AGP
The Accelerated Graphics Port is a dedicated bus for graphics cards that enables
high performance 3D graphics capabilities on PCs
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS is a program located on a read only memory
chip on the mainboard. Frequently referred to as the 'boot program' the
main function of the BIOS is to manage the mainboard and interface parameters,
including simple parameters such as time, date, hard disk drive, as well as more
complex parameters such as hardware synchronization, device operating modes, CPU
and memory setup. When the computer
is switched on, it is controlled by the BIOS program.
Buffer
A buffer is similar to disc or ram cache. It is the computer's 'waiting room',
where different hardware temporarily stores data without interfering with or
delaying each other. The buffer assists in coordinating the independent
activities of different processes.
Bus Master
The bus master directs data on the computer bus or input/output paths and
controls the bus paths on which the address and control signals flow. Once the
paths are defined, the flow of data travels directly between the I/O device and
the microprocessor.
Cache
Cache Memory is small but very fast memory used to store frequently used Data or
instructions. It tries to "guess" what data is going to be needed next
by the Processor. (See L1 & L2 Cache)
DRAM
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is the most common kind of random access
memory for personal computers and workstations. DRAM is dynamic in that, unlike
static RAM (SRAM), it needs to have its storage cells refreshed or given a new
electronic charge every few milliseconds. DRAM stores each bit in a storage cell
consisting of a capacitor and a transistor.
Driver
A driver program interacts with a particular hardware device or software
program. The driver provides the information about the device or software
interface that programs using the driver do not have.
DVD-ROM
Digital versatile disk. Similar in appearance to CD-ROM but much higher
capacity. Each DVD disk can hold up to 17 GB of data. That's approximately 4
hours of video or 9 hours of audio. Video files compressed in the MPEG-2 are
very sharp and clear. DVD-ROM drives accept both DVD disks and CD-ROM disks so
there is no need for 2 separate drives.
EDO
RAM
Extended data output RAM is a chip that improves the time to read from memory on
faster microprocessors such as the Intel Pentium. EDO RAM is optimised for the
66 MHz Pentium
EIDE
Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics is a standard electronic interface between
the computer and its mass storage drives. EIDE enhances Integrated Drive
Electronics (IDE), making it possible to address a hard disk larger than 528
Mbytes. EIDE provides faster access to the hard drive, support for Direct Memory
Access (DMA), and support for additional drives, including CD-ROM and tape
devices through the AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI).
Firewire
Firewire, is USB's high-speed counterpart and enables PC connection of high speed peripheral devices, including digital video cameras and VCRs
Graphics (3-D)
These cards will allow you to experience 3-D games and view MPEG-2 encoded DVD-ROM movies at full speed.
Infrared
Technology that uses infrared light to wirelessly connect computers to
peripherals, LANs and other computers, allowing for bi-directional data exchange
at lengths of up to one meter and speeds of up to 4 Mbps. Infrared data transfer
is handy for those with 2 systems to synchronize or to update files.
IRQ
Interrupt Request values are specified for the computer when attaching a new
device. The interrupt request value assigns a location where the computer can
expect a new device to interrupt it when the device sends the computer signals
about its operation. Because multiple signals to the computer on the same
interrupt line might not be understood by the computer, a unique value must be
specified for each device and its path to the computer.
L1 Cache
(primary) Cache. A small cache which can be accessed extremely quickly where the
processor stores its most often used data. This is located on the
processor.
L2
Cache
L2 Cache is a high-speed memory that supplies the CPU with the most frequently
requested instructions and data. Instructions and data located in the L2 cache
can be accessed many times faster than instructions and data located in main
memory (DRAM). The more instructions and data the CPU can access directly from
the L2 cache, the faster the computer runs.
MMX
Multimedia Extensions. An enhancement in processor architecture that improves
multimedia and communications. This technology processes multiple data elements
in parallel, speeding up such things as image processing, motion video, speech
synthesis, telephony, and 3D graphics.
Modem (56k
Capable)
The 56k modem is currently the state of the art connection to the Internet via
standard phone lines. However, due to FCC regulations and phone line
"noise" or interference, 56kbps connections are not possible yet.
Common maximum connections speeds with a 56k modem are approximately 48k.
PC100
PC100 is the industry standard for PC architecture capable of running at 100MHz
bus speeds.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect bus. PCI is an interconnection system between
a microprocessor and attached devices in which expansion slots are spaced
closely for high-speed operation. PCI is designed to be independent of
microprocessor design, but synchronized with the clock speed of the
microprocessor. It uses all active paths to transmit both address and data
signals, sending the address on one clock cycle and data on the next. Burst data
can be sent starting with an address on the first cycle and a sequence of data
transmissions on a certain number of successive cycles.
PCMCIA
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association - an expansion Bus
designed for Laptops which allow modems & other devices to be connected to
the PC.
RAM
Random Access Memory is a temporary storage area which the processor uses to
execute programs and hold data. Information is put into RAM and held there until
needed. Once the RAM becomes full, information has to be removed to make space
for the current task being performed. A PC with limited RAM can take a long time
to perform a simple task as the information in the RAM is constantly being
replaced. RAM requires a constant electric supply to keep the information
intact. Should you switch off the PC then you will lose the contents of RAM
forever. Additional RAM benefits nearly all users by allowing faster functions
and multiple programs to be open at once.
SDRAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory is a new form of DRAM that can be
coordinated or synchronized to the clock speed of the computer.
SVGA
Super Video Graphics Array Video Adapter. An SVGA Monitor can display up to 800
x 600 pixels using over 16 million different colours.
Ultra DMA
Ultra DMA 33 is a protocol for transferring data from a hard disk drive to RAM
through the computer's data bus. The Ultra DMA 33 protocol transfers data in
burst mode at a rate of 33.3 MBps (megabytes per second), twice as fast as the
previous Direct Memory Access (DMA) interface. The protocol speeds up booting
time and improves the performance of applications that require access to data on
the hard drive. Ultra DMA uses Cyclical Redundancy Checking (CRC), offering a
new level of data protection.
USB
Universal System Bus is a 12MB/sec "plug-and-play" interface that
consolidates the present serial port configuration on the back of the PC into a
single port from which up to 127 peripheral devices can be daisy chain
connected. With USB, a new device can be added to a computer without having to
add an adapter card or even turn the computer off. USB supports joysticks,
printers, monitors, and telephony. Universal Serial Bus Home Page
V.90
This is the ITU's newest standard for 56K modem communications. It will
supersede X2 and 56kflex to become the ultimate 56K standard.
VGA
Video Graphics Array Video. Adapter introduced by IBM in 1987. A VGA Monitor can
display 640 X 480 pixels using 16 different colours or 320 X 200 pixels using
256 colours. These colours can be chosen from a table of up to 262,144 colours.
