Dell Precision 610 User Manual
Page 128
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for more information
about using the Dell Diagnostics.
Dell OpenManage™ Client Administrator/Client
A DMI browser that allows you to view your computer system's
current hardware configuration and operating system version. If
your system includes Dell-installed software, you can select
this program from the Dell Accessories program folder.
device driver
A program that allows the operating system or some other
program to interface correctly with a peripheral device, such as
a printer. Most device drivers are installed when the operating
system is installed.
DIMM
Acronym for dual in-line memory module. A small circuit board
containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
DIN
Acronym for Deutsche Industrie Norm.
DIP
Acronym for dual in-line package. A circuit board, such as a
system board or expansion card, may contain DIP switches for
configuring the circuit board. DIP switches are always toggle
switches, with an ON position and an OFF position.
directory
Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in a
hierarchical, "inverted tree" structure. Each disk has a "root"
directory; for example, a C:\> prompt normally indicates that
you are at the root directory of hard-disk drive C. Additional
directories that branch off of the root directory are called
subdirectories. Subdirectories may contain additional directories
branching off of them.
display adapter
See "
DMA
Abbreviation for direct memory access. A DMA channel allows
certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to
bypass the processor.
DMI
RTC
Abbreviation for real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry
inside the computer that keeps the date and time after you turn
off the computer.
SCSI
Acronym for small computer system interface. An I/O bus
interface with faster data transmission rates than standard
ports. You can connect up to seven devices (15 for some
newer SCSI types) to one SCSI interface.
SDMS
Abbreviation for SCSI device management system.
SDRAM
Abbreviation for synchronous dynamic random-access
memory. SDRAM is a memory technology that improves the
performance of your system's memory subsystem by reducing
the need for wait states. SDRAM devices have a synchronous
interface to the devices to which they are connected and are
governed by the system clock. These features reduce the need
for wait states often required for conventional memory devices
to ensure that timing signals have been set up correctly.
In equivalent configurations, a computer with SDRAM will have
faster memory performance than a computer with EDO
memory.
sec
Abbreviation for second(s).
serial port
An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your
computer. You can usually identify a serial port on your
computer by its 9-pin connector.
service tag number
A bar code label on the computer that identifies it when you
call Dell for customer or technical support.
shadowing
A computer's system and video BIOS code is usually stored
on ROM chips. Shadowing refers to the
performance-enhancement technique that copies BIOS code to
faster RAM chips in the upper memory area (above 640 KB)
during the boot routine.
SIMD
Abbreviation for Single Instruction Multiple Data.