Intel SASUC8I - RAID Controller, Hardware User'S Manual

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Intel® RAID Controller SASUC8I Hardware User’s Guide 15
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and
Abbreviations
BIOS Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability.
Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on a server board is used
to boot and control the system. The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension
of the system BIOS.
Configuration
The way a computer is set up; the combined hardware components (computer,
monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that make up a computer system, and the
software settings that allow the hardware components to communicate with each
other.
Device Driver A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system) to direct the
operation of a peripheral device.
Domain
Validation
A software procedure in which a host queries a device to determine its ability to
communicate at the negotiated data rate.
EEPROM
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip
typically used to store configuration information. It provides stable storage for long
periods without electricity and can be reprogrammed. See NVRAM.
External SAS
Device A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected
together using specific types of shielded cables.
Host The computer system in which a storage adapter is installed. It uses the storage
adapter to transfer information to and from devices attached to the SCSI bus.
Host Adapter
Board (HAB)
A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to the
computer system.
Internal SAS
Device
A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected
together using an unshielded ribbon cable.
Main Memory
The part of a computer’s memory that is directly accessible by the CPU (usually
synonymous with RAM).
NVRAM Non-volatile Random Access Memory. An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable
Read-Only Memory chip) used to store configuration information. See EEPROM.
Peripheral
Devices
A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or CD-ROM) used
with a computer and under the computer’s control. SCSI peripherals are controlled
through a SAS Intel
®
RAID Controller SASUC8I.