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Level 1 cache (Ll cache)
Cache memory built into a microprocessor chip. Ll cache can typically be read in one clock cycle.
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Level 2 cache (L2 cache)
Cache memory that is located in a chip separate from the microprocessor chip.
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SDRAM
Short for synchronous dynamic RAM, it is a type of RAM that synchronizes itself with the CPU, thus enabling it to run at much higher clock speeds than conventional RAM.
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Controller
A circuit board in a hard drive that positions the disk and read-write heads to locate data.
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DMA
Short for direct memory access, DMA refers to specialized circuitry that transfers data between drives and RAM, bypassing the CPU.
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EIDE
Short for enhanced integrated drive (or device) electronics, EIDE is a disk drive technology formally known as ATA.
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SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
An interface standard used for attaching peripheral devices such as disk drives. Pronounced "scuzzy."
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Ultra ATA
A disk drive technology that is an enhanced version of EIDE. Also referred to as Ultra DMA or Ultra IDE.
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Touchpad
A touch-sensitive input device that allows the user to control an on-screen pointer by moving the fingertips over the pad's surface.
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Track point
A small pencil-eraser-shaped device embedded among typing keys that controls an on- screen pointer when the user pushes the track point up, down, left, or right.
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Trackball
A pointing device consisting of a ball that is rotated in a frame to move a pointer around a computer screen.
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Wavetable synthesis
A MIDI standard that creates music by playing digitized sound samples of actual instruments.
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CRT (cathode ray tube)
A display technology that uses a large vacuum tube, similar to that used in television sets. Although CRT technically refers to the vacuum tube, it is often used to refer to the entire monitor.
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
A type of flat panel computer screen, typically found on notebook computers.
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Viewable image size (vis)
A measurement of the maximum image size that can be displayed on a monitor screen.
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Dot pitch
The diagonal distance between colored dots on a display screen. Measured in millimeters, dot pitch helps to determine the quality of an image displayed on a monitor.
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Maximum resolution
The maximum number of pixels a monitor can display, measured in number of horizontal pixels x number of vertical pixels.
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Accelerated graphics card
A type of graphics card that contains special circuitry to increase the speed at which graphics can be displayed.
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Active matrix screen
A type of LCD technology that produces a clear, sharp image because each pixel is controlled by its own transistor.
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Color depth
The number of bits that determines the range of possible colors that can be assigned to each pixel. For example, an 8-bit color depth can create 256 colors.
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Passive matrix screen
A display found on older notebook computers that relies on timing to ensure that the liquid crystal cells are illuminated.
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Video memory
Memory chips located on a graphics card that store images as they are processed. More video memory allows a computer to display images at higher resolutions and color depth.
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External bay
An opening in the computer case that allows the user to install a device, such as a floppy disk drive, that must be accessed from out- side the case.
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Internal bay
A location inside the system unit case where devices that do not need to be accessed from outside the case can be installed.
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PCMCIA card
A small credit card-sized circuit board used to connect a modem, memory, network card, or storage device to a notebook computer.
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PCMCIA slot
A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot is an external expansion slot typically found on note- book computers.
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Part replicator
A device that connects to a note- book computer, by means of a bus connector plug, and contains a duplicate of the notebook computer's ports for connecting devices such as an external monitor, mouse, or keyboard.
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Dpi
Dpi refers to the resolution of an image. Images with more dots per inch (dpi) appear more realistic than images with fewer dots per inch.
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Duty cycle
The amount of output that can be expected from a printer, typically measured in pages per month.
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Ink jet printer
A non-impact printer that creates characters or graphics by spraying liquid ink onto paper or other media.
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Laser printer
A printer that uses laser-based technology, similar to that used by photocopiers, to produce text and graphics.
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PostScript
A printer language, developed by Adobe Systems, which uses a special set of commands to control page layout, fonts, and graphics.
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Printer Control Language (PCL)
The unofficial standard language used to send page formatting instructions from a PC to a laser or ink jet printer.
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Dot matrix printer
A printer that creates characters and graphics by striking an inked ribbon with small wires called pins, generating a fine pattern of dots.
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Multifunction printer
An output device that combines printing capability with other functions, such as scanning, faxing, copying, and answering machine.
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Computer industry
The corporations and individuals that supply goods and services to people and organizations that use computers.
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Alpha test
One of the first phases of software testing, usually conducted by the software publisher's in-house testing team.
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Beta test
A testing phase near the and of the software development process in which a software product is tested in real-world computer environments, often by and-users.
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Revision
An updated form (indicated by x) of a software program, incorporating minor enhancements and eliminating bugs found in the most recent version.
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Version
A new or totally redesigned product (for example, in the identifying number 6.1, the 6 is the version number).
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Competitive upgrade
A special price offered to consumers who switch from one company's software product to the new version of a competitor's product.
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Version upgrade price
A special price for a new version of a software package, offered to owners of an earlier version.
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Computer retail store
A store that typically sells several brands of computers from a store-front location, such as a mall or shopping center.
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Mail-order supplier
A merchant that takes orders by telephone or from an Internet site, then ships orders by mail or other courier service.
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Manufacturer direct
The selling of products by hardware manufacturers directly to consumers, by means of a sales force or mail order. create a system designed to meet the needs of specific customers or industries.
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Computer-related jobs
Jobs in the computer industry that are similar to jobs in other industries (computer sales, high-tech recruiting, etc.).
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Computer-specific jobs
Jobs that are unique to the computer industry (computer programmer, Webmaster, etc).
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Computer-use jobs
Jobs that require the use of computers to accomplish tasks in fields other than computing (laboratory technician, accountant, etc.).
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Computer engineering
A career that focuses on the design and development of computer hardware and peripheral devices.
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Computer science
A career field that focuses on developing fast and efficient computers, from their construction, to their programming and operating systems.
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Information system
Refers to a computer system that stores data and supplies information, usually within a business context. Also refers to the career field that focuses on developing such systems.