This glossarydefinesterms related to managing and maintaining a personalcomputer.

100BaseT An Ethernet standardthat operates befweenthe systembus and a peripheral at 100 Mbps and usesrwisted-pair cabling. device. Also called interfacecard. Also called Fast Ethernet.Variations of administrator account in Windows VrstaD(R 1O0BaseT L00BaseTX are and 1OOBaseFX. an account that grants the administrator 80 conductor IDE cable An IDE cable that has rights and permissionsto all hardware and 40 pins but uses80 wires, 40 of which are sofrwareresources, such as the right to add, ground wires designedto reducecrosstalk delete,and changeaccountsand change on the cable.The cableis usedby ATN66 gurarions. hardwareconfi and higher IDE drives. Advanced Options menu A Windows Vrsta/XP 802.71^/b/g SeeIEEE 802.11alblg. menu that appearswhen you pressF8 when 'Windows starts.The menu can be used to A (ampereor amp) A unit of measurement for troubleshootproblems when Ioading electricalcurrent. One volt acrossa resistance Vindows VistaD(P.In Vista, the menu rs of one ohm producesa flow of one amp. calledthe AdvancedBoot Options Menu. A* Certification A certification awarded by adware Sofrwareinstalled on a computer that CompTiA (The Computer Industry produces pop-up ads using your browser; Association) that measures PC technician's a the ads are often basedon your browsing knowledge and skills. habits. point (AP) A deviceconnectedto a access Aero user interface The Vista user interface. LAN that provideswirelesscommunication Also calledAero glass. so that computers,printers, and other wirelessdevicescan communicatewith AirPort The term Apple usesto describethe deviceson the LAN. IEEE 802.11bstandard. ACPI (AdvancedConfiguration and Power Interface) Specification developedby Intel, Compaq, Phoenix,Microsoft, and Toshiba to control power on notebooks and other devices. alternating current (AC) Current that cycles back and forth rather than traveling in only one direction.In the United States, AC the voltage from a standard wall outlet is normally berween110 and 115 V. In Europe,the standardAC voltagefrom a wall outiet is 220 V.

active matrix A type of video display that amplifiesthe signal at every intersectionin the grid of electrodes, which enhances the ammeter A meter that measures electrical pixel quality over that of a dual-scanpassive current in amps. matrix display. antistaticwrist strap Seeground bracelet. active partition The primary partition on the antivirus software Utiliry programs that hard drive that boots the OS. Windows prevent infection or scan a systemto detect Vista/XP calis the activepartition the and remove viruses.McAfee Associates "systempartition." VirusScanand Norton AntiVirus are two adapter address SeeMAC (Media Access popular antiviruspackages. Control) address. APIPA (Automatic Private IP Address) An iP adapter card A small circuit board insertedin address the address in range L69.254.x.x, an expansion slot usedto communicate usedbv a comDuter when it can't

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ler-ossnnv
term refersto the volume of data that can travel on a bus or over a cable statedin bits per second(bps),kilobits per second(Kbps),or per megabits second(Mbps). Also called data throughput or line speed.

leasean IP addressfrom a DHCP successfully server.

ASCtr (American StandardCode for Information Interchange) A popular standard for in writing letters and other characters binary were bank An area on the motherboard that contains code. Originally, ASCII characters slots for memory modules (typically labeled values. 7 bits, so there were L27 possible b a n k 0 , 1 , 2 , a n d3 ) . ASCII has beenexpanded an 8-bit version, to values. allowing 128 additional baseline The level of performanceexpected from a system,which can be comparedto ASR (Automated SystemRecovery) The 'Windows to current measurements determinewhat XP processthat allows you to needsupgrading or tuning. restore an entire hard drive volume or logical drive to its state at the time the backup of the basicdisk A way to partition a hard drive,used 'Windows, volume was made. that by DOS and all versionsof storesinformation about the drive in a partition AT A form factor, generallyno longer of table at the beginning the dr:e. Compare produced,in which the motherboardrequires ro dynamic disk. Because their dirnensions of a fuil-sizecase. and configuration,AT systems difficult are binary numbering system The numberingsystem and upgrade.Also called to install, service, it usedby computers; has only two numbers, full AT. 0 and 1, calledbinary digits,or bits. AIAPI (AdvancedTechnologyAttachment Packet BIOS (basicinput/output system) Firmware Interface) An interfacestandard,part of the that can control much of a computer'sVO IDE/AIA standards,that allows tape drives, functions, such as communication with the CD-ROM drives,and other drivesto be hard drive and the monitor. AIso called ROM treated like an IDE hard drive by the system. BIOS. ATX The most common form factor for current BIOS setup The program in the systemBIOS PCs, originallyintroducedby Intel in 1995. that can changethe valuesin CMOS RAM. make bener use ATX motherboards and cases Also calledCMOS setup. than did the AT form of spaceand resources bit (binary digit) A 0 or 1 used by the binary factor. numbering system. autodetection A feature on newer systemBIOS identifies blue screen A Windows Vista/XP error and hard drivesthat automatically the that causes displayed a blue screen on in CMOS setup. and configures new drive a systemto halt. Also called stop error. autorangemefer A multimeter that senses Bluetooth A standardfor wirelesscommunicathe quantity of input and setsthe range between tion and data synchronization accordingly. by devices, developed a group of electronics Baby AT An improved and more flexible and overseen the Bluetooth by manufacturers version of the AT form factor. Baby AT was InterestGroup. Bluetooth usesthe Special the industrystandardfrom approximately rangeas IEEE 802.11bbut samefrequency 1.993to L997 and can fit into someATX doesn'thave as wide a range. cases. Blu-ray Disc (BD) An optical disc technology backup An extra copy of a file, usedif the that usesthe UDF version 2.5 file system damaged destroyed. or original becomes and a blue laserbeam,which has a shorter wavelengththan the beam used by DVD or bandwidth In relation to anaiogcommunication, A CD discs. Blu-raydisc can storemore data a the range of frequencies cornmunications than a DVD. use,the channelor cablecan carry.In general

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Boot.ini A Windows XP hidden text file that contains information neededto build the boot loader menu. boot loader menu A startup menu that gives usersthe choice of '*'hich operating systemto load, such as'WindowsVista or Vindows XP, which are both installed on the samesystem. creatinga dual-boot system. boot partition The hard drive partition where the Vindows VistaD(POS is stored.The system partition and boot partition can be different partitions. boot record The first sector of a floppy disk or logicaldrive in a partition;it contains information about the disk or logical drive. On a hard drive, if the boot record is in the activepartition, it's usedto boot the OS. Aiso called boot sector. boot sector Seeboot record.

bus speed The speed,or frequency,at which the data on the motherboard moves. byte A collection of eight bits that's equivalent Vhen referring to to a singlecharacter. systemmemor,y, additional error-checking an bit might be added,making the total nine bits. cabinet file A file with a .cab extension that files and is containsone or more compressed often usedto distributesofrwareon disk. The Extract command is usedto extract files from a cabinetfile. cable modem A technologythat usescable TV lines for data transmission,requiring a modem at eachend. From the modem, a network cable connectsto a NIC in the PC. user's capacitor An electronicdevicethat can maintain an electricalchargefor a period of time and is used to smooth out the flow of electricalcurrent. Capacitorsare often found in computer power supplies.

boot sector virus An infectedprogram that can replacethe boot program with a modified, infectedversionof the boot command utilities, CardBus The latest PCMCIA specification. often causingboot and data retrievalproblems. It improves VO speed,increases bus the u,idth to 32 bits, and supports lower-voltage bootstrap loader A small program at the end of PC Cards, while maintaining backward the boot record that can be usedto boot an compatibilitywith earlierstandards. OS from the disk or logical drive. broadband A transmissiontechniquethat carries cards Adapter boards or interfacecards placed into expansionslots to expand the functions more than one rype of transmissionon the of a computer,allowing it to communicate DSL. samemedium,suchas cablemodem or rn'ithexternal devices.such as monitors or brownouts Temporary reductionsin voltage, speakers. which can sometimes causedata loss.A/so CAT A rating for UTP cable. CAT-J e1 |rioher called sags. cablingis requiredfor FastEthernet. BTX (BalancedTechnologyExtended) A form CCITT (Comit6 Consultatif International factor used by motherboardsand computer T6l6graphiqueet T6l6phonique) An intercasesthat was expectedto replaceATX. It nationalorganization that was responsible has higher-quality fans, is designedfor better for for developing standards international air flow, and has improved structural support communications. This organization has been for the motherboard. The BTX form facror incorporated into the ITU. Seealso ITU has not beenwidely adopted. (International Telecommunications Union). buffer A temporary memory area where data is kept before being written to a hard drive or CD (compactdisc) An optical disc technology that usesa red laserbeam and can hold uo to sent to a printer, thus reducing the number of 700 MB of data. writes to devices. bus The paths, or lines,on the motherboardon which data, insrructions,and electricalpower move from componentto component. CD (changedirectory) command A command given at the command prompt that changes the default directory. such as CD\Windows.

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CDFS (CompactDisk File System) The 32-bit file systemfor CDs and some CD-Rs and the older 15-bit CD-R\[s that replaced mscdexfile systemused by DOS. Seealso UDF (UniversalDisk Format) file system. CD-R (CD-recordable) A CD drive that can record or write data to a CD. The drive may or may not be multisession,but the data can't be erased after it's wrirten. CD-RW (CD-rewritable) A CD drive that can record or write data to a CD. The data can be erasedand overwritten. The drive may or may not be multisession. chain A group of clustersused to hold a singlefile. child directory Seesubdirectory.

motherboard and is generatedby a crystal or oscillator located on the motherboard. clone A computer that's a no-nameIntel- and Microsoft-compatiblePC. cluster One or more sectorsthat constitutethe smallest unit of space a disk for storing on data. Filesare written to a disk as groups of whole clusters. Also called file allocation unit. metal-oxide CMOS (complementary semiconductor) The technologyusedto manufacturemicrochips.CMOS chips require lesselectriciry hoid data longer after the electriciryis turned off, areslower,and produce lessheat than TTL chips.The configuration, or setup,chip is a CMOS chip. CMOS configurationchip A chip on the motherboard that containsa very small amount of memory,or RAM, enoughto hold configuration,or setup)information about the computer.The chip is powered by a battery when the PC is turned off . Also called CMOS setupchip or CMOS RAM chip. CMOS setup The CMOS configuration chip, or BIOS that can change the program in system the valuesin the CMOS RAM. CMOS setupchip SeeCMOS configurationchip. cold boot Seehard boot.

chip creep A condition in which chips loosen because thermal changes. of chipset A group of chips on the motherboard that control the timing and flow of data and instructions to and from the CPU. CHS (cylinder,head, sector) mode The traditional method by which BIOS readsfrom the and writes to hard drivesby addressing correct cylinder, head, and sector.AIso called normal mode. circuit board A computer component,such as the main motherboardor an adapterboard, that has electroniccircuits and chips.

combo card An Ethernetcard that contains eachwith a different more than one transceiver, port on the back of the card, to accommodate clean install An installation of an OS on a new differentcablingmedia. hard drive that has a prevtous hard drive or a OS installed, but it's performedwithout command prompt window A Windows utility kept by the old carrying forward any settings that is usedto enter multiple commandsto OS, including information about hardware, perform a varieryof tasks. Also called sofrware, or user preferences. compact case A type of caseused in low-end fresh installation. follow the Compactcases desktopsystems. client/server A computer conceptwhereby one NLX, LPX, or Mini LPX form factor. They information computer(the ciient) requests are iikely to have fewer drive bays, but they from anothercomputer(the server). generallystill provide for some expanslon. Also called low-profile or slimline cases. client/serverapplication An application that has fwo components.The client software compressed drive A drive whose format has been requesrsdata from the serversoftware on the reorganized storemore data. A compressed to sameor another computer. drive is really not a drive at all; it's actually expressed a rype of file, rypicallywith a host drive clock speed The speed,or frequency, calledH. in MHz or GHz, that controls activity on the

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computer name Character-based host name or NetBIOS name assigned a computer. to console A centralizedlocation from which to run commonly usedtools. continuity A continuous, unbroken path for the flow of electricity.A continuity test can determine whether internal wiring is still intact or whether a fuse is good or bad. conventionalmemory Memoryaddresses befween0 and 640K. Also called basememory. cooler A combinationcooling fan and heat sink mounted on the toD or side of a Drocessor ro keep it cool. (CPU) central processing unit The heart and brain of the computer,which receives data input, processes information, and carriesout instructions AIso called microorocessoror . processor. C-RIMIvI (Continuity RIM 4) A placeholder RIMM module that provides continuity so that every RIMM slot is filled. cross-linkedclusters Errors causedwhen more than one file points to a cluster and the files appearto sharethe samedisk space, according to the file allocationtable. crossovercable A cable used to connectfwo PCs into the simplestnerwork possible. AIso usedto connectrwo hubs. C\rF (compressed volume file) The fiie on the host drive of a compressed drive that holds all compressed data. data bus The lines on the systembus that the CPU usesto sendand receivedata. data cartridge A type of tape medium typically used for backups.Full-sizeddata cartridges are 4 x 5 x % inches.A minicartridgeis only 3%x2%x%inches. data line protector A surgeprotector designed to work with the telephone line to a modem. data path size The number of lines on a bus that can hoid data,for example, L5, 32, 8, and 54 lines,which can accommodate 15, 8, 32, and 54 bits at a time. data throughput Seebandwidth.

DC (direct current) Current that travels in only one direction (the type of electricity provided by batteries). Computerpower supplies transform AC to low DC. DC controller A card inside a notebook that convertsvoltage to CPU voltage. Somenotebook manufacturersconsiderthe card to be a field replaceabie unit (FRU). DCE (data communicationsequipment) The hardware,usuallya dial-up modem,that provides the connectionbetweena data terminal and a communicationsIine. Seealso DTE (dataterminai equipment). DDR (Double Data Rate) A type of memory technology used on DIMMs that runs at rwice the speedof the systemclock, DDR2 A version of SDRAM that's faster than DDR and useslesspower. DDR3 A version of SDRAM that is faster than DDR2 memory and that can usetriple channels. default gateway The gateway a computer on a network usesto access another nerwork unlessit knows to specificallyuse another gateway for quicker access that network. to default printer The printer'Windows prints to unlessanother printer is selected. defragment To "optimize" or rewrite a file to a disk in one contiguous chain of ciusters, thus speedingup data retrieval. desktop The initial screendisplayedwhen an OS has a GUI interfaceloaded. devicedriver A program stored on the hard drive that teils the computer how to communicatewith an VO device,such as a printer or modem. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server A servicethat assigns dynamic IP addresses computerson a network when to they first access nerwork. the diagnostic cards Adapter cardsdesigned to discoverand report computererrorsand conflicts at POST time (beforethe computer boots up), often by displayinga number on the card.

GLOSSARY

diagnostic soffware Utility programs that heip Some troubleshootcomputersystems. 'Windows diagnosticutilities are Chkdsk and is Scandisk.PC-Technician an exampleof a program. third-parrydiagnostic differential cable A SCSIcable in which a signal is carried on rwo wires, eachcarrying voltage, and the signal is the differenceberweenthe rwo. Differential signalingprovides for error checkingand improved data integriry. cabie. Compareto SE (single-ended) digital ceftificate A code used to authenticatethe sourceof a file or documentor to identify and a authenticate personor organizationsending by data over the Internet.The code is assigned a certificateauthoriry such as VeriSign,and includesa pubiic key for encryption.A/so called digital ID or digital signature. digital ID See digital certificate.

disk imaging Seedrive imaging. Disk Management A'STindows utility usedto display,create,and format partitions on basic disks and volumes on dynamic disks. disk quota A limit placed on the amount of disk spacethat's availableto users.Requires a Windows NTFS volume. disk thrashing A condition that resultswhen used for virtual the hard drive is excessively RAM is full. It dramatically memory because and can causepremaslowsdown processing drive faiiure. rure hard channel A number DMA (directmemory access) identifying a channelwhereby a devicecan passdata to memory without involving the CPU. Think of a DMA channelas a shortcut for data moving to and from the deviceand memory. DMA transfer mode A transfer mode used by devices,including the hard drive, to transfer data to memory without involving the CPU. DNS server A computer that can find an IP for address another computer when only the domain name is known. a docking station A devicethat receives notebook computer and provides additional storageand easyconnectionto secondary peripheraldevices. domain In'Windows, a logicalgroup of nerworked computers,such as those on a campus,that sharea centraiized college of directorydatabase useraccountinformation and security for the entire domain. domain name A unique text-basedname that identifiesa nefwork. DOS box A commandwindow.

digital signature Seedigital certificate. DIMIvI (dual inline memory module) A miniature circuit board used in newer computersto hold memory.DIMMs can hold up to 2 GB RAM on a singlemodule. DIP (dual inline package)switch A switch on a circuit board or other devicethat can be set on or off to hold configuration or setup information. directory table An OS table that containsfile information suchas the name,size,time, and date of iast modification,and clusternumber of the file's beginninglocation. Direct Rambus DRAM A memory technology by Rambus and Intel that usesa narrow, very fast network-type systembus. Memory is stored on a RIMM module. Also called RDRAM or Direct RDRAM. Direct RDRAM SeeDirect Rambus DRAM.

that disk cache A method whereby recentlyretrieved dot pitch The distancebefweenthe dots beam hits on a monitor screen. the electronic data and adjacentdata areread into memory anticipatingthe next CPU request. dozetime The time beforean EnergyStar@ in advance, or reduces80 percentof its activity. "green" system disk cloning Seedrive imaging. data on a hard disk compression Compressing drive to allow more data to be wrirten to the drive. DPMS (Display Power ManagementSignaling) that standard specifications Energy Star@ allow for the video card and monitor to go

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into sleepmode simuitaneously. also See

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^ 6

CDs, storemore than 8 GB of data, and hold full-lengthmotion picure videos. dynamicdisk A way to partirion one or more hard drives,introducedwith'Windows 2000, in which information about the drive is storedin a database the end of the drive. at Compareto basicdisk. dynamic IP address An assigned addressused IP 'V/hen for the current sessiononly. the session is terminated,the IP addressis returned to the list of available addresses. dynamic volume A volume rype usedwith dynamic disks for which you can changethe sizeof the volume after you have createdit. ECC (error-correcting code) A chipsetfeafure on a motherboardthat checksthe integrity of data storedon DIMMs or RIMMs and can correct single-bit errorsin a b1te.More advanced ECC schemas detect. can but not correct.double-bit errors in a b1te. ECHS (extended CHS) mode SeeIargemode. ECP (ExtendedCapabilities Port) A bidirectional parallel port mode that usesa DMA channel to speedup data flow. EDO (extended data out) A rype of RAM that can be 10 percent 20 percentfasterthan to conventionalRAM because eliminates it the delay beforeit issues next memory address. the EEPROM (electricallyerasableprogrammable ROM) A type of chip in which higher voltagecan be appliedto one of the pins to its erase previousmemory beforea new instructionset is electronically written. EFS (EncryptedFile System) A way to use a key to encodea file or foider on an NTFS volume to protectsensitive data. Because it's an integrated systemservice, EFSis transparentto usersand applicationsand difficult to attack. EIDE (Enhanced IDE) A standard for managing interfacebetweensecondarystorage the devices and a computersystem. systemcan A support up to six serial ATA and parallel ATA EIDE devicesor up to four parallel ATA IDE devices, suchas hard drives,CD-ROM drives.andZip drives.

DRAM (dynamic RAM) The most common rype of systemmemory, it requiresrefreshing every few milliseconds. drive imaging Making an exact image of a hard drive, including partition information, boot sectors,operatingsysteminstaiiation,and application software,to replicatethe hard drive on another systemor recoverfrom a hard drive crash.A/so called disk clonins and disk imaging. drop height The height from which a manufacturer statesthat its drive can be dropped without making the drive unusable. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) A telephoneline that carries digital data from end to end and can be leased from the telephone company for individual use.DSL lines are rated at 5 Mbps, about 50 times fasterthan 16'o,,lo' telephone lines. DTE (data terminal equipment) Both the computer and a remote terminal or other computerto which it's attached. Seealso DCE (data communications equipment). dual boot The ability to boot using either of rwo different OSs,suchas'WindowsVista and Windows XP. dual channel A motherboard feature that rmprovesmemory performanceby providing rwo 54-bit channelsberweenmemory and the chipset.DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 DIMMS can usedual channels. dual core A processor package that contarns two core processors, thus supporting four instructionsat once. dual-scanpassivematrix A type of video display that's lessexpensive than an acrive-matrix displayand doesnot provide as high-qualiryan 'With image. dual-scandisplay,two columns of electrodes activatedat the sametime. are dual-voltageCPU A CPU that requires rwo different voltages,one for internal processing and the other for VO processing. DVD (digital video disk or digital versatiledisk) A faster,larger CD format that can read older

GLOSSARY

emergencystartup disk (ESD) Seerescuedisk. interference) A magnetic EMI (electromagnetic field produced as a side effect from the flow of electriciry.EMI can causecorrupted data in data linesthat aren'tproperly shielded. encryption The processof putting readabledata (or form that can be decoded into an encoded key. decrypted)only through use of a that satisfythe EPA Energy Star@ "Green" systems the requirementsto decrease overall consumpSee tion of electricity. also GreenStandards. enhancedBIOS A systemBIOS that has been drives written to accommodatelarge-capacity (more than 504 MB, usuallyin the gigabyte range). EPP (EnhancedParallelPort) A parallel port that allows data to flow in both directrons (bidirectional port) and is fasterthan original parallelports on PCs that allowedcommunication oniy in one direction. programmableROM) A rype EPROM (erasable of chip with a speciaiwindow that aliows the with current memory contentsto be erased chip can specialultravioletlight so that the Many BIOS chipsare be reprogrammed. EPROMs. error correction The capabiliry of a modem to identify transmissionerrors and then automaticallyrequestanothertransmission. a escalate When a technicianpasses customer's levels problem to higher organizational he because or shecannot solvethe problem. discharge) Another name for ESD (electrostatic static electricity,which can damagechips and eventhough it might destroymotherboards, not be felt or seenwith the naked eye. disk. ESD (emergency startup disk) Seerescue Ethernet The most popular LAN architecture that can run at 10 Mbps (ThinNet or or ThickNet), 100 Mbps (FastEthernet), 1 Gbps (GigabitEthernet). Event Viewer (Evenwwr.msc) A'Windows tool useful for troubleshootingproblemswith and hardware.It Windows, applications, events. logs of significant displays

expansionbus A bus that doesn'trun in sync with the systemclock. expansioncard A circuit board insertedinto a the slot on the motherboardto enhance capabiliry. computer's expansionslot A narrow slot on the motherboard where an expansioncard can be inserted.Expansionslots connectto a bus on the motherboard. extendedpartition The only partition on a hard drive that can contain more fhan one logical drive. external SAIA (eSAIA) A standard for external drives basedon SATA that usesa special external shieldedSATA cable up to two meterslong. faceplate A metal plate that comeswith the motherboard and fits over the ports to create a weli-fitted enclosurearound them. FastEthernet See100BaseT. FAT (file allocation table) A table on a hard drive or floppy disk that tracks the clusters used to contain a file. FATI2 The 12-bit-wide, one-columnfile allocation table for a floppy disk, containing information about how each cluster or file allocation unit on the disk is currently used. fault tolerance The degreeto which a system can toleratefailures.Adding redundant suchas disk mirroring or disk components, duplexing,is a way to build in fault toierance. file allocation unit Seecluster.

portion of the file extension A three-character filenameused to identify the file type. In commandlines,the file extensionfollows the from it by a filenameand is separated period, such as Msd.exe,with exe being the file extension. filename The first part of the name assigned to a file. In DOS, the filenamecan be no and is followed by more than eightcharacters the file extension.In Vindows, a filename can be up to 255 characters. file system The overall structure that an OS usesto name)store, and organizefiles on a

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disk. Examples of file sysrems FAT32 and are NTFS. file virus A virus rhat inserts virus code rnro an executableprogram file and can spread wherever that program runs.

fragmentation The distribution of data files on a hard drive or floppy disk so that rhey are stored in noncontiguousclusters. fragmentedfile A file that has beenwrimen ro different portions of the disk so thar ir's not in contiguousclusters.

firewall Hardware or soffware that protectsa computer or network from unauthorizedaccess. FRU (field replaceable unit) A component in a computer or devicethat can be replaced FireWire SeeIEEE 1394. with a new componentwithout sendingthe firmware Sofuware permanentlystored in a chip. computer or deviceback to the manufacturer. The BIOS on a motherboard is an examoleof Examples:power supply,DIMM, morherfirmware. board, floppy disk drive. flash ROM ROM that can be reprogrammedor FTP (File tansfer Protocol) The prorocol used changedwithout replacingchips. to transfer files over a TCP/P nerwork so flat panel monitor A desktop monitor that uses an LCD panel. FlexAIX A version of rhe ATX form factor that allows for maximum flexibility in the sizeand shapeof cases and motherboards. FlexATX is ideai for cusrom sysrems. flow control When using modems,a method of controlling the flow of data to adjust for problems wirh dara rransmission. Xon/Xoff is an exampleof a flow control protocol. folder Seesubdirectory. that the file doesn't needto be converfedto ASCII format before transferrins ir. full AT See Nl.

gateway A computer or other devicethat connectsnefworks. GDI (GraphicsDevice Interface) A'Windows 9x component that controls screens, graphics,
and nrintino

GHz (gigahertz) 1000 MHz, or one billion cyclesper second. Gigabit Ethernet The newestversion of Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet supportsrares of data transfer up to 1 gigabit per secondbut isn't wideiy usedyet. global user account Sometimes called a domain user account,the accountis used at the domain level,createdby an administrator,and storedin the SAM (SecurityAccountsManager) database a on 'Windows 2000 or Windows 2003 domain controller. GPF (GeneralProtection Fault) A Windows error that occurs when a program attempts to access memory address a that isn't availabie or is no longer assigned it. to graphics accelerator A rype of video card with an on-boardprocessor that can substantially increase speedand boostgraphicaiand video performance. graphicsDDR (G-DDR), graphicsDDR2, graphics DDR3 Typesof DDR, DDR2, and DDR3

forgotten passwordfloppy disk A'S7indowsXp disk createdto be usedin casethe user forgets the user account passwordto the system. form factor A set of specifications the size, on shape,and configuration of a computer hardwarecomponent,suchas a case) power supply,or morherboard. f<lrmatting Preparing a hard drive volume or floppy disk for use by placing tracks and sectorson its surfaceto store information (for example,the FORMAT A: command). FPT (forced perfect terminaror) A rype of SCSI active terminator that includesa mechanism to force signal termination to the correct voltage,eliminatingmost signalechoes and interference. FQDN (fully qualified domain name) A host name and a domain name,such asjsmith. amazon. com. Sometimes loosely referredto as a domain name.

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hardware cache A disk cachecontained in RAM chips built right on the disk controller. Also called buffer.

memory specificallydesignedto be used in graphicscards.

Green Standards A computer or devicethat conforms to thesestandardscan go into sleep hardware interrupt An eventcausedby a hardware devicesignalingthe CPU that it or doze mode when not in use, thus saving requiresservice. energyand helping the environment.Devices that carry the Green Star or Energy Star@ hardware profile A set of hardware configuracomply with thesestandards. tion information that Windows keepsin the 'S7indows can maintain more than Registry. ground bracelet An antistatic strap you wear one hardware profile for the samePC. your wrist that's attachedto the comaround puter case,grounding mat, or another ground HCL (Hardware Compatibility List) The list of so that ESD is dischargedfrom your body all computersand peripheraldevicesthat have inside components beforeyou touch sensitive beentestedand are officially supportedby '$Tindows a computer. Also called antistatic strap, 2000DQ (seewuu.micro sott.com/ ground strap,or ESD bracelet. x). wh dc/hcl/default.msp group profile A group of user profiles.All head The top or bottom surfaceof one platter profiles in the group can be changedby on a hard drive. Each platter has rwo heads. changingthe group profile. heat sink A piece of metal, with cooling fans, guard tone A tone that an answeringmodem that can be attachedto or mounted on an sendswhen it first answersthe phone to tell integratedchip (suchas the CPU) to dissipate the calling modem that a modem is on the heat. other end of the iine. hexadecimal(hex) notation A numbering system Guest user A userwho has limited permissions that uses15 digits, the numerals0 to 9, and to on a systemand can't make changes it. the lettersA to F. Hexadecimalnotation ts Guest user accountsare intendedfor one-time often usedto dispiay memory addresses. or infrequent usersof a workstation. hibernation A notebook OS feature that '$fhen rwo modems begin to handshaking power by using a small trickle of conserves made as communicate,the initial agreement electriciry.Before the notebook beginsto to how to sendand receivedata. hibernate,everythingcurrently stored in memory is savedto the hard drive. When the hard boot Restartthe computer by turning off notebook is brought out of hibernation, open the power or by pressingthe Resetbutton. applicationsand their data are returned to cold boot. Also called their state before hibernation. hard copy Output from a printer to paper. hidden file A file that isn't displayedin a directory hard drive The main secondarystoragedevice list. Vhether to hide or displaya file is one of of a PC is a smali casecontaining magneticthe fiie's artributesthe OS keeps. coatedplattersthat rotate at high speed. highJevel formatting Formaning performed by hard drive standby time The amount of time Format program, the'Windows the'STindows before a hard drive shuts down to conserve installationprogram, or the Disk Management energy. the creates boot record, utiliry. The process file system,and root directory on the The physical componentsthat hardware volume or logical drive and makesthe drive constitute the computer system,such as bootable. Also calledoperatingsystem the monitor, keyboard,motherboard,and formatting. printer. 'Windows Vista/XP hive Physicalsegmentof the hardware address SeeMAC (Media Access Registrythat's stored in a fiie. Control) address.

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519

HMA (high memory area) The first 64K of extendedmemory.

host Any computeror other deviceon a nefwork that has beenassiened IP address. i.Link SeeIEEE 1394. an AIso called node. I/O addresses Numbers used by devices and the CPU to managecommunication host adapter The circuit board that controls a betweenthem. A/so called ports or port SCSIbus supportingas many as 7 or 15 addresses. separate The host adaptercontrols devices. communication betweenthe SCSIbus and VO controller card An older card that can the PC. contain serial,parailel,and gameports and floppy drive and IDE connectors. host bus Seesystembus. host name A name that identifiesa computer, printer, or other deviceon a network. hot-pluggable Seehot-swappable. hot-swappable A devicethat can be pluggedinto a computer while it's turned on and the computer senses deviceand configures the it without rebooting, or the devicecan be removedwithout an OS error. A/so called
hnt-nltrooehle

per second. For example,for 16-bit stereo sound,a frequency 44,000 Hz is used.See of (megahertz). also MHz

ICF (Internet Connection Firewall) Vindows software designedto protect a PC from unauthorized access from the Internet: updated to Vindor,l.s XP Firewall in Servrce racK /-.
n!^

ICS (lnternetConnectionSharing) A'Windows utility that usesNetwork AddressTranslation (NAT) and acts as a prorT serverto manage two or more computersconnectedto the Internet. IDE (IntegratedDrive Electronicsor Integrated DeviceElectronics) A hard drive with a disk controllerintegratedinto the drive, eliminating the needfor a controller cable and thus increasingspeedand reducing price. Seealso EIDE (Enhanced IDE). IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) A nonprofit organization that for develops standards the computerand elecrronics ustries. ind IEEE 802.1[alh/g/n IEEE specifications for wirelesscommunicationand data synchronization. A/so called\7i-Fi. Apple Computer's versions 802.11standards called are of AirPort and AirPort Extreme. IEEE 1284 A standardfor parallelports and cablesdeveloped the Institutefor Electrical by and ElectronicsEngineersand supported by many hardwaremanufacturers. IEEE 1394 Standards an expansionbus for that can also be configuredto work as a local bus. It's expected replacethe SCSIbus, to providing an easymethod to install and configurefast VO devices.Also called FireWire and i.Link.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) A markup ianguage usedfor hypertextdocuments the on 'World Wide Web. This language usestagsto format the document,createhyperlinks,and mark iocationsfor graphics. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) The protocol usedby the World'S7ide Web. HTTPS (HTTP secure) A version of HTTP that includesdata encryptionfor security. hub A network deviceor box that providesa centrallocation to connectcables.

hypertext Text that contains iinks to remote points in the documentor to other files, documents, graphics. Hypertext is created or by using HTML and is commonly usedon Web sites. Hyper-Threading The Intel technology that allows eachlogical processor within the processor packageto handle an individual thread in parallel with other threadsbeing handled by other processors within the package. Hz (hertz) Unit of measurement frequency, for caicuiated terms of vibrations.or cycles in

GLOSSARY

by IEEE 1394.3 A standard,developed the for designed peer1394 Trade Association, to-peer data transmission.It allows imaging devicesto send imagesand photos directly to printers without involving a computer. infestation Any unwanted program that's transmitted to a computer without the user's knowledge and designedto do varying degrees damageto data and software. of There are a number of differenttypes of infestations, including viruses,Trojan horses, worms, and logic bombs. information (.infl file Text file with an .inf file extension,such as Msbatch.inf, that contains information about a hardware or sofrware rnstallation.

ISA (Industry StandardArchitecture) slot An older slot on the motherboardusedfor which can support an slower VO devices, 8-bit or a 15-bit data path. ISA slotshave by mostly beenreplaced PCI slots. Digital Network) ISDN (tntegratedServices A digital telephoneline that can carry data at about five times the speedof regular telephonelines. Two channels(telephone numbers)sharea singlepair of wires. ISP (Internet serviceprovider) A commercial for group that provides Internet access a mon*ily fee.AOL, Earthlink, and CompuServe are largeISPs. Union) ITU (InternationalTelecommunications organization responsible The international for developinginternational standardsof communication.Formerly CCITT.

infrared transceiver A wirelesstransceiverthat usesinfrared technologyto support wireless such as keyboards,mice, and printers. devices, JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group) A motherboardmight havean embedded that allows scheme A graphicalcompression or infrared transceiver, the transceivermight to control the amount of data that's users plug into a USB or serialport. The technology and sacrificedas file sizeis reduced' averaged is defined by the Infrared Data Association It's a common Internet fiie format. Most (IrDA). Also calledIrDA transceiver or JPEGfileshavea .ipg extension. infrared port. jumper Two wires that stick up side by side initialization files Configuration information files on the motherboard and are usedto hold is for Windows. System.iru one of the most configuration information. The jumper rs important Windows 9x irutialization files. closedif a cover is over the wrres considered ink-jet printer A type of ink dispersionprinter and openif the coveris missing. that usescartridgesof ink. The ink is heated k.y In encryption, a secretnumber or code used to a boiling point and then ejectedonto the to encodeand decodedata. In Windows, a paper through tiny nozzles. sectionname of the'S7indowsRegistry. intranet A private network that usesTCP/IP keyboard A common input devicethrough protocols. which data and instructionscan be typed into IP address A 32-bit addressconsistingof four computermemory. by numbersseparated periods,usedto LAN (local area network) A computer nefwork uniquely identify a deviceon a nefwork that that coversonly a small area, usualiy within usesTCP/IP protocols. The first numbers one building. identify the network; the last numbersidentify is a host. An exampleof an IP address laptop computer Seenotebook. Is1 4 . 206.96.103 . drive A hard drive larger than large-capacity IIDA transceiver Seeinfrared transceiver. MB. 504 IRQ (interrupt request)line A line on a bus information largemode A mode of addressing assigned a devicethat'susedto signalthe to range from 504 MB to on hard drivesthat a CPU for servicing.Theselines are assigned 8.4 GB by translatingcylinder,head,and referencenumber (for example,the normal sectorinformation to break the 528 MB hard IRQ for a printer is IRQ 7).

GL0SSARY I

521

drive barrier. Also called ECHS (extended CHS) mode. Last Known Good Configuration In'VTindows, Registry settingsand devicedrivers that were in effect when the computer last booted successfully. Thesesertingscan be restored during the startup processto recoverfrom errors during the previous boot. LBA (logical block addressing) mode A mode of addressing information on hard drivesin which the BIOS and operating systemview the drive as one long linear iist of LBAs or addressable sectors,permitting drives to be larger than 8.4 GB. (LBA 0 is cylinder0, head0, and sectorL.) LIF (low insertion force) socket A socket that requiresthe installerto manuallyapply an even force over the microchip when inserting the chip into the socket. 'Windows Limited users user accounts;they have read-writeaccess only on their own folders,read-onlyaccess most system to folders,and no access other users'data. to line speed Seebandwidth or modem speed.

as though it were a physical drive. Each logical drive is assigneda drive letter, such as C, and containsa file system.Also called volume. logical geometry The number of heads,tracks, and sectorsthat the BIOS on the hard drive controller presenrs the systemBIOS and ro the OS. The logical geometrydoesn'rconsisr of the samevaluesas the physical geomerry, although calculationsof drive capaciryyield the sameresults. lost allocation units Seelost clusrers.

lost clusters File fragmenrsthat, accordingto the file allocation table, contain data that doesn't belong to any file. The CHKDSK/F command can free thesefragments.A/so callediost allocationunits. lowlevel formatting A process(usuallyperformed at the factory) that electronicallycreatesthe hard drive tracks and sectorsand testsfor bad spotson the disk surface. low-profile case Seecompact case.

LPX A form factor in which expansioncards are mounted on a riser card that plugs into a motherboard.The expansioncards in LPX Lmhosts A text file in the'Windows folder that systems mountedparallelto the motherare containsNetBIOS namesand their associated board insteadof perpendicularto it, as in AT IP addresses. This file is usedfor nameresoluand ATX systems. tion on a NeIBEUI nefwork. MAC (Media AccessControl) address A 5-byte hexadecimal hardwareaddress unique to eachNiC card and assigned the manuby facturer.The address often printed on the is local VO bus A local bus that providesVO devices adapter. exampleis 00 00 0C 08 2F 35. An with fast access the CPU. to Also calledphysicaladdress, adapteraddress, or hardwareaddress. local printer A printer connectedto a computer by way of a port on the computer.Compare main board Seemotherboard. fo network printer. masterfile table (MFT) The databaseused by local profile A user profile srored on a local the NTFS file systemto track rhe contentsof computerthat can't be accessed from another a logicaldrive. computer on the network. MBR (Master Boot Record) The first secor on local user account A user account that applies a hard drive, which containsthe partition only to a local computerand can't be usedto table and a program BIOS usedro boor an access resourcesfrom other computerson the OS from the drive. nerwork. MDRAM (MultiBank DRAM) A type of video logical drive A portion or all of a hard drive memory that's faster than VRAM and parcitionthat the operaringsystemrreats sfifuAM but can be more economicalbecause local bus A bus that operates a speed at synchronizedwith the CPU frequency. The systembus is a local bus.

GLOSSARY

it can be installedon a video card in smaller increments. memory Physicalmicrochips that can hold data and programming, located on the motherboard or expansioncards. to memory address A number assigned each byte in memory.The CPU can use memory to addresses track where information is are stored in RAM. Memory addresses numbers usually displayedas hexadecimal form. in segment/offset memory bus Seesystembus.

drives to fit into a standardS-inchdrive bay of a PC case. Mini-LPX A smaller version of the LPX motherboard. Console) A utiiity MMC (Microsoft Management Theseconsoles consoles. to build customized can be savedto a file with an .mscfile extenslon. MMX (Multimedia Extensions) Multimedia to instructions built into lntel processors add functionality such as better processingof multicache' media,SIMD support,and increased

modem From the words "modulate-demodulate," memory dump The contentsof memory saved a devicethat modulatesdigital data from a to a file at the time an eventhalted the system. the dump fiie computerto an analogformat that can Support technicianscan analyze lines' and then be s.rrt over telephone understandthe sourceof the problem. to help it back into digital form. demodulates 9x, memory extender For DOS and'STindows a that manages modem speed The speed which a modem can at devicedriver namedHimem.sys in addresses a phone iine, measured to transmitdata along RAM, giving access memory bandwidth bits per second(bps).A/so called above 1 MB. or line speed. memory paging In \7indows, swappingblocks of RAM to an area of the hard drive to serve monitor The most commonly usedoutput device as virtual memory when RAM is low. for displayingtext and graphicson a computer' virus A virus that can stay memory-resident lurking in memory evenafter its host program is terminated. motherboard The main board in the computer' The CPU, ROM chiPs,SIMMs, DIMMs, RIMMs, and interfacecards are plugged into A/so calledthe main board the motherboard. MHz (megahertz) One million Hz, or one or systemboard. per second'Seealso Hz (hertz)' million cycles bus' motherboardbus SeesYstem microATX A recentversion of the ATX form some new factor. MicroMX addresses motherboardmouse SeePSl}-compatiblemouse' since that have beendeveloped technologies mouse A pointing and input devicethat ailou's the original introduction of ATX. and usersto move a cursor around a screen A type of memory module used MicroDIMM programswith the click of a button' select on notebooksthat has L44 pins and usesa MP3 A method to compressaudio files that 64-bit data path. usesMPEG level 1. It can reducesound files urut)' microprocessor SeeCPU (centralprocessing to as low as a 1:24 ratio without losingmuch sound quality. Mini PCI The PCI industry standardfor deskcards,appliedto a top computerexpansion smaller form factor {or notebook much cards. expansion Mini-ATX A smallerATX board that can be used and power suppiies. with reguiarATX cases minicartridge A tape drive cartridge that is only 3 x 2 inches.It's small enoughto allow rwo MPEG (Moving PicturesExperts Group) A standardfor data processing-intensive for compression motion picturesthat tracks movementfrom one frame to the next and storesonly the data that has changed. MSDS (material safetydata sheet) A document such that expiainshow to handlesubstances

GLOSSARY

as chemical solvents;it includesinformation such as physical data, toxicity, heaith effe*s, first aid, storage,disposai,and spill procedures. multicasting A processin which a message is sent by one host to multiple hosts, such as when a video conference broadcasrro is severaihosts on the Internet. multimeter A deviceusedto measurethe componentsof an electricalcircuit. The most common measurements volcage, are current, and resistance. multiplier The factor by which the bus speedor frequencyis multiplied ro get the CpU clock speed. multiscan monitor A monitor that can work within a range of frequencies and, therefore, can work with different srandardsand video cards. It offers a variery of refreshrates.

through a connection to a computer as a locai printer, which is sharedon the nerwork. Compare to local printer. MC (network interfacecard) An exDansron card that plugs into a computer', -otherboard and provides a porr on rhe back of rhe card to connect a PC to a nefwork. A/so called nerwork adapter. NLX A low-end form factor that's similar to LpX but provides more support for current and emerging processor technologies. NLX was designedfor flexibility and efficiencyof space. node Seehost. noise An extraneous,unwanted signal, often over an analogphone line, that can cause communication interferenceor transmission errors. Possiblesourcesare fluorescentlighting, radios, TVs, lightning, or bad wiring.

nonvolatile Refersto a kind of RAM that's stableand can hold data as long as elecriciry name resolution The processof associating a is powering the memory. NeIBIOS name or host name to an Ip address. NAT (Network AddressTranslation) A process that convertsprivate IP addresses a LAN on to the prory server'sIP addressbefore a data packet is sent over the Internet. NeIBEIII (NeIBIOS ExtendedUser lnterface) A proprietary,and outdatedMicrosofr nefworking protocol used only by Vindowsbasedsystems, and limited to LANs because it doesn'tsupport routing. NeIBIOS (Nerwork Basic Input/Output System) An API protocol usedby someapplicarions to communicateover a NeIBEUI nefwork. NeIBIOS has largelybeenreplacedby 'Sfindows Socketsover a TCP/IP nefwork. nefwork adapter SeeNIC (nerwork interface card). nefwork drive map Mounting a drive, such as drive E, to a computer that's actually hard drive spaceon another host computer on the network. nefwork printer A printer that any user on the nerwork can access, through its own nerwork card and connection ro the nefwork, through a connection to a stand-aloneprint server,or normal mode mode. SeeCHS (cylinder,head, secror)

North Bridge That portion of the chipsethub that connectsfaster VO busses the sysrem to bus. Compare to South Bridge. NOS (nerwork operating system) An operating systemthat resides the controiling compurer on in the network. The NOS controlswhat software, data, and devices userson the network can access. Examplesof an NOS are Novell Net'Wareand Windows 2000 Server. notebook A portable computer designedfor travel and mobility. Notebooks use the same technologyas desktop PCs, with modifications for conservingvoltage, taking up less space,and operating while on the move. ,4/so called laptop computer. NTFS (NT File System) The file sysremfor the 'STindows 2000lXP operating systems. NTFS can't be accessed other operating sysrems, by suchas DOS. It providesincreased reliabiliry and securitycomparedwith other merhodsof organizingand accessing files. There are severalversionsof NTFS thar mieht be compatible.

GLOSSARY

Nttdr (NT Loader) In'Windows, the OS loader used on Intel systems. NTVDM (NT virtual DOS machine) An emulatedenvironmentin which a 16-bit DOS application residesin Windows with its own memory spaceor WO\7 (Win16 on'Sfin32). null modem cable A cablethat allows rwo data to termrnal equipment (DTE) devices communicate; the transmit and receivewires are crossand no modemsare necessary' connected, octet Term for each of the four 8-bit numbers the For example, that make up an IP address' has 206.96.1'03.114 four octets. IP address for ohm (O) The standardunit of measurement Resistorsare rated in ohms. electricalresistance. on-board ports Ports that are directly on the motherboard,such as a built-in keyboard port or on-boardserialPort. operating systemformatting formatting. Seehigh-level

parallel port A female25-pin port on a computer that can transmit data in parallel, 8 bits at a time, and is usually usedwith a printer. The namesfor parallel ports are LPT1 and LPT2. in parity An error-checkingscheme which a "pariry" bit is added.The value of ninth, or the parity bit is set to 0 or L to provide an even number of 1s for evenparity and an odd number of 1s for odd parity' pariry error An error that occurswhen the number of Ls in the byte isn't in agreement with the expectednumber. parity memory Nine-bit memory in which the ninth bit is usedfor error checking. A SIMM part number with 35 in it (4 x 9 bits) is parity.Older PCs almostalwaysuseparity chips. pafiition A division of a hard drive that can be usedto hold logicaldrives. partition table A table at the beginningof the hard drive that containsinformation about eachpartition on the drive. The partition table is containedin the Master Boot Record.

OS (operatingsystem) Softwarethat controis a computer.An OS controis how system are resources usedand providesa user interface,a way of managinghardware and soffware, and ways to work with files.

passiveterminator A rype of terminator for Simpleresistors SCSIcables. singie-ended termlprovide terminationof a signal.Passive overclocking Running a processorat a higher and isn't reliabieover long distances nation by than is recommended the manufrequency should be usedonly with narrow SCSI. result in an unstablesystem. facturet which can PL connector Power connectionon an ATX motherboard. page fault An OS interrupt that occurswhen the the OS is forced to access hard drive to satisly the demandsfor virtual memory. page file Seeswap file. PATA (parallel ATA) An older IDE cabling method that usesa 40-pin flat data cableor cableand a 40-pin IDE conan 80-conductor nector.Seealso SAIA (serialATA). patch An update to sofrwarethat correctsan security error, adds a feature,or addresses pack. calledupdateor service issues.Also patch cable A network cable used to connect a PC to a hub. pointing to a path A drive and list of directories file, such as C:\Windows\command. adaptercard that PC Card A credit-card-size in the sideof many notecan be slid rnto a slot book computersand is used for connectingto modems,nerworks,and CD-ROM dnves. Also called PCMCIA Card.

Pagefile.sys The Windows swaP file. page-in The processin which the memory managergoesto the hard drive to return the data from a swap file to RAM. page-out The processin which, when RAM is full, the memory managermoves a page to the swap file. in pages 4 KB segments which'Sfindows 20001 XP allocatesmemory.

GLOSSARY I

525

PC Card slot An expansionslor on a notebook computer into which a PC Card is inserted. Also calledPCMCIA Card slot. PCI (PeripheralComponent Interconnect)bus A bus common on Pentium computersthat runs at speedsup to 33 MHz or 65 MIFrz, with a 32-bit-wideor 54-bit-widedata path. PCI-X, released September in 1999, enables PCI to run at 133 MHz. For somechipsers, it servesas the middle layer berweenrhe memory bus and expansionbuses. PCI Express(PCIe) The latest evolution of PCI, which is not backward-comparible with eariierPCI slots and cards.PCIe slotscome in several sizes, including PCIex1, PCIe x4, PCIex8. and PCIex15. PCMCIA (PersonalComputer Memory Card InternationalAssociation) Card See PC Card. PCMCIA Card slot SeePC Card slot.

PIF (program information file) A file used by 'Windows to describethe environment for a DOS program to use. Ping (PacketInternet Groper) A'Windows and UNIX command usedto troubleshoot nerwork connections. verifiesthat the host It can communlcarewith another host on the nerwork. pinout A descriptionof how each pin on a bus, plug, slot, or socketis used. connection, PIO (Programmed VO) transfer mode A transfer mode that usesthe CPU to transfer data from the hard drive to memory.PIO mode is slower than DMA mode. pixel A small spot on a fine horizontal scan line. Pixels are illuminated to createan imaee on the monitor. polling A processby which the CPU checksthe statusof connecteddevicesto determine whether they are ready to sendor receivedata. port As applied to services running on a computer,a number assigned a processon to a computer so that the processcan be found by TCP/IP. Also called a porr addressor porr number.It is also another name for an VO address. Seealso VO address. physicalconA nector,usually at the back of a computer,that allows a cablefrom a peripheral device,such as a printer,mouse,or modem, ro be attached. port address Seeport or VO addresses. port number Seeport.

PDA (personaldigital assistant) A small handheld computerthat has its own operatingsystem and applications. peer-to-peer network A nefwork of compurers that are ail equals,or peers.Eachcomputer has the same amount of authoriry and eachcan act as a serverto the other computers. peripheral devices Devicesthar communicate with the CPU but aren't locared directly on the motherboard, such as the monitor, floppy drive, printer, and mouse. permissions Refer to the user accountsor user groups allowed to access data. Varying degrees access of can be assigned a folder to or file, including full control, write, delete, and read-only. PGA (pin grid array) A feature of a CPU socket whereby the pins are aiigned in uniform rows around the socket. physicaladdress SeeMAC (Media Access Conrrol)address. physical geometry The actual layout of heads, tracks, and sectorson a hard drive. Seealso logicai geometry.

port replicator A devicedesigned connect to to a notebook computerto make it easy to connectthe notebook to peripheral devices. port settings The configuration parametersof communication devices such as COM1, COM2, or COM3, inciudingiRQ settrngs. POST (power-onselftest) A self-diagnostic program usedto conduct a simpletest of the CPU, RAM, and VO devices. The POST is performed by startup BIOS when the computer is first turned on and is stored in ROM-BIOS.

GLO5SARY

'Windows XP power scheme A featureof for notebooksthat allows usersto support creategroups of power settingsfor specific setsof conditions. power supply A box inside the computer case that suppliespower to the motherboard and Power supplies other installed devices. provide 3.3, 5, and 1.2volts DC. power-on password A passwordthat a computer during the boot process. usesto control access PnP (Plug and Play) A standard designedto make installing new hardware deviceseasierby automatically configuring them to eliminate systemresourceconflicts (such as IRQ or PnP is supportedby conflicts). VO address Vindows 9x,'Windows 2000, and Windows XP. primary partition A hard disk partition that can contain only one logical drive. primary storage Temporary storageon the data motherboardusedby the CPU to process and rnstructions.Memory is considered primary storage.

computer,it can't be installed on another computer. instructions to a program A set of step-by-step computer.Someare burned directly into chips,whereasothers are stored as program such files. Programsare written in languages as BASICand C+-r. program file A file containing instructions to designed be carried out by the CPU. protectedmode An operating mode that supportspreemptivemuititasking. The OS managesmemory and other hardware devices, and programs can usea 32-bit data path. Also called 32-bit mode. protocol A set of rules and standardsthat fwo entitiesusefor communication. Protocol.ini A Windows initialization file containingnefwork configurationinformation.

proxy server A serverthat acts as an intermediary befweenanother computer and the lnternet. The proxy serversubstitutesits own IP address for the IP addressof the network computer making a requestso that all raffic over the printer A peripheraloutput devicethat produces Internet appearsto be coming from only the printed output to paper.Different types IP pro>ry seryer's address. include dot matrix, ink-jet, and laser printers. mouse A mousethat plugs into PS/2-compatible kit A kit purchasedfrom a printer maintenance a round mousePS/2port on the motherboard. printer manufacturerthat contains the parts, AIsocalledmotherboardmouse. tools, and instructionsneededto perform public IP address An IP addressavaiiableto the routine printer maintenance. Internet. private IP address An IP addressusedon a private RAID (redundant array of independentdisks) TCP/IP nerwork that's isolated from the methods of configuring multiple hard Several Internet. drivesto store data to increaselogical volume process A running instanceof a program sizeand improve performanceor to ensure More togetherwith the program resources. that if one hard drive fails, the data is still than one processcan be running for a profrom anotherhard drive. available gram at the sametime. One processfor a memory) Memory RAM (random access program happenseachtime the program is moduleson the motherboard containrng loadedinto memory or runs. microchips used to temporariiy hold data and unit). processor SeeCPU (centralprocessing both. programswhile the CPU processes Information in RAM is lost when the PC is at frequency, which processorspeed The speed,or turned off. in Usually expressed GFIz. the CPU operates. product activation The processthat Microsoft usesto prevent software piracy. For example, after \Tindows XP is activatedfor a particular RAM drive Al area of memory treated as though it were a hard drive, but it works much faster 9x than a hard drive. The'STindows starrup

GLOSSARY I

527

disk usesa RAM drive. Compare to vtrtual memory. RDRAM SeeDirecr Rambus DRAM.

restorepoint A snapshotof the Windows Vrsta/ XP systemstare,usually made before installingnew hardwareor applicarions. RIMM A rype of memory module developedby Rambus,Inc. RJ-11 A phone line connectionfound on modems,telephones, and housephone outlets. RJ-45 connector A connectorusedwith rwistedpair cablethar connectsthe cable ro rhe NIC.

readlwrite head A sealed,magnetic coil device that movesacross the surfaceof a disk reading data from or wriring data to the disk. ReadyBoost A Vrsta utilit,v rhat usesa flash drive or secure digital (SD) memory card to boost hard drive performance.

real mode A single-tasking operatingmode ROM (read-onlymemory) Chips that conrain whereby a program has 1024K of memory programmingcode and can't be erased. addresses, direct access RAM, and uses has to ROM BIOS SeeBIOS (basicinput/ourpursystem). a 16-bit data path. Using a memory extender (Himem.sys), program in real mode can a root directory The main directory created access memory above 1024K. Also called when a hard drive or disk is first formamed. 15-bitmode. In Linux, it's indicatedby a forward slash(/). In Windows, it's indicatedby a backward RecoveryConsole A Windows 2000DG slash(\). command-line utility and OS that can be used to solveproblemswhen Windows can't load rootkit A rype of malicious soffware that loads from the hard drive. itself beforethe OS boot is completeand can hijack internal \X/indowscomponentsso rhat Registry A database that'STindows usesto srore it masks information Windows provides to hardware and sofrwareconfiguration informauser-modeutiiities such as Windows Exnlorer tion, user preferences, and setup information. or Task Manager. re-marked chips Chips that have been used and routableprotocol A protocol that can be routed returned to the factory, marked again, and to interconnected nerworks on the basisof a resold.The surfaceof the chipsmight be dull network address. TCP/IPis a routable or scratched. protocol, but NeIBEUI is not. RemoteDesktop A Windows tool that givesa sags Seebrownours. user access his or her Windows desktop to from an).whereon the Internet. SAIA (serialAIA) An ATAPI cabling method that usesa narrower and more reliablecable rescuedisk A floppy disk that can be usedto than the 8O-conductor cable.Seealso PATA start a compurerwhen the hard drive fails to (parallelATA). boot. A/so called ESD (emergency starrup disk) or startup disk. SCSI(Small Computer SystemInterface) A fast interfaceberweena host adapter and the CPU resistance The degree which a deviceopposes to that can daisy-chain many as 7 or 15 as or resiststhe flow of electricity.As the electridevices a singlebus. on cal resistance increases, current decreases. the Seeohm and resistor. SCSIID A number from 0 to 15 assigned each to SCSIdeviceattachedto the daisy chain. resistor An electronicdevicethat resistsor opposesthe flow of electricity.A resistor can SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) A ryp. of memory be usedto reducethe amount of electricitv storedon DIMMs that runs in slnc with c r r n n l i e d t.- *,, .,,'ctronlc n qn elr component. the system clock, at the samespeed the as motherboard. resolution The number of pixels on a monitor screen that can be addressed sofrware(for by SDRAM tr SeeDDR SDRAM (DoubieData Rare example,1024x758 pixels). SDR-AM).

GL O S S A R Y

that's remote to the storage Storage secondary CPU and permanentlyholds data, evenwhen the PC is turned off, for example,a hard drive. sector On a disk surface,it's one segmentof a track, which almost alwayscontains512 bytes of data. used sequentialaccess A method of data access by tape drives,whereby data is written or read sequentiallyfrom the beginningto the end of the tape or until the data is found. serial ATA cable An IDE cable that's narrower and has fewer pins than the parallel iDE 80conductorcable. serial mouse A mousethat usesa serialport and has a female9-pin DB-9 connector. serialport A male 9-pin or 25-pin port on a computersystemusedby slowerVO devices, such as a mouseor modem.Data travels serially,one bit at a time, through the port. configured as Serial ports are sometimes COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4. servicepack Seepatch.

sleepmode A mode usedin many "green" that allows them to be configured systems through CMOS to suspendthe monitor or eventhe drive, if the keyboard and/or CPU have beeninactive for a set number of minutes.Seealso GreenStandards. slimline case Seecompact case. snap-ins Componentsadded to a consoleby using the Microsoft Management Console. SO-DIMM (small outline DIM ,t) A type of memory module used in notebook computers that usesDIMM technologyand can have 72 pins or 144 pins. soft boot To restart a PC without turning off the power, for example,in Windows XP, by clicking Start, Turn Off Computer,Restart. Also calledwarm boot. soft power Seesoft switch.

ServiceSet Identffier (SSID) The name of the nerwork. point for a wireless access SFC (SystemFile Checker) A Windows tool that checksto make sure Windows is using files. of the correctversions system

soft switch A feature on an ATX system that allows an OS to power down the systemand ailows for activiry such as a keystrokeor nefwork activity, to power up the system. Also called soft power. soffware Computerprograms,or instructions to perform a specifictask. Softwarecan be BIOS, OSs,or applicationsoftware,suchas a program. or word-processing spreadsheet

software cache Cachecontrolled by sofrware, shadow RAM or shadowingROM ROM whereby the cacheis stored in RAM. programming code copied into RAM to speed of up the systemoperationbecause the faster solid statedevice(SSD) A storagedevicethat usesmemory chipsto store data insteadof speedof RAM. access spinning disks. shortcut An icon on the desktopthat points to a A 150-pin program that can be run or to a file or folder. SO-RIMM (small outline RIMM) memory moduie in notebooksthat uses SIMM (singleinline memory module) A mrniature Rambus technology. circuit board usedin older computersto hoid spacers Seestandoffs. RAM. SIMMs hold 8. 1'6.32.or 64 MB on a singiemodule. pin SPGA(staggered grid array) A featureof a simple volume A type of dynamic volume used to on a singiehard drive that corresponds a partition on a basicdisk. primary CPU A CPU that requiresone single-voltage voltagefor both internaland UO operations. slack Wastedspaceon a hard drive caused by not using all availablespaceat the end of clusters. CPU socketwherebythe pins are staggered more pins into a over the socketto squeeze small space. SPI (SCSIParallelInterface) The part of the how SCSI SCSI-3 standardthat specifies devicesare connected. spooling Placingprint jobs in a print queue so from the that an applicationcan be released

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printing processbefore printing is completed. "Spooling" is an acronymfor "simultaneous peripheral operationsonline." SRAM (static RAM) RAM chips that retain information without the need for refreshing, as long as the computer'spower is on. They are more expensivethan traditional DRAM. standby time The time before a "green" system reduces92 percentof its activity. Seealso GreenStandards. standoffs Round plastic or metal pegsthat separate motherboardfrom the caseso that the componentson the back of the motherboard don't touch the case.Also calledspacers. startup BIOS The part of systemBIOS responsible for controlling the PC when it's first turned on. Startup BIOS givescontrol over to the OS after it's loaded. startup disk Seerescuedisk.

the systemneedsa warm-up time so that the CPU, monitor, and hard drive can reach full activify. swap file A file on the hard drive used by the OS for virtual memory. Also called page file. synchronousSRAM SRAM that's faster and more expensive than asynchronous SRAM. It requires a clock signaito validate its control signals, enablingthe cacheto run in step with the CPU. Sysedit The Windows SystemConfiguratron Editor, a text editor generallyused to edit systemfiles. system BIOS systemboard BIOS locatedon the motherboard. Seemotherboard.

startup password Seepower-on password.

systembus The bus befweenthe CPU and memory on the motherboard.The bus frequencyin documentationis called the systemspeed,such as 400 MHz. Also called memory bus, motherboardbus, front-side bus, local bus, or host bus.

static electricity SeeESD (electrostatic discharge). systemclock A line on a bus dedicatedto timing the activitiesof componentsconnecred static IP address An IP addresspermanently to it. The systemclock providesa continuous assignedto a workstation. pulsethat other devices to time themselves. use 'Windows stop error An error severeenough to causethe systemdisk terminology for a operating systemto stop all processes. See bootabiedisk. also blue screen. systempartition The active partition of the STP (shielded rwisted-pair)cable A cablemade hard drive containing the boot record and the of one or more rwisted pairs of wires and specific fiIesrequiredto load Windows. surroundedby a metal shield. systemresource A channel,iine, or addresson streamingaudio Downloading audio data from the motherboardthat can be usedby the CPU the Internet in a continuous streamof data or a devicefor communication. The four syswithout downloading an entire audio file first. tem resources IRQ, VO address, are DMA channel,and memory address. subdirectory A directory or folder contained in another dfuectoryor folder. Also called chrld SystemRestore A \Tindows utiiiry, similar to the directory or folder. ScanReg tool in earlierversionsof Windows, usedto restorethe systemto a restorepoint. subnetmask A group of four numbers (dotted decimal numbers) that tell TCP/IP whether a Unlike ScanReg, SystemRestorecan't be run from a command prompt. remote computer is on the sameor a different network. systemstate data In Windows 2000DG, files surgesuppressoror surgeprotector A device that are necessary a successful for load of the power strip designedto protect electronic or operating system. equipment from power surgesand spikes. System.ini A text configuration file used by 'Windows suspendtime The time before a "Green" system 3.x and supported by Windows 9x reduces99 percentof its activiry.Afrer this dme, for backward comoatibiliw.

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TAPI (TelephonyApplication Programming Interface) A standard developedby Intel and Microsoft that can be usedby 32-btt Windows communication programs for communicating over phone lines. Task Manager (Taskmgr.exe) A'Sfindows utiliry that lets you view the applicationsand processes running on your computeras well as and memory perinformation about process formance, nerwork activity, and user activity. TCP/IP (TransmissionControl Protocol{nternet Protocol) The suite of protocols that supports communicationon the Internet.TCP and IP is for is responsible error checking, for responsibie routing. telephony A term describingthe technologyof converting sound to signalsthat can travel lines. over telephone terminating resistor The resistoradded at the end of a SCSIchain to dampenthe voltageat the end of the chain. to termination A processnecessary prevent an echo effect of power at the end of a SCSI with the data chain, resultingin interference transmission. that thermal compound A creamlikesubstance is placed berweenthe bottom of the cooler to heatsinkand the top of the processor eliminate air pocketsand help to draw heat off the processor. TIFF (TaggedImage File Format) A bitmapped file format usedto hold photographs, TIFF filescan captures. graphics,and screen be rather large and have a .tif fiie extension. top-level domain The highestlevel of domain names)indicated by a suffix that tells something about the host. For example,.com is for commercialuseand .eduis for educational institutions. tower case The largesttype of personal standvertically Tower cases computercase. and can be as tall as two feet. They have more drive baysand are a good choicefor making major computeruserswho anticipate upgrades. trace A wire on a circuit board that connects or two components devices.

track One of many concentriccircleson the surfaceof a hard drive or floppy disk. translation A techniqueused by systemBIOS and hard drive controiler BIOS to break the 504 MB hard drive barrier, whereby a different set of drive parametersare communicatedto the OS and other sofrwarethan that used by the hard drive controllerBIOS. receiver-transmitter) UART (universalasynchronous chip A chip that controis serial ports. It setsprotocol and convertsparallel data from the systembus into bits received serialbits. UDF (UniversalDisk Format) file system A file systemfor optical media used by all DVDs and some CD-Rs and CD-R!7s. unaftendedinstallation A'STindows installatton to done by storingthe answers rnstaliation file or script that Vindows questionsin a text calls an answerfile. Vith this instaliation r.vpe, answersdon't have to be typed in during the installation. upgradeinstall The installationof an OS on a hard drive that alreadyhas an OS installedin kept by the old OS sucha way that settings are carriedforward into the upgrade,including information about hardware,sofrware,and userpreferences. URL (Uniform ResourceLocator) An address for a resourceon the Internet. A URL can the containthe protocol usedby the resource' name of the computerand its network, and the path and name of a file on the computer. serialbus) port A type of port USB (universal to designed make installationand configuraproviding room for easy, tion of VO devices daisy-chained as many as 1,27devices together. USB host controller Managesthe USB bus. If the motherboardcontainson-boardUSB ports, the USB host controlleris part of the The USB usesoniy a singleset of chipset. for resources all deviceson the bus. user account The information, stored in the a that defines Windows SAM database, 2000D(P user,includingusername' password, and rights. memberships,

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user profile A personalprofile about a user that enabiesthe user'sdesktop settingsand other operating parametersto be retained from one sessionto another. USMT (UserStateMigration Tool) A'Windows VistaD(P utiliry that helps you migrate user files and preferences from one computer to another to help usersmake a smooth transition from one computer to another. UTP (unshieldedtwisted-pair) cable A cable made of one or more fwisted pairs of wrres that is not surrounded by a metal shield.

voltage Electricaldifferential that causes current to flow, measured volts. Seealso V (volt). in voltmeter A devicefor measuringelectricalAC or DC voltage. volume SeeIogical drive.

\fRAM (video RAM) RAM on video cards that holds the data being passedfrom the computer to the monitor and can be accessed by rwo devicessimulfaneousiy. Higher resolutions often require more video memory. \rRM (voltageregulator module) A device embedded installedon the motherboard or that regulatesvoltage to the processor.

V (volt) A measureof potential differencein an eiectricalcircuit. A computer ATX power supply usually provides five separate voltages: VxD Seevirtual device driver. - 1 2 V , + 5 V - 5 V , a n d + 3 . 3V . +12V, W (watt) The unit used to measurepower. value data In lTindows, the name and value of A typical computer can use a power supply a settingin the Registry. that provides 400W. VCACI{E A built-in Windows 9x32-bir sofrware cachethat doesn'ttake up conventional memory spaceor upper memory space,as SMARTDTive did. video card An interfacecard installed in the computerto control visual output on a monitor. Also called display adapter. virtual devicedriver (VxD or VDD) A Vindows devicedriver that can have direct access a to device.It might dependon a Windows component to communicatewith the deviceitself. virtual memory A method whereby the OS uses the hard drive as though it were RAM. Compare /o RAM drive. virtual real mode An operating mode that works similarly to real mode provided by a 32-bit OS for a 15-bit program to work. virus A program that often has an incubation period, can infect other computers,and is intendedto causedamage.A virus program might destroydata and programsor damagea disk drive's boot sector.

wait state A clock tick in which nothing happens,used to ensurethat the microprocessor isn't gettingaheadof slower components.A 0-wait stateis preferableto a 1-wait state.Too manv wait statescan slow down a system. WAN (wide area network) A network or group of nerworks that span a large geographicalarea. warm boot Seesoft boot.

wattage Electricalpower measuredin watts. WTP (Windows File Protection) A'Windows 2000D0 tool that protects systemfiles from modification. Wi-Fi SeeIEEE 802.11b.

wildcard A *' or ? characterused in a command line that represents characteror group of a in characrers a filename extension. or

Vin.ini The'STindowsinitialization file that containsprogram configuration information neededfor running the lTindows operating virus signature A set of distinguishingcharacterenvironment.Its functions were replacedby isticsof a virus usedby antivirus sofrwareto the Registry beginningwith'$Tindows 9x, identifythe virus. which still supportsit for backwardcomparibility with Windows 3.x. volatile Refersto a kind of RAM that's temporary can't hold data very long, and must be refreshed Win386.swp The name of the Windows 9x freauentlv. swap file. Its default location is C:\'STindows.

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WRAM (window RAM) Dual-ported video RAM that's faster and lessexpensive than VRAM. It has its own internal bus on the chip with a 256-bit-wide data path.

WLAN (wirelessLAN) A rype of LAN that doesn't use wires or cablesto createconnections; instead,it transmits data over radio or infraredwaves.

workgroup In'$7indows, a logical group of computersand usersin which administration, ZIF (zero insertion force) socket A socket that usesa small iever to apply even force resources, and security are distributed when you install the microchip into the throughout the nerwork, without centralized socket. management securiry. or worm An infestation designedto copy itself repeatedlyto memory, on drive spaceor on a network, until little memory or disk space remain.

zone bit recording A method of storing data on a hard drive whereby the drive can have more sectorsper track near the outside of the platter.