Dell XPS M1730 (M1730, Late 2007) User Manual

Page 187

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Glossary

187

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.

CMOS — A type of electronic circuit. Computers use a small amount of
battery-powered CMOS memory to hold date, time, and system setup options.

COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on a
sticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key or Product ID.

Control Panel — 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.

DDR2 SDRAM — double-data-rate 2 SDRAM — A type of DDR SDRAM that uses a
4-bit prefetch and other architectural changes to boost memory speed to over 400 MHz.

device — Hardware such as a disk drive, printer, or keyboard that is installed in or
connected to your computer.

device driver — See driver.

DIMM — dual in-line memory module — A circuit board with memory chips that
connects to a memory module on the system board.

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.

book.book Page 187 Monday, April 14, 2008 4:23 PM

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