NEC Express 5800 120Eg, User Manual

Page: 286 / 292

120Eg User Guide - Glossary
Glossary - 5
N
NVRAM
(Nonvolatile RAM) A type of RAM that retains its contents even after the computer is
powered off. This memory stores EISA configuration information. See also RAM and
SRAM.
O
operating system
A set of programs that provides the interface between other software programs and the
computer.
P
parallel port
The connector on the back of your computer that allows the transfer of data between
the computer and a parallel device, such as a parallel printer.
partition
The process of dividing the storage space on a hard disk into separate areas so that the
operating system treats them as separate disk drives.
password
A security feature that prevents an unauthorized user from operating your computer.
See also EEPROM.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. PCI is a high-performance peripherals I/O bus
supporting data transfers of up to 528MB per second.
Pentium
A type of microprocessor, with a built-in math coprocessor, cache memory, and mem-
ory and bus controllers, that processes and communicates 32 bits of data at a time. This
microprocessor also contains power management capabilities.
peripheral
A device connected to and controlled by the computer, such as an external disk drive or
a printer.
POST
Power-On-Self-Test.
R
real-time clock
The IC in your computer that maintains the time and date.