Dell PRECISION 530 - Manual (Page 298)

298 Glossar y
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SRAM
Static random-access memory ( RAM ). Referred to as
"static" because it retains a value as long as power is
supplied, unlike DRAM , which must be refreshed
regularly.
Stepping
A term used to indicate a manufacturing “version
number” or “revision level” of an Intel
microprocessor . The initial version of a new processor
is the A0 step. As revisions are made for functional
fixes or manufacturing improvements, the stepping
is increased. Intel recommends using identical
steppings of processors in dual-processor systems.
STP
Shielded twisted pair. A common type of copper
wiring used for Ethernet networks. STP wiring is
constructed just like UTP , having two insulated
copper wires wound around each other to form a
"twisted pair." However, for some business locations,
twisted pairs are also enclosed in a shield that
functions as a ground.
Subminiature-D
D-shaped connectors on your computer that typically
have 9, 15, or 25 pins and can be male or female. Also
referred to as D-Sub connectors.
System Setup
A utility that allows you to configure user-selectable
options in the BIOS such as date and time, or system
password, as well as to set the current configuration
information, including the amount of memory or
type of hard drive installed.
TAPI
Telephony Applications Programming Interface ( API ).
Enables Microsoft Windows program applications to
operate with a wide variety of telephony devices,
including voice, data, fax, video, and so on.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet
Protocol ( IP ). The basic communication protocol of
the Internet. It can also be used in a private network.
TCP/IP is a two-layer system. The higher layer, TCP,
manages the assembling of a file into smaller packets
that are transmitted by one computer over the
Internet and received by the TCP layer on another
computer. The receiving computer’s TCP layer
reassembles the packets into the original message.
The lower layer, IP, addresses each packet so that it
gets to the right destination. See IP and IP Address .
Token Ring
A network communications protocol. See also
Network Adapter .
TSR
Terminate-and-stay-resident. A program application
that is loaded, stays in RAM after it is terminated, and
can be reactivated by pressing a designated "hotkey"
or a combination of keys. Examples of TSRs are
calculators and calendars. OSs like Windows have the
ability to constantly switch back and forth between
applications and thereby do not require TSRs.
UDMA
Ultra DMA . A hard drive protocol that allows the
computer to take advantage of fast Ultra ATA drives.
UL
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Federal law
mandates that all equipment used in a place of
business be certified as safe by a nationally recognized
test laboratory. In addition, many local electrical and
building codes and ordinances require that products
be certified by a nationally recognized test laboratory.
Because UL is one of the most widely recognized test
laboratories in the United States, many customers of
large manufacturers make UL approval a mandatory
requirement.
UPS
Uninterruptible power supply. A device that allows
your computer to keep running for a limited amount
of time after the primary power source is lost.
Typically, a UPS can also provide protection against
power surges.