ASUS PCI-SC896 User’s Manual
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4. Appendix
4. Appendix
4. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Address - A specific location in memory, designated either numerically or by
a symbolic name.
Asynchronous Data Transfer - A method of transmission which does not
require a common clock, but separates fields of data by stop and start bits. It is
slower than synchronous data transfer.
BIOS - Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write
capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on the
mainboard of a computer is used to boot and control the system. The SCSI
BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.
Bit - A binary digit. The smallest unit of information a computer uses. The
value of a bit (0 or 1) represents a two-way choice, such as on or off, true or
false, and so on.
Bus - A collection of unbroken signal lines across which information is trans-
mitted from one part of a computer system to another. Connections to the bus
are made via taps on the lines.
Bus Mastering - A high-performance way to transfer data. The host adapter
controls the transfer of data directly to and from system memory without both-
ering the computer’s microprocessor. This is the fastest way for multitasking
operating systems to transfer data.
Byte - A unit of information consisting of eight bits.
Chain - A topology in which every processor is connected to two others, ex-
cept for two end processors that are connected to only one other.
CISPR - A special international committee on radio interference (Committee,
International and Special, for Protection in Radio). B-2 Glossary of Terms and
Abbreviations
Configuration - Refers to the way a computer is set up; the combined hard-
ware components (computer, monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that
make up a computer system; or the software settings that allow the hardware
components to communicate with each other.
CPU - Central Processing Unit. The “brain” of the computer that performs the
actual computations. The term Micro Processor Unit (MPU) is also used.
DMA - Direct Memory Access. A method of moving data from a storage de-
vice directly to RAM, without using the CPU’s resources.
