Dell Dimension 3100C - Manual (Page 122)

122 Glossary
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BUS SPEED — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates
how fast a bus can transfer information.
BYTE — The basic data unit used by your computer. A
byte is usually equal to 8 bits.
C
C — Celsius — A temperature measurement system
where 0° is the freezing point and 100° is the boiling point
of water.
CACHE — A special high-speed storage mechanism
which can be either a reserved section of main memory or
an independent high-speed storage device. The cache
enhances the efficiency of many processor operations.
L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.
L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be
external to the processor or incorporated into the
processor architecture.
CARNET — An international customs document that
facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. Also
known as a merchandise passport.
CD — compact disc — An optical form of storage
media, typically used for audio and software programs.
CD
DRIVE — A drive that uses optical technology to
read data from CDs.
CD
PLAYER — The software used to play music CDs.
The CD player displays a window with buttons that you
use to play a CD.
CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a
CD. Data can be recorded only once onto a CD-R. Once
recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.
CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a
CD. Data can be written to a CD-RW disc, and then
erased and written over (rewritten).
CD-RW
DRIVE — A drive that can read CDs and write
to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)
discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but
you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CD-RW/DVD DRIVE — A drive, sometimes referred
to as a combo drive, that can read CDs and DVDs and
write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable
CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple
times, but you can write to CD-R discs only once.
CLOCK SPEED — The speed, given in MHz, that
indicates how fast computer components that are
connected to the system bus operate.
COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows
alpha-numeric code located on a sticker on your
computer. You may need the COA to complete the
operating system setup or reinstallation. Also referred to
as the Product Key or Product ID.
C
ONTROL P ANEL — A Windows utility that allows
you to modify operating system and hardware settings,
such as display settings.
CONTROLLER — A chip that controls the transfer of
data between the processor and memory or between the
processor and devices.
CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module
— A special module that has no memory chips and is used
to fill unused RIMM slots.
CURSOR — The marker on a display or screen that
shows where the next keyboard, touch pad, or mouse
action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an
underline character, or a small arrow.
D
DDR SDRAM — double-data-rate SDRAM — A type
of SDRAM that doubles the data burst cycle, improving
system performance.
DEVICE — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or
keyboard that is installed in or connected to your
computer.
DEVICE DRIVER — See driver.
DIN CONNECTOR — A round, six-pin connector that
conforms to DIN (Deutsche Industrie-Norm) standards;
it is typically used to connect PS/2 keyboard or mouse
cable connectors.