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Glossary

Dell OpenManage™ Server Administrator Version 1.6 User's Guide

The following list defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in your system documents.

A

Abbreviation for ampere(s).

AC

Abbreviation for alternating current.

AC power switch

A switch with two AC power inputs that provides AC power redundancy by failing over to a standby AC input in the event of a failure to the primary AC input.

access

Refers to the actions a user can take on a variable value. Examples include read-only and read-write.

ACL

Abbreviation for access control list. ACL files are text files that contain lists that define who can access resources stored on a Novell® Web server.

adapter card

An expansion card that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the system's system board. An adapter card adds some specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral device. Examples of adapter cards include network cards, sound cards, and SCSI adapters.

ADB

Abbreviation for assign database.

AGP

Abbreviation for advanced graphics port.

ASCII

Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A text file containing only characters from the ASCII character set (usually created with a text editor, such as Notepad in Microsoft® Windows®), is called an ASCII file.

ASIC

Acronym for application-specific integrated circuit.

ASPI

Acronym for advanced SCSI programming interface.

asset tag code

An individual code assigned to a system, usually by a system administrator, for security or tracking purposes.

attribute

As it relates to an attribute is a piece of information related to a component. Attributes can be combined to form groups. If an attribute is defined as read-write, it may be defined by a management application.

autoexec.bat file

The autoexec.bat file is executed when you boot your system (after executing any commands in the config.sys file). This start-up file contains commands that define the characteristics of each device connected to your system, and it finds and executes programs stored in locations other than the active directory.

backup

A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, you should back up your system's hard drive on a regular basis. Before making a change to the configuration of your system, you should back up important start-up files from your operating system.

baud rate

A measurement of data transmission speed. For example, modems are designed to transmit data at one or more specified baud rate(s) through the COM (serial) port of a system.

beep code

A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your system's speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.

BGA

Abbreviation for ball grid array, an integrated circuit (IC) package that uses an array of solder balls, instead of pins, to connect to a system board.

binary

A base-2 numbering system that uses 0 and 1 to represent information. The system performs operations based on the ordering and calculation of these numbers.

BIOS

Acronym for basic input/output system. Your system's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:

• Communications between the microprocessor and peripheral devices, such as the keyboard and the video adapter
  
  
• Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages
  
  

bit

The smallest unit of information interpreted by your system.

boot routine

When you start your system, it clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system. Unless the operating system fails to respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>; otherwise, you must perform a cold boot by pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then back on.

bootable diskette

You can start your system from a diskette. To make a bootable diskette, insert a diskette in the diskette drive, type sys a: at the command line prompt, and press <Enter>. Use this bootable diskette if your system will not boot from the hard drive.

bpi

Abbreviation for bits per inch.

bps

Abbreviation for bits per second.

BTU

Abbreviation for British thermal unit.

bus

An information pathway between the components of a system. Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to communicate with controllers for all the various peripheral devices connected to the system. Your system also contains an address bus and a data bus for communications between the microprocessor and RAM.

byte

Eight contiguous bits of information, the basic data unit used by your system.

C

Abbreviation for Celsius.

CA

Abbreviation for certification authority.

cache

A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quicker data retrieval. For example, your system's BIOS may cache ROM code in faster RAM. Or, a disk-cache utility may reserve RAM in which to store frequently accessed information from your system's disk drives; when a program makes a request to a disk drive for data that is in the cache, the disk-cache utility can retrieve the data from RAM faster than from the disk drive.

capability

Refers to the actions that an object can perform, or actions that can be taken on a managed object. For example, if a card is hot-pluggable, it is capable of being replaced while the system power is on.

CDRAM

Abbreviation for cached DRAM, which is a high-speed DRAM memory chip developed by Mitsubishi that includes a small SRAM cache.

CD-ROM

Abbreviation for compact disc read-only memory. CD drives use optical technology to read data from CDs. CDs are read-only storage devices; you cannot write new data to a CD with standard CD drives.

CHAP

Acronym for Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol, an authentication scheme used by PPP servers to validate the identity of the originator of the connection upon connection or any time later.

chip

A set of microminiaturized, electronic circuits that are designed for use as processors and memory in systems. Small chips can hold from a handful to tens of thousands of transistors. They look like tiny chips of aluminum, no more than 1/16 inch square by 1/30 inch thick, which is where the term "chip" came from. Large chips, which can be more than a half inch square, hold millions of transistors. It is actually only the top one thousandth of an inch of a chip's surface that holds the circuits. The rest of it is just a base.

CIM

Acronym for Common Information Model, which is a model for describing management information from the DMTF. CIM is implementation independent, allowing different management applications to collect the required data from a variety of sources. CIM includes schemas for systems, networks, applications and devices, and new schemas will be added. It provides mapping techniques for interchange of CIM data with MIB data from SNMP agents.

CIMOM

Acronym for common information model object manager.

CI/O

Abbreviation for comprehensive input/output.

CLI

Abbreviation for command line interface.

cm

Abbreviation for centimeter(s).

CMOS

Acronym for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. In systems, CMOS memory chips are often used for NVRAM storage.

COMn

The device names for the first through fourth serial ports on your system are COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4. The default interrupt for COM1 and COM3 is IRQ4, and the default interrupt for COM2 and COM4 is IRQ3. Therefore, you must be careful when configuring software that runs a serial device so that you don't create an interrupt conflict.

config.sys file

The config.sys file is executed when you boot your system (before running any commands in the autoexec.bat file). This start-up file contains commands that specify which devices to install and which drivers to use. This file also contains commands that determine how the operating system uses memory and controls files.

ConsoleOne

Novell ConsoleOne is a Java-based foundation for graphical utilities that manage and administer network resources from different locations and platforms. ConsoleOne provides a single point of control for all Novell and external products.

controller

A chip that controls the transfer of data between the microprocessor and memory or between the microprocessor and a peripheral device such as a disk drive or the keyboard.

control panel

The part of the system that contains indicators and controls, such as the power switch, hard drive access indicator, and power indicator.

conventional memory

The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all systems. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS® programs are limited to running in conventional memory.

COO

Abbreviation for cost of ownership.

cooling unit

Sets of fans or other cooling devices in a system chassis.

coprocessor

A chip that relieves the system's microprocessor of specific processing tasks. A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing. A graphics coprocessor handles video rendering. The Intel® Pentium® microprocessor, for example, includes a built-in math coprocessor.

cpi

Abbreviation for characters per inch.

CPU

Abbreviation for central processing unit. See also microprocessor.

CRC

Abbreviation for cyclic redundancy code, which is a number derived from, and stored or transmitted with, a block of data in order to detect corruption. By recalculating the CRC and comparing it to the value originally transmitted, the receiver can detect some types of transmission errors.

CSR

Abbreviation for certificate signing request.

cursor

A marker, such as a block, underscore, or pointer that represents the position at which the next keyboard or mouse action will occur.

DAT

Acronym for digital audio tape.

dB

Abbreviation for decibel(s).

dBA

Abbreviation for adjusted decibel(s).

DC

Abbreviation for direct current.

device driver

A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a peripheral device, such as a printer. Some device drivers—such as network drivers—must be loaded from the config.sys file (with a device= statement) or as memory-resident programs (usually, from the autoexec.bat file). Others—such as video drivers—must load when you start the program for which they were designed.

DHCP

Abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a protocol that provides a means to dynamically allocate IP addresses to computers on a LAN.

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 which is the standards-setting organization for Germany. A DIN connector is a connector that conforms to one of the many standards defined by DIN. DIN connectors are used widely in personal computers. For example, the keyboard connector for personal computers is a DIN connector.

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 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 video adapter.

DKS

Abbreviation for dynamic kernel support.

DMA

Abbreviation for direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the microprocessor.

DMTF

Abbreviation for Distributed Management Task Force, a consortium of companies representing hardware and software providers.

dpi

Abbreviation for dots per inch.

DPMS

Abbreviation for Display Power Management Signaling. A standard developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA®) that defines the hardware signals sent by a video controller to activate power management states in a monitor. A monitor is said to be DPMS-compliant when it is designed to enter a power management state after receiving the appropriate signal from a system's video controller.

DRAC III

Acronym for Dell™ Remote Access Card III.

DRAC III/XT

Acronym for Dell Remote Access Card III/XT.

DRAM

Acronym for dynamic random-access memory. A system's RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips. Because DRAM chips cannot store an electrical charge indefinitely, your system continually refreshes each DRAM chip in the system.

drive-type number

Your system can recognize a number of specific hard drives. Each is assigned a drive-type number that is stored in NVRAM. The hard drive(s) specified in your system's System Setup program must match the actual drive(s) installed in the system. The System Setup program also allows you to specify physical parameters (logical cylinders, logical heads, cylinder number, and logical sectors per pack) for drives not included in the table of drive types stored in NVRAM.

DTE

Abbreviation for data terminal equipment. Any device, such as a computer system, that can send data in digital form by means of a cable or communications line. The DTE is connected to the cable or communications line through a data communications equipment (DCE) device, such as a modem.

ECC

Abbreviation for error checking and correction.

ECP

Abbreviation for Extended Capabilities Port.

EDO

Acronym for extended data output dynamic random access memory which is a type of DRAM that is faster than conventional DRAM. EDO RAM can start fetching the next block of memory at the same time that it sends the previous block to the microprocessor.

EEPROM

Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

EIDE

Abbreviation for enhanced integrated drive electronics. EIDE devices add one or more of the following enhancements to the traditional IDE standard:

• Data transfer rates of up to 16 MB/sec
  
  
• Support for drives other than just hard drives, such as CD and tape drives
  
  
• Support for hard drives with capacities greater than 528 MB
  
  
• Support for up to two controllers, each with up to two devices attached
  
  

EISA

Acronym for Extended Industry-Standard Architecture, a 32-bit expansion-bus design. The expansion-card connectors in an EISA system are also compatible with 8- or 16-bit ISA expansion cards.

To avoid a configuration conflict when installing an EISA expansion card, you must use the EISA Configuration Utility. This utility allows you to specify which expansion slot contains the card and obtains information about the card's required system resources from a corresponding EISA configuration file.

EMC

Abbreviation for electromagnetic compatibility.

EMI

Abbreviation for electromagnetic interference.

EMM

Abbreviation for expanded memory manager. A utility that uses extended memory to emulate expanded memory on systems with an Intel386™ or higher microprocessor.

EMS

Abbreviation for Expanded Memory Specification.

EPP

Abbreviation for Enhanced Parallel Port which provides improved bidirectional data transmission. Many devices are designed to take advantage of the EPP standard, especially devices, such as network or SCSI adapters that connect to the parallel port of a portable computer.

EPROM

Acronym for erasable programmable read-only memory.

ERA

Abbreviation for embedded remote access.

ERA/MC

Abbreviation for embedded remote access modular computer. See modular system.

ERA/O

Abbreviation for embedded remote access option.

ESD

Abbreviation for electrostatic discharge.

ESM

Abbreviation for embedded systems management.

expanded memory

A technique for accessing RAM above 1 MB. To enable expanded memory on your system, you must use an EMM. You should configure your system to support expanded memory only if you run application programs that can use (or require) expanded memory.

expansion bus

Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the microprocessor to communicate with controllers for peripheral devices, such as a network card or an internal modem.

expansion-card connector

A connector on the system's system board or riser board for plugging in an expansion card.

extended memory

RAM above 1 MB. Most software that can use it, such as the Windows operating system, requires that extended memory be under the control of an XMM.

external cache memory

A RAM cache using SRAM chips. Because SRAM chips operate at several times the speed of DRAM chips, the microprocessor can retrieve data and instructions faster from external cache memory than from RAM.

F

Abbreviation for Fahrenheit.

FAT

Acronym for file allocation table. FAT and FAT32 are file systems that are defined as follows:

• FAT — A file system used by MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, and Windows 98. Windows NT® and Windows 2000 also can use the FAT file system. The operating system maintains a table to keep track of the status of various segments of disk space used for file storage.
  
  
• FAT32 — A derivative of the FAT file system. FAT32 supports smaller cluster sizes than FAT, thus providing more efficient space allocation on FAT32 drives.
  
  

FCC

Abbreviation for Federal Communications Commission.

FEPROM

Acronym for flash erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is a kind of nonvolatile storage device similar to EEPROM, but the erasing is done only in blocks or the entire chip.

Fibre Channel

A data transfer interface technology that allows for high-speed I/O and networking functionality in a single connectivity technology. The Fibre Channel Standard supports several topologies, including Fibre Channel Point-to-Point, Fibre Channel Fabric (generic switching topology), and Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC_AL).

firmware

Software (programs or data) that has been written onto read-only memory (ROM). Firmware can boot and operate a device. Each controller contains firmware which helps provide the controller's functionality.

flash bios

A BIOS that is stored in flash memory rather than in ROM. A flash BIOS chip can be updated in place, whereas a ROM BIOS must be replaced with a newer chip.

flash memory

A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a system; most EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with special programming equipment.

format

To prepare a hard drive or diskette for storing files. An unconditional format deletes all data stored on the disk.

FPBGA

Abbreviation for field programmable gate array, a programmable logic chip (PLD) with a high density of gates.

FRU

Abbreviation for field replaceable unit.

ft

Abbreviation for feet.

FTP

Abbreviation for file transfer protocol.

g

Abbreviation for gram(s).

G

Abbreviation for gravities.

GB

Abbreviation for gigabyte(s). A gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes.

gcc

Abbreviation for gnu C complier.

graphics coprocessor

See coprocessor.

graphics mode

A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels by z colors.

GUI

Acronym for graphical user interface.

h

Abbreviation for hexadecimal. A base-16 numbering system, often used in programming to identify addresses in the system's RAM and I/O memory addresses for devices. The sequence of decimal numbers from 0 through 16, for example, is expressed in hexadecimal notation as: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, 10. In text, hexadecimal numbers are often followed by h.

HBA

Abbreviation for host bus adapter. A PCI adapter card that resides in the system whose only function is to convert data commands from PCI-bus format to storage interconnect format (examples: SCSI, Fibre Channel) and communicate directly with hard drives, tape drives, CD drives, or other storage devices.

heat sink

A metal plate with metal pegs or ribs that help dissipate heat. Most microprocessors include a heat sink.

HMA

Abbreviation for high memory area. The first 64 KB of extended memory above 1 MB. A memory manager that conforms to the XMS can make the HMA a direct extension of conventional memory. Also see XMM.

host adapter

A host adapter implements communication between the system's bus and the controller for a peripheral device. (hard drive controller subsystems include integrated host adapter circuitry.) To add a SCSI expansion bus to your system, you must install or connect the appropriate host adapter.

hot plug

The ability to remove and replace a redundant part while the system is still running. Also called a "hot spare."

HPFS

Abbreviation for the High Performance File System option in the Windows NT operating systems.

HTTP

Abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP is the client-server TCP/IP protocol used on the World Wide Web for the exchange of HTML documents.

HTTPS

Abbreviation for HyperText Transmission Protocol, Secure. HTTPS is a variant of HTTP used by Web browsers for handling secure transactions. HTTPS is a unique protocol that is simply SSL underneath HTTP. You need to use "https://" for HTTP URLs with SSL, whereas you continue to use "http://" for HTTP URLs without SSL.

Hz

Abbreviation for hertz.

ICES

Abbreviation for Interface-Causing Equipment Standard (in Canada).

ICMP

Abbreviation for Internet Control Message Protocol. ICMP is a TCP/IP protocol used to send error and control messages.

ICU

Abbreviation for ISA Configuration Utility.

ID

Abbreviation for identification.

IDE

Abbreviation for Integrated Drive Electronics. IDE is a computer system interface, used primarily for hard drives and CDs.

I/O

Abbreviation for input/output. The keyboard is an input device, and a printer is an output device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational activity. For example, when a program sends a document to the printer, it is engaging in output activity; when the program sorts a list of terms, it is engaging in computational activity.

IHV

Abbreviation for independent hardware vendor. IHVs often develop their own MIBs for components that they manufacture.

interlacing

A technique for increasing video resolution by only updating alternate horizontal lines on the screen. Because interlacing can result in noticeable screen flicker, most users prefer noninterlaced video adapter resolutions.

internal microprocessor cache

An instruction and data cache built in to the microprocessor. The Intel Pentium microprocessor includes a 16-KB internal cache, which is set up as an 8-KB read-only instruction cache and an 8-KB read/write data cache.

IP address

Abbreviation for Internet Protocol address. See TCP/IP.

IPX

Abbreviation for internetwork packet exchange.

IRQ

Abbreviation for interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the microprocessor. Each peripheral connection must be assigned an IRQ number. For example, the first serial port in your system (COM1) is assigned to IRQ4 by default. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.

ISA

Acronym for Industry-Standard Architecture. A 16-bit expansion bus design. The expansion-card connectors in an ISA system are also compatible with 8-bit ISA expansion cards.

ISV

Abbreviation for independent software vendor.

ITE

Abbreviation for information technology equipment.

Java

A cross-platform programming language developed by Sun Microsystems.

JSSE

Abbreviation for Java Secure Socket Extension.

jumper

Jumpers are small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects the pins and creates a circuit. Jumpers provide a simple and reversible method of changing the circuitry in a printed circuit board.

K

Abbreviation for kilo-, indicating 1000.

KB

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s), 1024 bytes.

KB/sec

Abbreviation for kilobyte(s) per second.

Kbit(s)

Abbreviation for kilobit(s), 1024 bits.

Kbit(s)/sec

Abbreviation for kilobit(s) per second.

key combination

A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time. For example, you can reboot your system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination.

kg

Abbreviation for kilogram(s), 1000 grams.

kHz

Abbreviation for kilohertz, 1000 hertz.

LAN

Acronym for local area network. A LAN system is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically to the LAN.

lb

Abbreviation for pound(s).

LCC

Abbreviation for leaded or leadless chip carrier.

LIF

Acronym for low insertion force. Some systems use LIF sockets and connectors to allow devices, such as the microprocessor chip, to be installed or removed with minimal stress to the device.

LED

Abbreviation for light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is passed through it.

local bus

On a system with local-bus expansion capability, certain peripheral devices (such as the video adapter circuitry) can be designed to run much faster than they would with a traditional expansion bus. Some local-bus designs allow peripherals to run at the same speed and with the same width data path as the system's microprocessor.

LPTn

The device names for the first through third parallel printer ports on your system are LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3.

LRA

Abbreviation for local response agent.

m

Abbreviation for meter(s).

mA

Abbreviation for milliampere(s).

mAh

Abbreviation for milliampere-hour(s).

managed system

A managed system is any system that is monitored and managed using Server Administrator. Systems running Server Administrator can be managed locally or remotely through a supported Web browser. See remote management system.

math coprocessor

See coprocessor.

Mb

Abbreviation for megabit.

MB

Abbreviation for megabyte(s). The term megabyte means 1,048,576 bytes; however, when referring to hard drive storage, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.

MB/sec

Abbreviation for megabytes per second.

Mbps

Abbreviation for megabits per second.

MBR

Abbreviation for master boot record.

MCA

Abbreviation for Micro Channel Architecture, which is designed for multiprocessing. MCA eliminates potential conflicts that arise when installing new peripheral devices. MCA is not compatible with either EISA or XT bus architecture, so older cards cannot be used with it.

memory

A system can contain several different forms of memory, such as RAM, ROM, and video memory. Frequently, the word memory is used as a synonym for RAM; for example, an unqualified statement such as "a system with 16 MB of memory" refers to a system with 16 MB of RAM.

memory address

A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in the system's RAM.

memory manager

A utility that controls the implementation of memory in addition to conventional memory, such as extended or expanded memory.

memory module

A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.

MHz

Abbreviation for megahertz.

MIB

Acronym for management information base. The MIB is used to send detailed status/commands from or to an SNMP managed device.

microprocessor

The primary computational chip inside the system that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software written for one microprocessor must usually be revised to run on another microprocessor. CPU is a synonym for microprocessor.

MIDI

Acronym for musical instrument digital interface.

mm

Abbreviation for millimeter(s).

modem

A device that allows your system to communicate with other systems over telephone lines.

modular system

A system that can include multiple server modules. Each server module functions as an individual system. To function as a system, a server module is inserted into a chassis which includes power supplies, fans, a system management module, and at least one network switch module. The power supplies, fans, system management module, and network switch module are shared resources of the server modules in the chassis. See server module.

MOF

Acronym for managed object format, which is an ASCII file that contains the formal definition of a CIM schema.

mouse

A pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on a screen. Mouse-aware software allows you to activate commands by clicking a mouse button while pointing at objects displayed on the screen.

MPEG

Acronym for Motion Picture Experts Group. MPEG is a digital video file format.

ms

Abbreviation for millisecond(s).

MS-DOS

Acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System.

MTBF

Abbreviation for mean time between failures.

multifrequency monitor

A monitor that supports several video standards. A multifrequency monitor can adjust to the frequency range of the signal from a variety of video adapters.

mV

Abbreviation for millivolt(s).

name

The name of an object or variable is the exact string that identifies it in an SNMP Management Information Base (MIB) file or in a CIM Management Object File (MOF).

NDIS

Abbreviation for Network Driver Interface Specification.

NDS

Abbreviation for NetWare® Directory Structure.

NIC

Acronym for network interface controller.

NICI

Abbreviation for NetWare International Cryptographic Infrastructure.

NIF

Acronym for network interface function. This term is equivalent to NIC.

NLM

Abbreviation for NetWare Loadable Module.

NMI

Abbreviation for nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the microprocessor about hardware errors, such as a parity error.

noninterlaced

A technique for decreasing screen flicker by sequentially refreshing each horizontal line on the screen.

ns

Abbreviation for nanosecond(s), one billionth of a second.

NTFS

Abbreviation for the Windows NT File System option in the Windows NT operating system. NTFS is an advanced file system designed for use specifically within the Windows NT operating system. It supports file system recovery, extremely large storage media, and long file names. It also supports object-oriented applications by treating all files as objects with user-defined and system-defined attributes. See also FAT and FAT32.

NTLM

Abbreviation for Windows NT LAN Manager. NTLM is the security protocol for the Windows NT operating system.

NuBus

Proprietary expansion bus used on Apple Macintosh personal computers.

NVRAM

Acronym for nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your system. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and system configuration information.

OID

Abbreviation for object identifier. An implementation-specific integer or pointer that uniquely identifies an object.

online access service

A service that typically provides access to the Internet, e-mail, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries.

OTP

Abbreviation for one-time programmable.

PAM

Acronym for Pluggable Authentication Modules. PAM allows system administrators to set an authentication policy without having to recompile authentication programs.

parallel port

An I/O port used most often to connect a parallel printer to your system. You can usually identify a parallel port on your system by its 25-hole connector.

parameter

A value or option that you specify to a program. A parameter is sometimes called a switch or an argument.

partition

You can divide a hard drive into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives. After partitioning the hard drive, you must format each logical drive with the format command.

PC card

A credit-card sized, removable module for portable computers standardized by PCMCIA. PC Cards are also known as "PCMCIA cards." PC Cards are 16-bit devices that are used to attach modems, network adapters, sound cards, radio transceivers, solid state disks and hard disks to a portable computer. The PC Card is a "plug and play" device, which is configured automatically by the Card Services software.

PCI

Abbreviation for Peripheral Component Interconnect. The predominant 32-bit or 64-bit local-bus standard developed by Intel Corporation.

PCMCIA

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. An international trade association that has developed standards for devices, such as modems and external hard drives, that can be plugged into portable computers.

PERC

Acronym for Expandable RAID controller.

peripheral device

An internal or external device—such as a printer, a disk drive, or a keyboard—connected to a system.

PGA

Abbreviation for pin grid array, a type of microprocessor socket that allows you to remove the microprocessor chip.

physical memory array

The physical memory array is the entire physical memory of a system. Variables for physical memory array include maximum size, total number of memory slots on the motherboard, and total number of slots in use.

physical memory array mapped

The physical memory array mapped refers to the way physical memory is divided.

For example, one mapped area may have 640 KB and the other mapped area may have between 1 MB and 127 MB.

PIC

Acronym for programmable interrupt controller.

PIP

Acronym for peripheral interchange program.

pixel

A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 640 x 480, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

PKCS #7

Abbreviation for Public Key Cryptography Standard #7. PKCS #7 is an RSA Data Security, Inc., standard for encapsulating signed data such as a certificate chain.

PKIS

Abbreviation for Novell Public Key Infrastructure Services.

PLCC

Abbreviation for plastic leaded chip carrier.

Plug and Play

An industry-standard specification that makes it easier to add hardware devices to personal computers. Plug and Play provides automatic installation and configuration, compatibility with existing hardware, and dynamic support of mobile computing environments.

PME

Abbreviation for Power Management Event. A PME is a pin on a peripheral component interconnect that allows a PCI device to assert a wake event.

POST

Acronym for power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your system, the POST tests various system components such as RAM, the disk drives, and the keyboard.

power supply

An electrical system that converts AC current from the wall outlet into the DC currents required by the system circuitry. The power supply in a personal computer typically generates multiple voltages.

power unit

A set of power supplies in a system chassis.

ppm

Abbreviation for pages per minute.

PPP

Abbreviation for Point-to-Point Protocol.

PQFP

Abbreviation for plastic quad flat pack, a type of microprocessor socket in which the microprocessor chip is permanently mounted.

program diskette set

The set of diskettes from which you can perform a complete installation of an operating system or application program. When you reconfigure a program, you often need its program diskette set.

protected mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher microprocessors, protected mode allows operating systems to implement:

• A memory address space of 16 MB (80286 microprocessor) to 4 GB (Intel386 or higher microprocessor)
  
  
• Multitasking
  
  
• Virtual memory, a method for increasing addressable memory by using the hard drive
  
  

The Windows NT, OS/2®, and UNIX® 32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-DOS cannot run in protected mode; however, some programs that you can start from MS-DOS, such as the Windows operating system, are able to put the system into protected mode.

provider

A provider is an extension of a CIM schema that communicates with managed objects and accesses data and event notifications from a variety of sources. Providers forward this information to the CIM Object Manager for integration and interpretation.

PS/2

Abbreviation for Personal System/2.

PXE

Abbreviation for Pre-boot eXecution Environment.

QFP

Abbreviation for quad flat pack.

RAC

Acronym for remote access controller.

RAID

Acronym for redundant array of independent drives.

RAM

Acronym for random-access memory. A system's primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Each location in RAM is identified by a number called a memory address. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn off your system.

RAMDAC

Acronym for random-access memory digital-to-analog converter.

RAW

Unprocessed. The term refers to data that is passed along to an I/O device without being interpreted. In contrast, cooked refers to data that is processed before being passed to the I/O device. It often refers to uncompressed text that is not stored in any proprietary format. The term comes from UNIX, which supports cooked and raw modes for data output to a terminal.

RBAC

Abbreviation for role-based access control.

RDRAM

Acronym for Rambus DRAM. A dynamic RAM chip technology from Rambus, Inc. Direct RDRAMs are used in systems. Direct RDRAM chips are housed in RIMM modules, which are similar to DIMMs but have different pin settings. The chips can be built with dual channels, doubling the transfer rate to 3.2 GB/sec.

read-only file

A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can have read-only status if:

• Its read-only attribute is enabled.
  
  
• It resides on a physically write-protected diskette or on a diskette in a write-protected drive.
  
  
• It is located on a network in a directory to which the system administrator has assigned read-only rights to you.
  
  

readme file

A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains information supplementing or updating the documentation for the software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented, and list known problems or other things you need to be aware of as you use the software or hardware.

real mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher microprocessors, real mode imitates the architecture of an 8086 microprocessor.

refresh rate

The rate at which the monitor redraws the video image on the monitor screen. More precisely, the refresh rate is the frequency, measured in Hz, at which the screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye. The higher refresh rates are also noninterlaced.

remote management system

A remote management system is any system that accesses the Server Administrator home page on a managed system from a remote location using a supported Web browser. See managed system.

RFI

Abbreviation for radio frequency interference.

RGB

Abbreviation for red/green/blue.

RIMM

Acronym for Rambus In-line Memory Module, which is the Rambus equivalent of a DIMM module.

ROM

Acronym for read-only memory. Your system contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. Unlike RAM, a ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your system. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your system's boot routine and the POST.

rpm

Abbreviation for revolutions per minute.

RPM

Abbreviation for Red Hat® Package Manager.

RTC

Abbreviation for real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry inside the system that keeps the date and time after you turn off the system.

SAN

Acronym for storage area network.

SAS

Acronym for Secure Authentication Services.

SCA

Abbreviation for single connector attachment.

schema

A collection of class definitions that describes managed objects in a particular environment. A CIM schema is a collection of class definitions used to represent managed objects that are common to every management environment, which is why CIM is called the Common Information Model.

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.

SEL

Acronym for system event log.

SDMS

Abbreviation for SCSI device management system.

sec

Abbreviation for second(s).

SEC

Abbreviation for single-edge contact.

secure port server

An application that makes Web pages available for viewing by Web browsers using the HTTPS protocol. See Web server.

serial port

An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your system. You can usually identify a serial port on your system by its 9-pin connector.

settings

Settings are conditions of a manageable object help to determine what happens when a certain value is detected in a component. For example, a user can set the upper critical threshold of a temperature probe to 75 degrees Celsius. If the probe reaches that temperature, the setting results in an alert being sent to the management system so that user intervention can be taken. Some settings, when reached, can trigger a system shutdown or other response that can prevent damage to the system.

server module

A modular system component that functions as an individual system. To function as a system, a server module is inserted into a chassis which includes power supplies, fans, a system management module, and at least one network switch module. The power supplies, fans, system management module, and network switch module are shared resources of the server modules in the chassis. See modular system.

service tag number

A bar code label that identifies each system in the event that you need to call for customer or technical support.

SGRAM

Acronym for synchronous graphics RAM.

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.

SIMM

Acronym for single in-line memory module. A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.

SIP

Acronym for single in-line package, which is a type of housing for electronic components in which the connecting pins protrude from one side. A SIP is also called a Single In-line Pin Package (SIPP).

SKU

Acronym for stock keeping unit.

SMART

Acronym for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. A technology that allows hard drives to report errors and failures to the system BIOS, which then displays an error message on the screen. To take advantage of this technology, you must have a SMART-compliant hard drive and the proper support in the system BIOS.

SMBIOS

Acronym for system management BIOS.

SMD

Abbreviation for surface mount device.

SMTP

Abbreviation for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.

SNMP

Abbreviation for Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP, a popular network control and monitoring protocol, is part of the original TCP/IP protocol suite. SNMP provides the format in which vital information about different network devices, such as network servers or routers, can be sent to a management application.

SODIMM

Acronym for small outline-DIMM. A DIMM module with a thinner profile due to the use of TSOP chip packages. SODIMMs are commonly used in portable computers.

SOIC

Abbreviation for Small Outline IC, a small-dimension, plastic, rectangular, surface mount chip package that uses gull-wing pins extending outward.

SOJ

Abbreviation for small outline package J-lead, a small-dimension, plastic, rectangular surface mount chip package with j-shaped pins on its two long sides.

SRAM

Abbreviation for static random-access memory. Because SRAM chips do not require continual refreshing, they are substantially faster than DRAM chips.

SSL

Abbreviation for secure socket layer.

state

Refers to the condition of an object that can have more than one condition. For example, an object may be in the "not ready" state.

status

Refers to the health or functioning of an object. For example, a temperature probe can have the status normal if the probe is measuring acceptable temperatures. When the probe begins reading temperatures that exceed limits set by the user, it reports a critical status.

SVGA

Abbreviation for super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

To display a program at a specific resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution. Similarly, the number of colors that a program can display depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video driver, and the amount of video memory installed in the system.

switch

On a system board, switches control various circuits or functions in your computer system. These switches are known as DIP switches; they are normally packaged in groups of two or more switches in a plastic case. Two common DIP switches are used on system boards: slide switches and rocker switches. The names of the switches are based on how the settings (on and off) of the switches are changed.

syntax

The rules that dictate how you must type a command or instruction so that the system understands it. A variable's syntax indicates its data type.

system board

As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of your system's integral components, such as the following:

• Microprocessor
  
  
• RAM
  
  
• Controllers for standard peripheral devices, such as the keyboard
  
  
• Various ROM chips
  
  

Frequently used synonyms for system board are motherboard and logic board.

system configuration information

Data stored in memory that tells a system what hardware is installed and how the system should be configured for operation.

system diskette

System diskette is a synonym for bootable diskette.

system memory

System memory is a synonym for RAM.

System Setup program

A BIOS-based program that allows you to configure your system's hardware and customize the system's operation by setting such features as password protection and energy management. Some options in the System Setup program require that you reboot the system (or the system may reboot automatically) in order to make a hardware configuration change. Because the System Setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain in effect until you change them again.

system.ini file

A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the system.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the system.ini file records which video, mouse, and keyboard drivers are installed for Windows.

Running the Control Panel or Windows Setup program may change options in the system.ini file. On other occasions, you may need to change or add options to the system.ini file manually with a text editor, such as Notepad.

table

In SNMP MIBs, a table is a two dimensional array that describes the variables that make up a managed object.

TCP/IP

Abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A system for transferring information over a computer network containing dissimilar systems, such as systems running Windows and UNIX.

termination

Some devices (such as the last device at each end of a SCSI cable) must be terminated to prevent reflections and spurious signals in the cable. When such devices are connected in a series, you may need to enable or disable the termination on these devices by changing jumper or switch settings on the devices or by changing settings in the configuration software for the devices.

text editor

An application program for editing text files consisting exclusively of ASCII characters. Windows Notepad is a text editor, for example. Most word processors use proprietary file formats containing binary characters, although some can read and write text files.

TFTP

Abbreviation for Trivial File Transfer Protocol. TFTP is a version of the TCP/IP FTP protocol that has no directory or password capability.

text mode

A video mode that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters.

threshold values

Systems are normally equipped with various sensors that monitor temperature, voltage, current, and fan speed. The sensor's threshold values specify the ranges (min and max values) for determining whether the sensor is operating under normal, noncritical, critical or fatal conditions. Server Administrator-supported threshold values are

• UpperThresholdFatal
  
  
• UpperThresholdCritical
  
  
• UpperThresholdNon-critical
  
  
• Normal
  
  
• LowerThresholdNon-critical
  
  
• LowerThresholdCritical
  
  
• LowerThresholdFatal
  
  

time-out

A specified period of system inactivity that must occur before an energy conservation feature is activated.

tpi

Abbreviation for tracks per inch.

TQFP

Abbreviation for thin quad flat pack.

TSR

Abbreviation for terminate-and-stay-resident. A TSR program runs "in the background." Most TSR programs implement a predefined key combination (sometimes referred to as a hot key) that allows you to activate the TSR program's interface while running another program. When you finish using the TSR program, you can return to the other application program and leave the TSR program resident in memory for later use. TSR programs can sometimes cause memory conflicts. When troubleshooting, rule out the possibility of such a conflict by rebooting your system without starting any TSR programs.

TSOP

Abbreviation for thin small outline package. A very thin, plastic, rectangular surface mount chip package with gull-wing pins on its two short sides.

UART

Acronym for universal asynchronous receiver transmitter, the electronic circuit that makes up the serial port.

UDP

Abbreviation for user datagram protocol.

UL

Abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories.

UMB

Abbreviation for upper memory blocks.

unicode

A fixed width, 16-bit world wide character encoding, developed and maintained by the Unicode Consortium.

upper memory area

The 384 KB of RAM located between 640 KB and 1 MB. If the system has an Intel386 or higher microprocessor, a utility called a memory manager can create UMBs in the upper memory area, in which you can load device drivers and memory-resident programs.

UPS

Abbreviation for uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically supplies power to your system in the event of an electrical failure.

URL

Abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator (formerly Universal Resource Locator).

USB

Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. A USB connector provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and computer speakers. USB devices can also be connected and disconnected while the system is running.

utility

A program used to manage system resources—memory, disk drives, or printers, for example.

utility partition

A bootable partition on the hard drive that provides utilities and diagnostics for your hardware and software. When activated, the partition boots and provides an executable environment for the partition's utilities.

UTP

Abbreviation for unshielded twisted pair.

UUID

Abbreviation for Universal Unique Identification.

V

Abbreviation for volt(s).

VAC

Abbreviation for volt(s) alternating current.

varbind

An algorithm used to assign an object identifier (OID). The varbind gives rules for arriving at the decimal prefix that uniquely identifies an enterprise, as well as the formula for specifying a unique identifier for the objects defined in that enterprise's MIB.

variable

A component of a managed object. A temperature probe, for example, has a variable to describe its capabilities, its health or status, and certain indexes that you can use to help you in locating the right temperature probe.

VCCI

Abbreviation for Voluntary Control Council for Interference.

VDC

Abbreviation for volt(s) direct current.

VESA

Acronym for Video Electronics Standards Association.

VGA

Abbreviation for video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards. To display a program at a specific resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution. Similarly, the number of colors that a program can display depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the video driver, and the amount of video memory installed for the video adapter.

VGA feature connector

On some systems with a built-in VGA video adapter, a VGA feature connector allows you to add an enhancement adapter, such as a video accelerator, to your system. A VGA feature connector can also be called a VGA pass-through connector.

video adapter

The logical circuitry that provides—in combination with the monitor—your system's video capabilities. A video adapter may support more or fewer features than a specific monitor offers. Typically, a video adapter comes with video drivers for displaying popular application programs and operating systems in a variety of video modes.

On some systems, a video adapter is integrated into the system board. Also available are many video adapter cards that plug into an expansion-card connector.

Video adapters often include memory separate from RAM on the system board. The amount of video memory, along with the adapter's video drivers, may affect the number of colors that can be simultaneously displayed. Video adapters can also include their own coprocessor for faster graphics rendering.

video driver

A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and operating systems to display at a chosen resolution with the desired number of colors. A software package may include some "generic" video drivers. Any additional video drivers may need to match the video adapter installed in the system.

video memory

Most VGA and SVGA video adapters include memory chips in addition to your system's RAM. The amount of video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display (with the appropriate video drivers and monitor capabilities).

video mode

Video adapters normally support multiple text and graphics display modes. Character-based software displays in text modes that can be defined as x columns by y rows of characters. Graphics-based software displays in graphics modes that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels by z colors.

video resolution

Video resolution—800 x 600, for example—is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down. To display a program at a specific graphics resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution.

virtual memory

A method for increasing addressable RAM by using the hard drive. For example, in a system with 16 MB of RAM and 16 MB of virtual memory set up on the hard drive, the operating system would manage the system as though it had 32 MB of physical RAM.

virus

A self-starting program designed to inconvenience you. Virus programs have been known to corrupt the files stored on a hard drive or to replicate themselves until a computer system or network runs out of memory. The most common way that virus programs move from one system to another is via "infected" diskettes, from which they copy themselves to the hard drive. To guard against virus programs, you should do the following:

• Periodically run a virus-checking utility on your system's hard drive
  
  
• Always run a virus-checking utility on any diskettes (including commercially sold software) before using them
  
  

VLSI

Abbreviation for very-large-scale integration.

VLVESA

Acronym for very low voltage enterprise system architecture.

vpp

Abbreviation for peak-point voltage.

VRAM

Acronym for video random-access memory. Some video adapters use VRAM chips (or a combination of VRAM and DRAM) to improve video performance. VRAM is dual-ported, allowing the video adapter to update the screen and receive new image data at the same time.

W

Abbreviation for watt(s).

Wakeup on LAN

The ability for the power in a client station to be turned on by the network. Remote wake-up enables software upgrading and other management tasks to be performed on users' machines after the work day is over. It also enables remote users to gain access to machines that have been turned off. Intel calls remote wake-up "Wake-on-LAN."

Web server

An application that makes Web pages available for viewing by Web browsers using the HTTP protocol.

WH

Abbreviation for watt-hour(s).

win.ini file

A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the win.ini file records what printer(s) and fonts are installed for Windows. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the hard drive. Running the Control Panel or Windows Setup program may change options in the win.ini file. On other occasions, you may need to change or add options to the win.ini file manually with a text editor such as Notepad.

Windows 95

An integrated and complete Microsoft Windows operating system that does not require MS-DOS and that provides advanced operating system performance, improved ease of use, enhanced workgroup functionality, and simplified file management and browsing.

Windows NT

High-performance server and workstation operating system software developed by Microsoft that is intended for technical, engineering, and financial applications.

write-protected

Read-only files are said to be write-protected. You can write-protect a 3.5-inch diskette by sliding its write-protect tab to the open position or by setting the write-protect feature in the System Setup program.

X.509 Certificate

An X.509 certificate binds a public encryption key to the identity or other attribute of its principal. Principals can be people, application code (such as a signed applet) or any other uniquely identified entity (such as a secure port server or Web server).

XMM

Abbreviation for extended memory manager, a utility that allows application programs and operating systems to use extended memory in accordance with the XMS.

XMS

Abbreviation for eXtended Memory Specification.

X Windows System

The graphical user interface used in the Red Hat Linux environment.

ZIF

Acronym for zero insertion force. Some systems use ZIF sockets and connectors to allow devices such as the microprocessor chip to be installed or removed with no stress applied to the device.

ZIP

A 3.5-inch removable disk drive from Iomega. Originally, it provided 100-MB removable cartridges. The drive is bundled with software that can catalog the disks and lock the files for security. A 250-MB version of the Zip drive also reads and writes the 100-MB Zip cartridges.

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