switches create one-to-one connections between sender and receiver and support full bandwidth to all stations. Can be combined with routers or wireless access points and often support full-duplex transfers.

switchbox: A mechanical or electronic device with multiple serial or parallel ports. Two types exist: Share one port with multiple devices, or a single device shared by multiple computers.

symptom: A pointer to the problem, but might not be the actual problem. For example, inability to print to a network printer could indicate a problem with the printer or with the network.

Synchronous Graphics RAM ( SGRAM ): A modified form of SDRAM made for video cards.

Sysedit: Multiwindowed text editor used in some versions of Windows to edit configuration files.

system attribute: File attribute used to indicate if a file or folder is part of the operating system; boot files are normally set as system and hidden.

system bus: Wire traces on and within the layers of the motherboard that carry data, power, control, and address signals between components.

system bus speed: See [CPU frequency]

System File Checker ( SFC ): Windows 98/2000/XP feature that checks system files and can replace corrupt files with the originals from CD.

System Monitor: Windows 9x/Me tool that monitors various local and network performance issues.

System Restore: Windows Me/XP utility that stores system configurations and enables the user to revert to an earlier configuration.

System State: Windows XP special backup of Registry and other system files.

System Tools: Most Windows system utilities are stored in this Start menu folder, a subfolder of Accessories.

System Tray: Also called systray ; the area by the clock where icons for startup utilities and background programs are located.

System.da0: Backup of System.dat Registry file.

System.dat: Windows 9x/Me Registry file.

System.ini: Windows 3.1/9x file used to configure hardware for use with Windows. Used primarily for 16-bit Windows application support.

T

T-adapter: Connects to rear of 10Base2 Ethernet card to allow RG-58 cable to be attached in a bus configuration.

TAGRAM: A chip used as part of an SRAM cache chip installation.

tape drive: Internal or external backup drive that uses various types of magnetic tape to store data. Size measured in native (uncompressed) and 2:1 compressed capacities.

TAPI: Telephony Application Programming Interface. Windows method for interfacing with modems and other telephony devices; allows system to interface with POTS, PBX, videophones, and others by interfacing with their TAPI drivers.

Task Manager: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP dialog that enables the user to shut down programs and also offers performance information.

Taskbar: Selector area next to the System Tray where icons for running programs are located.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The protocol used by the Internet is also the leading network protocol.

Telnet: Enables remote control of a PC via TCP/IP.

temporary files: Files used for print jobs and other temporary functions.

terminal adapter: ISDN network device.

Terminate-and-Stay-Resident ( TSR ): Utilities that load from the Autoexec.bat file in Windows 9x. Should be used only if 32-bit protected mode drivers are not available.

termination: Device setting or connector used to indicate the end of a SCSI daisy-chain.

terminator: Device attached to the end of a daisy-chain of SCSI devices or the end of a bus-topology network such as 10Base2 Ethernet. Removing the terminator causes device or network failure.

text: Human-readable file.

thermal printer: Uses heat to transfer images to the paper or media.

thermal transfer: A method of thermal printing that uses a wax- or resin-coated ribbon to transfer printing to paper or other media.

Thicknet: Another name for 10Base5 Ethernet.

Thinnet: Another name for 10Base2 Ethernet.

token ring: A network based on IEEE-802.5 standards. Uses a logical ring topology.

toner cartridge: Cartridge that contains toner, imaging drum, and other components of the EP process. Most laser printers use a toner cartridge.

topology: The arrangement of cables in a network.

touchpad: Mouse alternative that uses a touch-sensitive pad to detect movement. Pressing the surface with the finger can also be used for double-clicking as an alternative to using the buttons provided.

tower: Case design in which the system stands on the short side of the case and the motherboard is mounted vertically.

Tracert: Command-line utility that checks the path used to transfer data between a computer and a specified server or IP address. Windows version of the Linux/Unix Traceroute command.

trackball: Mouse alternative that uses a large ball on top of the device; the ball is moved with the thumb or other fingers.

TrackPoint II: IBM's pointing-stick technology.

tracks: A concentric circle of sectors on a magnetic disk.

tractor-fed paper: Paper with perforated edges; used by printers with tractor-feed mechanisms.

tractor-feed: Paper feeders that push or pull paper with perforated edges past the printhead on dot-matrix printers; uses tractor-fed paper.

Transceiver Type: An option on combo network adapters that determines which connection is used for network data.

Travan: An Imation-developed development of the QIC-80 and QIC-Wide tape drive standards. Travan drives use a .315-inch-wide tape. Current Travan designs support 20GB storage (2:1 compression) and 40GB storage (2:1 compression).

Trojan horse: Similar to a virus but can't replicate itself. Antivirus programs can block Trojan horses as well as true viruses.

troubleshooters: Feature built into various parts of Windows that helps users to diagnose problems with the system. Troubleshooters might start a Q&A diagnostic process or open a Properties sheet.

troubleshooting cycle: Method for tracking down problems and determining solutions.

true UPS: Provides power from the battery to the system at all times; it has no switchover time.

TrueType: A scalable-font technology developed by Apple and Microsoft; used in all Windows versions from 3.1 to the present.

TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident): Program that stays in memory to provide system services or hardware support such as Mouse.com; usually found in Autoexec.bat on MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 systems; Windows 9x usually has 32-bit drivers that replace TSRs, and Windows Me, NT, 2000, and XP do not use 16-bit drivers at all.

Turbo: Automatic BIOS setup option that selects fastest memory timings.

TV-out: General term for any output from a display circuit that can be used by a TV or VCR.

TWAIN: Technology developed by the TWAIN Working Group to provide a standard interface between scanners and digital cameras and imaging programs. Launch the TWAIN driver for your imaging device in your program, acquire (scan or download) the image, and the image is retrieved into your application. TWAIN is not an acronym.

two-way service: Broadband Internet service that uses the connection for downloading and uploading.

TYPE: Displays the contents of text files at the command prompt.

Type I PC Card: Thin (3.3mm) PC Card used primarily for Flash or system memory.

Type II PC Card: Medium-width (5mm) PC Card used for I/O, hard drives, wireless networking, external drive interfacing, and others. The most popular size.

Type III mini-PCI: The most popular type of mini-PCI interface, it uses an edge connector and requires the ports to be built into the system.

Type III PC Card: Thick (10.5mm) PC Card used for hard drives and for I/O cards with integrated ports. A Type III PC Card slot can be used as two Type II PC Card slots.

typefaces: The type design for a set of fonts, such as Times New Roman, Courier New, or Arial.

Typical (network settings): Normal Windows XP settings.

Typical installation: Windows 9x/Me and application software installation option that should install the features needed by most users.

U

UART (Universal Asynchronous Receive Transmit) chip: The heart of a hardware serial port. Frequently emulated on recent systems. UART types include 8250, 16450, 16550, 16550A, 16550AFM, 16650, 16750, 16850, and 16950.

UL-1449: UL standard for surge suppressors.

Ultra DMA ( UDMA ): A high-speed method of transferring data from ATA/IDE drives to memory, which bypasses the processor.

Ultra VGA: UVGA. Another name for 1,280x1,024 display resolution.

Unattend.txt: Windows NT/2000/XP term for the script file used to customize an OS installation.

unbuffered memory: Memory that interfaces directly with the chipset's memory controller. Unbuffered SDRAM memory is used by most PCs.

UNC (Universal Naming Convention): A method for indicating the path to a shared resource: // servername /sharename/foldername/filename.ext . Enables client PCs to access a network resource without mapping a drive letter or redirecting a printer port.

unconditional format: Floppy disk format option that rewrites sector markings and destroys existing data. Sometimes referred to as full format .

undelete: MS-DOS utility program that can retrieve "deleted" files still on the system; can be run as a TSR to improve chances of file retrieval. Windows's Recycle Bin performs a similar function.

underclocking: Setting CPU or memory settings slower than normal. Usually results from misconfigured motherboard or BIOS settings. Can also be done deliberately to permit a newer processor to run at a speed compatible with an older system.

unerase: this Norton Utilities program performs the same task as undelete.; See also [undelete]

unformat: Reversing the erasure of the file allocation tables performed by a high-level format to enable "lost" data to be retrieved again. Can be performed by Norton Utilities and some other utility programs.

Unified Memory Architecture ( UMA ): A method of sharing system memory with integrated video. Helps reduce system costs, but also reduces performance.

uninstall: The process of removing program files from the system and from the Windows Registry. Windows programs usually include an uninstall option.

Universal Disk Format ( UDF ): A drag-and-drop method of recording (also called packet writing) to rewritable CD and DVD media that emulates floppy disk storage. Media must be formatted to enable UDF access, and a compatible reader must be used on systems with read-only drives to read UDF-written media. Some programs can also perform UDF recording with CD-R or recordable DVD media. Currently, UDF support requires an add-on program such as DirectCD, Drag and Drop, InCD, or others that are supplied with CD/DVD mastering programs. Eventually, Mount Rainier support will enable UDF support without add-on software.

Universal Serial Bus ( USB ): Flexible replacement for serial, parallel, and PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports.

unshielded twisted pair ( UTP ): Eight-wire (four-pair) cable used by 10BaseT and faster versions of Ethernet.

unsigned driver: A driver not approved by WHQL for use with the installed version of Windows. Might work correctly, but might be outdated or have bugs .

Upgrade Advisor: Windows XP downloadable tool (also included on the Windows XP CD) for determining whether the system and installed software is compatible with Windows XP. Also used by Windows 2000's install CD to determine system and software readiness for Windows 2000.

upgrade version: (of an operating system) An operating system that is sold as a replacement for an existing operating system.

Upper memory: Memory between 640KB and 1MB. Some of this area (known as UMBs or upper memory blocks) is used by RAM and ROM on adapter cards and by the system BIOS.

UPS (uninterruptible power supply): Provides battery power to connected equipment if a power outage occurs. A true UPS provides continuous battery power at all times, compared to a standby power supply.

URL: Uniform Resource Locator. The full path to any given Web page or graphic on the Internet. A full URL contains the server type (such as http:// or ftp:// or others), the site name (such as www.selectsystems.com), and the name of the page or graphic you want to view (such as bookstore.html). Thus, the URL http://www.selectsystems.com/bookstore.html displays the bookstore page on the author's company Web site.

USB (Universal Serial Bus): High-speed serial-signaling replacement for older I/O ports such as serial, parallel, and PS/2 mouse/keyboard. USB 1.1 has a peak speed of 12Mbps. USB 2.0 (also called Hi-Speed USB ) has a peak speed of 480Mbps; USB 2.0 ports also support USB 1.1 devices. USB 2.0 devices can be plugged into USB 1.1 devices, but run at only USB 1.1 speeds. Requires Windows 95 OSR 2.1 or above; Windows 98/Me/2000/XP recommended for best results, since many devices won't work with Windows 95's USB support.

USB 1.1: 12Mbps version of Universal Serial Bus port. Low-speed devices such as mice and keyboards run at 1.5Mbps.

USB 2.0: 480Mbps version of Universal Serial Bus port, backward compatible with USB 1.1. Also known as Hi-Speed USB. Requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 or vendor-supplied support files for older Windows versions (Windows 98 and above).

USB Legacy mode: BIOS setting that enables USB keyboards (and sometimes mouse devices) to work outside the Windows GUI (such as at a command prompt or in the BIOS setup program).

User.da0: Backup of User.dat Registry file.

User.dat: Windows 9x/Me Registry file.

user-level: Network security used by Novell NetWare or server versions of Microsoft Windows; server keeps a list of users and rights/permissions; a single password provides access to all resources the user is allowed to access.

username: Used with a password to gain access to network resources.

utility programs: Computer programs used to perform a specified task involving the health or performance of your computer system, such as drive maintenance (defrag and error-checking), data archiving, and others.

UTP: Unshielded Twisted-Pair. Most common type of network cable; uses RJ-45 connectors.

V

V.90: International standard for 56Kbps modems.

V.92: Improved version of V.90; adds support for call waiting and faster uploading.

VA (volt-amp): The most common measurement used for battery backup units. Multiply watts by 1.4 to determine VA.

VBA: Visual Basic for Applications. Microsoft's application development language used with Microsoft Office. VBA is also used by many email- borne viruses such as ILOVEYOU because VBA scripts can be run by Microsoft email clients such as Outlook and Outlook Express.

VCACHE: Virtual Cache. Windows for Workgroups 3.11 optional 32-bit disk cache driver; standard feature of Windows 95 and newer versions.

VER: Displays operating system version at the command prompt.

vertical refresh rate: How many times per second (Hz) the screen is redrawn. 72Hz or higher is preferable to avoid flicker on a CRT (LCDs don't flicker).

VESA: Video Electronic Standards Association. Trade group of monitor and video card makers that sets video standards for resolution, color depth, and digital displays.

VESA BIOS extension: TSR program supplied with many VGA cards to allow standard video drivers for MS-DOS games to work with different brands of video cards; some VGA cards have a built-in VESA BIOS extension.

VFAT: Virtual File Allocation Table. Windows for Workgroups 3.11 optional 32-bit file access driver; standard feature of Windows 95 and later versions.

VGA (Video Graphics Array): An IBM-designed analog graphics display standard from 1987 that is the basic mode used by all video cards from about 1989 to the present.

VGA Mode: A Windows NT/2000/XP startup mode that loads standard VGA drivers in place of card/chipset-specific drivers but loads all other normal drivers.

Video RAM ( VRAM ): A fast, dual-ported form of video memory. Replaced by DDR-SDRAM and SGRAM.

virtual domain: A portion of a physical Web server; appears as a separate Web server to the user and is accessed with a unique domain name.

virtual memory: Disk space used as memory. Also called the swapfile or paging file .

virtual printer: Printer driver used by software such as Adobe Acrobat Distiller instead of a physical printer.

virus: Computer program that resembles a Trojan horse that can also replicate itself to other computers.

VL-Bus (VESA local-bus): A 32-bit development of ISA that's faster than EISA; replaced by PCI as the Pentium processor replaced 486s in the mid-1990s.

VMM: Virtual Machine Manager. Windows 9x and later versions use VMM to provide multitasked services known as virtual machines to each running program, making each program think it has the entire computer at its disposal.

volt: Measurement of AC or DC electrical power.

voltmeter: Device that measures AC or DC electrical power; often integrated into a digital multimeter (DMM).

VRAM: Video RAM. RAM used on some older high-end video cards; can read and write data at the same time.

W

WAN (wide area network): A network in multiple locations connected together by leased lines or satellite transmissions. On a router, indicates which port should be used for connecting the router to a broadband Internet access device.

warm boot: System start after system is restarted. A condensed POST without memory test is run after a warm boot.

wattage: A measure of heat; power supplies are rated in watts.

WAV: A non-compressed standard for digital audio. Most recording programs for Windows, such as the Microsoft Sound Recorder, can create and play back WAV files. However, WAV files are very large, and are usually converted into other formats for use online or for creating digital music archives.

wavetable: A method of playing MIDI scores using digitized samples of actual musical instruments.

WBR (wireless broadband router): The device that receives fixed wireless signals from the antenna.

Web browser: A program that can read and interpret HTML and other types of text and script content on Web sites. Internet Explorer is the Web browser included in Microsoft Windows.

Web Archive: Method for storing a Web page (including graphics) as a single file for offline research or emailing.

Web content zone: Internet Explorer security feature that permits user to classify different Web sites and IP addresses by the security settings appropriate for safe access.

Web view: IE 4.0 Windows Explorer view that provides a preview of the active object.

WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy): Original security standard for Wireless Ethernet.

WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs): The Microsoft organization that tests and approves device drivers.

Wide SCSI: 16-bit SCSI interface; requires a 68-pin interface.

wide- carriage: Dot-matrix printer equipped to handle wide tractor-fed paper.

Wi-Fi: Wireless Ethernet (802.11a, b, or g) hardware that has been certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance for interoperability across brands.

wildcard: Enables commands such as DIR , DEL / ERASE , or RENAME to work on similarly named files only. * = multiple characters; ? = single character.

Win.com: Windows 9x loader program. Default behavior can be modified with /d switches.

Win.ini: Windows software configuration file. Used primarily for support of 16-bit Windows applications in Windows 3.1/9x/Me.

Window RAM ( WRAM ): A fast form of video memory based on VRAM. Replaced by DDR-SDRAM and SGRAM.

Windows 3.1: Version of Windows that requires MS-DOS. Can be used to qualify for upgrade to Windows 98.

Windows 95: First version of Windows to support Plug and Play hardware detection. Can be used to qualify for upgrades to Windows 98 and 2000.

Windows 98: Improved version of Windows 95 with support for USB, FAT32 drives, and other enhancements. Can be used to qualify for upgrade to Windows Me, 2000, and XP.

Windows Backup: Standard backup utility in Windows; features vary by version.

Windows Explorer: Explores drives in My Computer. Same as Internet Explorer in IE 4.0 and above.

Windows Protection Error: A Windows 9x/Me startup problem.

Windows Update: Windows 98 and later versions' method for detecting what updates are needed by a particular computer and enabling the user to choose which updates to install.

Winipcfg: Windows 9x/Me utility that displays IP configuration and can be used to release and renew a server-assigned IP address.

Winmodem: A modem that depends upon Windows and the processor to perform the task of converting signals; originally developed by U.S. Robotics.

Winnt.exe: A setup program for Windows NT that can be used to make boot disks.

Winnt32.exe: A Windows 9x-compatible setup program for Windows NT that can be used to make boot disks.

WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service): A feature of some Microsoft networks that translates between NetBIOS computer names and IP addresses.

wireless access point ( WAP ): Device that connects Wi-Fi (IEEE-802.11 class) devices to each other.

Wireless Ethernet: 802.11-family wireless networking.

WLAN: Wireless local area network. Instead of wires, stations on a WLAN connect to each other through radio waves. The IEEE-802.11 family of standards guide the development of WLANs.

WMA: Windows Media Audio. This is the native compressed audio format created by Windows Media Player. WMA files provide similar quality to MP3 files but use smaller file sizes. Unlike MP3, WMA files support digital rights management.

word length: Number of bits in each character (word) sent; some remote computers use 7-bit, whereas the Internet uses 8-bit.

WordBasic: Microsoft Word's macro language.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): A much stronger security standard than WEP, but not supported by all hardware.

WRAM: Window RAM. Modified version of VRAM used on a few older video cards.

wrist strap: A device with a resistor and an alligator clip; wear it and connect the alligator clip to an unpainted metal part of the computer to avoid ESD.

Write Protect Boot Sector: A BIOS option that can prevent partitioning programs such as Fdisk and boot managers from working properly. Can be bypassed by some third-party disk setup programs.

write-behind caching: Disk-caching method used by Windows for hard disks; uses memory to hold (cache) reads and writes to speed disk access.

write-protect: Prevents media from being erased or changed; might use a mechanical or electronic method.

write-protect jumper: A jumper on some systems that prevents the Flash BIOS from being overwritten; remove to perform a BIOS update, and then replace.

WWW: World Wide Web. The portion of the Internet that uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http://) and can thus be accessed via a Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, and others.

X

X-rating: Factor used to express transfer rate of CD or DVD drives. For CDs, multiply X rating by 150Mbps. For DVDs, multiply X rating by 1.385MBps.

X2: Proprietary 56Kbps modem standard developed by U.S. Robotics; now replaced by V.90.

XCOPY: Copies files and folders at the command prompt.

XCOPY32: Enhanced version of XCOPY used in a command-prompt window in Windows 9x/Me. Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP's XCOPY is an enhanced version of XCOPY32 .

XMS: Extended Memory Standard. Standard for managing memory above 1MB; Himem.sys turns extended memory into XMS memory.

XVGA: Extended VGA; commonly refers to 1,024x768 display resolution.

Y-Z

Y-adapter: A splitter that converts a single drive power connector into two power connectors.

Y-Mouse: A series of keyboard, mouse, and pointing device connectors made by PI Engineering (www.y-mouse.com), enabling users to connect two different keyboard or pointing devices to a single port.

yellow: The Y in CMYK color printing.

zero tear-off: A feature found on many printers with push tractors that enables printed pages or forms to be torn off without wasting a form.

ZIF socket (Zero Insertion Force socket): Processor socket that has a clamping mechanism for easy chip removal/installation.

Zip: Might refer to Iomega Zip media or to the Zip compression standard for file archiving developed by PkWare and supported by WinZip and many other programs.

Zip drive: Iomega-developed removable-media drive with 100MB, 250MB, and 750MB capacities.

ZV (Zoomed Video): An enhanced version of CardBus for video capture and graphics displays.

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