Sun Microsystems SPARC classic X, Service Manual

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Glossary-1
Glossary
AUI Attachment Unit Interface is an Ethernet adapter cable.
address A location within a computer system’s memory. The word location is a
synonym. Reference is usually made to an address for the purpose of retrieving
or storing information.
board See printed circuit board.
boot To load the system software into memory and start it running.
boot PROM The PROM chip on the main logic board. This chip contains boot code
consisting of a Forth Monitor program. The boot PROM is connected to the I/
O data bus.
boot PROM
diagnostics The diagnostic firmware contained in the boot PROM. These diagnostics
include the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and On-Board Diagnostics.
cables Wires or bundles of wires configured with connectors at each end and used to
connect two or more hardware devices.
cache A mechanism for accelerating a microprocessor’s performance. A cache is a
small, fast memory between the microprocessor and main memory. It quickens
a microprocessor’s access time to main memory. It also stores the most recently
used information (data, instructions, etc.), and provides such information again
to the microprocessor more rapidly than could main memory.
card See printed circuit board.
CPU Central Processing Unit.
CRU Customer Replaceable Unit.
Desktop Backup Pack An external unit containing a tape drive that can be connected to a Desktop
SPARCstation.
Desktop Disk Pack An external unit containing a disk drive that can be connected to a Desktop
SPARCstation.