Dell Precision WorkStation 210, User Manual

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2 Dell Precision WorkStation 210 Mini Tower Systems User’s Guide
as read-write, it may be defined by a
management application.
DXWRH[HFEDW ILOH
The autoexec.bat file (Windows 95 and
MS-DOS only) is executed when you boot
your computer (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 computer, and it finds
and executes programs stored in
locations other than the active directory.
EDFNXS
A copy of a program or data file. As a
precaution, you should back up your
computer’s hard-disk drive on a regular
basis. Before making a change to the
configuration of your computer, you
should back up important start-up files
from your operating system.
EDFNXSEDWWHU\
The backup battery maintains system
configuration, date, and time information
in a special section of memory when the
system is turned off.
EDVHPHPRU\
Synonym for conventional memory. See
also conventional memory .
EDWFKILOH
An ASCII text file containing a list of com-
mands that run in sequence. Instead of
typing each command, you need only type
the batch filename. The system executes
the commands as if you had typed each
one individually. Both files must have a
filename extension of bat .
EDXGUDWH
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 computer.
%%6
Abbreviation for bulletin board service. A
computer system that serves as a central
location for accessing data or relaying
messages by modem. For example, Dell’s
TechConnect BBS contains the latest
version of software, such as video drivers.
If your system has a modem, you can
access the BBS and download the most
recent version of this software.
EHHSFRGH
A diagnostic message in the form of a
pattern of beeps from your computer’s
speaker. For example, one beep, followed
by a second beep, and then a burst of
three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.
ELQDU\
A base-2 numbering system that uses
0 and 1 to represent information. The
computer performs operations based on
the ordering and calculation of these
numbers.
%,26
Acronym for basic input/output system.
Your computer’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
ELW
The smallest unit of information
interpreted by your computer.
ERRWURXWLQH
When you start your computer, 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
computer by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>;
otherwise, you must perform a cold boot
by pressing the reset button or by turning
the computer off and then back on.
ERRWDEOHGLVNHWWH
A diskette that can boot your computer to
the operating system in the event that the
computer will not boot from the hard-disk
drive.