Terminology
1
A specification for Gigabit Ethernet over fiber cabling (IEEE 802.3z), the 1000BASE-LX supports longer distance through higher cost components, from 440 meter on multimode fiber to three kilometer on single-mode fiber. It defines 1Gbps data transfer.
A specification for Gigabit Ethernet over fiber cabling (IEEE 802.3z), the 1000BASE-SX specification for short wavelength laser transceivers supports multimode fiber-optic and links at distance up to 260 meters. It defines 1Gbps data transfer.
A specification for Gigabit Ethernet over copper cabling (IEEE 802.3ab), the 1000BaseT standard uses four pair cables and defines 1 Gbps data transfer with a maximum distance of 100m.
"1000" stands for 1000 Mbps (or 1Gbps); "Base" stands for "baseband," as opposed to radio frequency; "T" stands "twisted pairs."
A specification for Fast Ethernet (802.3u) over twisted pair cables, 100BASE-T increases the speed ten times faster than the 10BaseT Ethernet specification. Like Ethernet, 100BASE-T is based on the CSMA/CD LAN access method. There are several different cabling schemes that can be used with 100BASE-T, including:
100BASE-TX: 100 Mbps transmissions over two-pair Category 5, unshielded twisted pair cable. The maximum cable segment length is 100 meters
100BASE-T4: 100 Mbps transmissions over four-pair Category 3, unshielded twisted pair cable. The maximum cable segment length is 100 meters
100BASE-FX: 100 Mbps transmissions over fiber optic cable. The maximum cable segment length is 150/412/2000 meters.
"100" stands for 100 Mbps; "base" stands for "baseband," as opposed to radio frequency; "T" stands "twisted pairs."
One of the adaptations of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specification, 10Base-T standard uses twisted wire pairs with maximum lengths of 100 meter. The cable is thinner and more flexible than used for the 10Base2 or 10Base5 standards. Cables generally connect with RJ-45 connectors and a star topology with 12 or more computers connected directly to a hub is common.
"10" stands for 10 Mbps; "Base" stands for "baseband, as opposed to radio frequency; "T" stands "twisted pairs."
IEEE 802.3 specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet running over thin coaxial cable(RG-58), also known as ThinNet. The maximum cable segment length is 185 meters. It is cheaper and more flexible than 10Base5 standards.
"10" stands for 10 Mbps; "Base" stands for "baseband," as opposed to radio frequency; "2" stands for the maximum single cable length, which is just under 200m.
IEEE 802.3 specification for Ethernet running over thick, coaxial cable(RG-11) at 10 Mbps. Maximum cable segment length is 500 meters.
"10" stands for 10 Mbps; "Base" stands for "baseband," as opposed to radio frequency; "5" stands for the maximum single cable length, which is just under 500m.
8
802.11 standard is a family of specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1997. There are four specifications in the family: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. All use the CSMA/CA (carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance) for path sharing, but operate in a different GHz range and/or offers a different speed.
802.11 applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either Frequency hopping spread spectrum(FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).
802.11a was certified by the IEEE in 1999. The 802.11a radios transmit at 5 GHz and send data up to 54 Mbps using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing).
802.11a offers excellent support for bandwidth-hungry applications, but the cost is relatively high for its shorter range. In fact, it is illegal to use 802.11a in Europe, as the standard does't comply with various EU requirements.
The 802.11b standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) - often called Wi-Fi - is part of the 802.11 series of WLAN standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The 802.11b standard operates in the 2.4GHz range and offers a data speeds up to 11Mbps. 802.11b uses direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), but it is incompatible with the 802.11a. 802.11b is still widely used today and many companies and individuals are deploying it.
802.11g was approved in 2003 and offers data speeds up to 54Mbps and operates in the 2.4GHz. 802.11g uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation and it also supports complementary code keying (CCK) modulation.
The 802.11n is the newest IEEE standard of Wi-Fi category. Based on previous 802.11g structure, 802.11n adds MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology. The MIMO technology utilizes multiple wireless signals and antennas to enables two data streams to be sent simultaneously over longer distances, as well as optimize data speed. Raw data throughput is expected to reach as much as 100-600Mpbs, or more than 2-10 times the throughput of 802.11g and the range will be over 2 times.
This IEEE standard specifies an implementation the physical layer and the MAC layer for Ethernet. 802.3 standard utilizes either a bus or star topology. Data packets are transmitted from node to node using the CSMA/CD algorithm. It supports a data transfer rate of 10Mbps and use coaxial cable, fiber and twisted pair cables. There are several different schemes that can be used, including:10BASE5,10BASE2,10BASE-T.
IEEE 802.3ab specification for Gigabit Ethernet over copper was unanimously approved as an IEEE standard in June 1999. The earlier Gigabit Ethernet Standard (IEEE 802.3z) which was ratified in June 1998 defined transceivers that operated on the installed base of multimode and single mode fiber. After IEEE 802.3ab was ratified, network managers enable deployment of 1 Gbps Ethernet over both installed copper and fiber cabling infrastructure. The standard defines Gigabit Ethernet operation over distances of up to 100 meters using four pairs of CAT-5 balanced copper cabling.
The 802.3u committee design approach kept 100Mbps Ethernet as close to the 10Mbps Ethernet as possible. Therefore, the 802.3u 100Mbps technology uses fiber and twisted pair cables and utilizes the Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) shared-media access method supported in earlier versions of Ethernet. The IEEE 802.3u standard includes several Physical Layer specifications: 100Base-T, 100Base-T4, 100Base-TX, 100 Base -FX.
IEEE standard (802.3z) for Gigabit Ethernet was defined in 1998 for use over multimode optical fiber. The IEEE 802.3z standard allow half- and full-duplex operation at speeds of 1,000Mbps, relying on the 802.3 Ethernet frame format and CSMA/CD access method with support for one repeater per collision domain. It will also be backward-compatible with Ethernet and Fast Ethernet technologies. 802.3z standard is deployed as a backbone solution, where it acts as the preferred connection between switches that link to 100Mbps and 10Mbps Ethernet components. The IEEE 802.3z standard includes two Physical Layer specifications for fiber optic media :1000BaseSX and 1000BaseLX.
A
A hardware device that acts as a communication hub for users of a wireless device to connect to a wired LAN. Access points are important for providing heightened wireless security and for extending the physical range of service a wireless user has access to.
What is ACPI?
ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface) is one of important specifications in PC97. This function enables PCs to implement Power Management functions through Operating System. In another word, ACPI can open hardware and software specification to support OSPM (OS Directed Power Management).
The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is an abstract interface between the OS and the hardware designed to achieve independence between the hardware and the software. ACPI also provides the opportunity to integrated the interface for controlling power management and Plug-n-Play features on system devices.
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What are the benefits of ACPI?
ACPI function can contribute remarkable benefits to PC users.
ACPI enables all PCs to implement power management functions, using appropriate cost or function tradeoffs.
The function enhances power management functionality and robustness. It allows four system states including mechanical off, soft off, sleeping and working.
ACPI provides controls and information for the OS to implement plug and play function.
With SCIs function (system control interrupts), ACPI can send relevant notifications to the host OS. For example, SCI may be raised to inform the host that a battery has been inserted or is almost exhausted.
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What is OnNow?
OnNow is a new standard of PC 97. As real-time response becomes more and more important, users are increasingly demanding the system to be instantly available at the touch of the finger. But since the traditional PC must pass POST and BOOT before the system will become ready, the users are not satisfied. OnNow/ACPI can now fulfill this demand.
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Why is OnNow / ACPI needed?
Benefits:
Enables all PCs to implement power management functions, using appropriate cost/function tradeoffs
Enhances power management functionality and robustness -
1.allows silent PCs
2.new class of PCs that will always be on
Allows OS to direct Plug and Play
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What are the required ACPI support in PC 97?
The ACPI support includes:
power management timer
power button must be "soft" and support the specified override mechanism
Real time clock alarm
At least one system sleep state
System control interrupt and Status and Enable (STS/EN) bits for the first three features in this list
The USB host controller must be able to wake the system via ACPI mechanisms
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How is ACPI implemented?
There are 4 system states:
Mechanical Off (G3)
1.Entered and left by mechanical means, power consumption is zero
Soft Off (G2)
1.Consumes minimal amount of power
2.System context not preserved by the hardware
Sleeping (G1)
1.Consumes small amount of power
2.System context are saved by the hardware
3.Work can be resumed without rebooting
Working (G0)
1.Software runs in this state
2.Peripherals can dynamically have different power states
Ad-hoc mode is a method for wireless devices to directly communicate with each other, without the use of an access point(AP). It is also referred to as peer-to-peer mode.
What is the Green PC?
Green PC encompasses new technologies that reduce electricity use, eliminate or reduce consumable materials, and attempt to cut down on the health hazards of PC use.
This includes:
PCs that use less power monitors with low electromagnetic emissions, flicker-free monitors and non-glare displays returnable toner cartridges and used nickel cadmium batteries for safe disposal whisper-quiet PCs and printers ergonomics chairs and desks comfortable keyboards non-glare lighting minimalist cardboard packaging using the "no-wash" approach in the manufacturing process that eliminates the use of CFCs
and many, many more ....
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What is APM?
Advanced Power Management (APM) consists of one or more layers of software that support power management in computers with power manageable hardware. APM defines the hardware independent software interface between hardware-specific power management software and an operating system power management policy driver. It masks the details of the hardware, allowing higher-level software to use APM without any knowledge of the hardware interface.
The APM software interface specification defines a layered cooperative environment in which applications, operating systems, device drivers and the APM BIOS work together to reduce power consumption. APM extends the life of system batteries without degrading performance and thereby increases productivity and system availability. APM is also useful in environments and applications such as portables in docking stations, desktops on a network, and energy conscious power managed desktops.
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What is the role of APM in Green PC?
There are 3 APM software components:
APM BIOS
This is the mainboard hardware-specific power management module.
APM Driver
This operating system-dependent module cooperates with the APM BIOS to enforce the power management policy.
APM-Aware Application
The APM Driver exchanges power management information with these applications. APM-aware device drivers are APM-aware applications that manage add-in devices.
The APM BIOS and the APM Driver communicate to effect cooperative power management.
The APM Driver sends information to the APM BIOS via function calls.
The APM Driver uses polling function calls to the APM BIOS to gather information about power management events. The APM Driver exchanges power management information with its APM-aware applications.
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What is SMM and SMI?
System Management Mode (SMM) provides a mechanism that interrupts the processor operation and resumes the interrupted operation transparent to the operation system or application being run on the system. This service routine resides in its own System Management address space. SMM is implemented through a high priority SMI(System Management Interrupt). SMI is non-maskable and higher in priority than NMI. This interrupt method can be used to perform system management functions independent of processor operating mode (Real, Protected, or Virtual 8086 modes). SMM and SMI are available only in CPU with power management.
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What is the role of SMM and SMI in Green PC?
Activating the SMI invokes a sequence that saves the operating state of the processor into a separate SMM memory address space, independent of the main system memory. After the state is saved, the processor is forced into Real Mode and begins execution out of that separate address space at the processor reset address where a jump to the SMM code is executed. This code performs its system management function and then resume execution of the normal system software by executing an SMM CPU state restore opcode sequence, which reloads the saved processor state and resume execution out of the main system memory space.
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What do I need to achieve Green PC function?
To achieve Green PC function, you need:
Mainboard with power management
Green monitor
Ordinary CPU or CPU with power management.
Ordinary hard disk or hard disk with power management (with motor spin-off)
APM Driver in the operating system level (Example: POWER.EXE in MS-DOS(R) 6.x)
APM-aware application (Example: Windows(R) 3.1 choosing the computer option "MS-DOS(R) System with APM" during setup, Windows(R) 95)
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When does the Green PC enter power-saving mode?
The Green PC goes to sleep after a pre-set period of system inactivity. The user may choose in the BIOS setup which devices are to be detected and which devices are to be ignored. The length of time can be set in the BIOS setup. Normally, a Green PC goes through four power-saving stages:
1. ON
The computer is functioning normally.
No power-saving function.
2. DOZE
The CPU speed is slowed down.
Minimal power-saving.
3. STAND BY
HDD power is turned off.
Graphics Card H-sync and V-sync signals are turned off.
Turn off Graphics Card power supply.
Substantial power-saving.
4. SUSPEND
HDD power is turned off.
Graphics Card H-sync and V-sync signals are turned off.
Turn off Graphics Card power supply.
STPCLK signal is sent to make the CPU stop working. (This function is available only for S-series CPU).
Maximum power-saving.
However, if you want to bypass the ON, DOZE, STAND BY modes and enter SUSPEND mode right away, you can press a power-saving button. This button is normally connected to the front panel of the computer case which supports Green PC function.
NOTE: These functions vary depending on the mainboard and BIOS designs.
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How can I wake up a "sleeping" Green PC?
The Green PC wakes up when the following conditions occurs:
Upon the detection of any activity in the system. The user may choose in the BIOS setup which activities/devices are to be detected and which activities/devices are to be ignored.
If no activity occurs, upon the pre-set wake up time
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How do I set the power-saving events in the Green PC BIOS?
You can choose the activities or devices that the Green PC can detect by setting it ON in the BIOS setup. The Green PC enters power down / wake up modes by:
Graphics Card access event
IRQ1 Keyboard
IRQ3 COM2
IRQ4 COM1
IRQ5 Alt. Printer
IRQ6 Diskette
IRQ7 Printer
IRQ9 IRQ2 Redir.
IRQ10 Reserved
IRQ11 Reserved
IRQ12 PS/2 mouse
IRQ14 Fixed disk
IRQ15 Reserved
You can SET ON any of these events. The system will only monitor the activity of the events set on. If the events are idle, the system can enter power-saving mode. Consequently, the system will wake up when the events become active.
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What will happen if I don't use APM softwares or drivers?
If you don't use APM softwares or drivers, when the system wakes up after entering suspend mode, the DOS clock will not be updated.
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How do I implement APM under MS-DOS(R) ?
MS-DOS(R) 6.x provides APM services via a TSR driver called POWER.EXE. This should be included in the CONFIG.SYS file, with the following command:
DEVICE=C:\DOS\POWER.EXE
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How do I implement APM under Windows(R) 3.1?
Windows(R) 3.1 support for APM is implemented with two basic components: an installable driver (POWER.DRV) and the virtual device (VPOWERD.386). These two modules provide the communications interface between the APM BIOS, applications, drivers and the user.
APM does not install automatically with Windows(R) 3.1. The user must tell the Windows(R) Setup program that it is running on an APM compliant PC in order to install the required drivers. This can be done at the following times:
During the first Setup of Windows(R) 3.1.
Use the Custom Install or Upgrade option of the Windows(R) 3.1 Setup program in order to install APM while installing Windows. When Setup displays the system configuration screen, select the system type: MS-DOS(R) System with APM
After Windows(R) 3.1 Setup
If you have installed Windows(R) 3.1 on your system, but do not have the APM driver files installed, the first step in installing them is to exit Windows(R) 3.1. At the DOS prompt:
1. Change to your Windows(R) ®3.1 directory.
2. Run "Setup".
3. When Setup displays the system configuration screen, select type:
MS-DOS
System with APM Setup now copies the required APM driver files to the
system hard disk, returning you to the DOS prompt.
4. Start Windows(R) 3.1 as usual.
As Windows(R) 3.1 is being installed, the required APM driver files are copied to the system hard disk. These files will be loaded automatically when Windows(R) starts. Once Windows(R) is running, the Control Panel "Power" icon can be used to change power options, view help information and examine battery status.
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Can I enter suspend mode if I'm connected to a network?
NO. Systems connected to a network are checked by the server from time to time. Because of this, the server are continuously active and therefore cannot enter suspend mode. The same thing is true for the workstation connected to the server: it cannot enter suspend mode since it is continuously checked by the server.
A unique number that identifies a particular association between an access point and a wireless Station. An association identifies the service used to establish access point and station mapping. An Association is required before any information can be passed between the Station and other nodes via the AP.
ATX is developed in July 1995 by Intel for Mainboard specification. ATX differes with it's predecessor on the placement of components. For example, keyboard connector for AT is put on the shorter end but ATX put on the longer end.
ATX power connector include 3.3v. As most of the Mainboard has built-in serial port and parallel port, so ATX Mainboard directly put the connectors for the two port to save more space in the Mainboard.
Another thing is, ATX Mainboard support power off through software, Operating system like Windows can use Shutdown command to power off the PC, some Mainboard can support power on by modem.
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What is ATX?
ATX is an evolution of the popular Baby -AT form-factor defined to address some major areas of improvement over today's predominate form-factors. Its features are:
Ease -of -use
1.All full length expansion slot.
2.Relocated CPU allows easier use of bulk capacitance and voltage
regulation circuitry.
3.Reduction of cable complexity.
Flexibility for current and future I/O.
1.Integrated graphics allows use of unified frame buffer architecture.
2.Support for future connectivity and I/O standards like USB, TV in/out ISDN etc.
Reduction of total system cost.
1.System cooled by single fan in the power supply and reduces noise levels.
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What are the requirements of ATX specification?
Modifications to the chassis
1.Double height Flexible I/O. -Height restriction 3.5" and 5.25"
peripheral bays.
2.Measurement of chasis 12"x13".
Modications to the power supply
1.Based on PS/2 standard. One power connector which incorporates
the +-5V, +-12V, 3.3V and soft-power signals.
2.Consolidation the baseboard connectors into one 20 pin header.
3.Repositioning the fan to move air across the processor.
New Motherboard designs
1.PCB Measurement 12x9.6" totally inverted position of Baby-AT.
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What is ATX 2.0? What are the differences between 1.0 and 2.0?
In Dec., 1996, Intel released the updated specification version 2.0 for ATX form factor. The main differences between Ver. 1.0 & Ver 2.0 are:
A. Limitation of component height on mainboard
The limitation range for the maximum component height on mainboard will be 0.6" (around 1.5cm) for card slot area, 0.35", 1.2" 1.5" for drive bay area and 2.8" (around 7.0 cm) for PSU. The main concern for such limitation is for the IntelŽ Pentium(R) II processor.
B. Modification of mounting location
Mounting locations have been slightly moved. Therefore, a system integrator might watch out for such modification for the best match of M/B to the ATX Chassis.
C. Back Panel I/O & I/O Shield
Only chassis interface is specified in ATX ver. 2.0, back panel I/O shield design isn't specified. Instead, Intel(R) recommended CIS (Chassis Independent Shields). A system integrator shall get their best solution via chassis makers, mainboard makers or 3rd parties.
D. New recommendation spec for ATX PSU
Including the recommendation of venting, electrical timing, 3.3V required, 5V standby current requirement, optional second connector added for new features, new recommended fan & more. This is mostly aimed to improve the airflow vs. thermal environment.
B
BIOS is a basic set of instruction put into the read-only memory (ROM), It is used to boot up a computer and establish the relationship between the various components
BIOS include input/output commands, system testing after power on system, reading CMOS data like HDD size, has CD-ROM or not, system time, which boot up device to be used etc.
BIOS are included into the Mainboard, replacing the BIOS might cause system not to boot up as BIOS and Mainboard components contains some relationship.
The introduction of Flash BIOS provide support for updating BIOS by means of software. Strong R&D Mainboard manufacturer like MSI, will automatically put new and updated BIOS to it's web site to provide better customer service. But improper usage of flash program or BIOS file will caused system not able to boot up. So before updating the BIOS, please make sure of your Mainboard model and to read the note on how to update the BIOS.
Bluetooth refers to a worldwide standard for the wireless exchange of data between two devices. Bluetooth requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device. The tranceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45GHz that is available globally (with some variation of bandwidth in different countries).
In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Connections can be point-to-point or multipoint. The maximum range is 10 meters. Data can be exchanged at a rate of 1megabit per second (up to 2 Mbps in the second generation of the technology).
BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) is a form factor for PC mainboards created in late 2004 and early 2005, which is originally slated to replace the aging ATX mainboard form factor. It has been designed to solve some issues like power-saving and heat. ATX and BTX standards were both proposed by Intel. However, BTX has never succeed on the market and was canceled by Intel in September 2006.
A set of hardware lines within the computer system, through which the data is transferred among different components. In a PC, the term bus usually refers to a local bus that connects the internal components to the CPU and main memory.
C
CardBus is the new 32-bit version of the PC Card (also known as PCMCIA card) standard. This interface is available on laptop computers as a means for connecting high speed removable cards such as USB, FireWire, Ultra SCSI, Ethernet, etc...
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
CPU controls everything in the computer, sometimes referred as the brain of the computer because it does calculation, logic and translation of commands. Newly developed CPU include cache memory and share some of it's work to the chipset.
One computer system would normally use one CPU, but for computer system acting as server, moer than one CPU might be required.
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What are the features of the Intel Pentium II processor?
Processor card, installed in Slot 1
Pentium® Pro level processor, with MMX™ technology
Provides best performance for 32-bit Windows®
The CrossFire is ATI's alternative to NVIDIA's SLI Multi-GPU system. ATi's CrossFire solution fundamentally does the same thing as SLI. But SLI requires two absolutely identical graphics card while CrossFire uses the PCI Express bus allowing a bit a more flexibility and improving the performance doubled.
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is the principle medium access method employed by 802.11 WLANs. CSMA/CA is a variation of the CSMA/CD protocol. CSMA/CA listens to a network in order to avoid collisions, unlike CSMA/CD that deals with network transmissions once collisions have been detected. It waits for a random amount of time before trying to send a packet. After a while, the device senses the signal level again and if the channel is free, the packet is sent. If the channel is busy, the time interval before the next attempt is doubled.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) is the protocol for carrier transmission access in Ethernet networks. It is specified in the IEEE 802.3 standard. CSMA/CD is a set of rules determining how network devices respond when two devices attempt to use a data channel simultaneously (called a collision). When a device detects a collision, it waits a random delay time and then attempts to re-transmit the message. If a collision happens again, the interval before next attempt is doubled.
D
DDR SDRAM (double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory) is a class of memory integrated circuit used in PC and graphic cards. It achieves greater bandwidth than the previous single data rate SDRAM by transferring data on the both edges of the clock signal. With DDR is superseded by the DDR2, the older version is usually referred to as DDR1.
DDR2 SDRAM (double-data-rate two synchronous dynamic random access memory) is a random access memory technology used for high speed storage of a computer or other digital electronic devices. It can operate the external data bus twice as fast as DDR SDRAM, which is achieved by improved bus signaling, and by operating the memory cells at half the clock rate, rather than at the full clock rate as in the previous DDR.
DDR3 memory brings power consumption reduction up to 30% compared to current DDR2 modules, which is achieved by DDR3's 1.5 V supply voltage, compared to DDR2's 1.8 V or DDR's 2.5 V. This supply voltage works well through the 90 nm fabrication technology used for most DDR3 chips. The main benefit of DDR3 is higher bandwidth made possible by DDR3's 8 bit prefetch buffer, whereas DDR2's is 4 bits, and DDR's is 2 bits.
DHCP, short for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. With dynamic addressing, a device can have a different IP address every time it connects to the network. It makes IP address management an easier task for network administrators. In some systems, the device's IP address can even change while it is still connected. DHCP also supports a mix of static and dynamic IP addresses.
DIMM is a PCB wherein memory IC is built (usually SDRAM memory). When assembling a PC, only need to install DIMM to the Mainboard for memory installation, majority of the Mainboard nowadays comes with DIMM slot.
Because DIMM uses 64bit BUS to communicate with Mainboard, it's size is twice bigger compared to 32bit SIMM, it only require one piece for a Mainboard to work compares to SIMM which require two piece.
Current DIMM comes in 64bit and 168pin.There are some high end DIMM which has 72bit wherein 64bit is for data and the remaining 8bit for ECC (error correcting code)
In a PC, the longer memory socket is 168pin DIMM while the shorter one is 72pin SIMM. The shortest one is 30pin SIMM which is found on phased-out 486 Mainboard.
What is DMI?
Desktop Management Interface (DMI) is a new method of managing computers in an enterprise. The main component of DMI is the Management Information Format Database or MIF. This database contains all the information about the computing system and its components. Using DMI, a system administrator can obtain the types, capabilities, operations status, installation date, and other information about the system components. DMI implementation in operating system and management applications will provide users with real value through asset management, configuration management, real-time monitoring and control capabilities that will reduce overall management frustration and costs.
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What are the purposes of implementing DMI?
Provide technology which enables vendors to easily add management to their products.
Provide technology which enables all types of applications to access information and manage the products installed in PCs.
Provide management, ease of use and control to PC systems, both networked and stand alone.
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which allows Internet host computers to have a domain name (such as msi.com)
and one or more IP addresses (such as 192.34.45.8). A DNS server keeps a database of host computers and their respective domain names and IP addresses, so that when a domain name is requested (as in typing "MSI.com" into your Internet browser), the user is sent to the proper IP address. The DNS server address used by the computers on your home network is the location of the DNS server your ISP has assigned.
DSSS(Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) combines a data signal at the sending station with a higher data rate bit sequence, which many refer to as a chipping code (also known as processing gain). A high processing gain increases the signals resistance to interference. The IEEE 802.11 Working Group has set their minimum processing gain requirements at 11. DSSS sends a specific string of bits for each data bit sent. A chipping code is assigned to represent logic 1 and 0 data bits. As the data stream is transmitted, the corresponding code is actually sent. For example, the transmission of a data bit equal to 1 would result in the sequence 00010011100 being sent.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the new digital video interface can transfer a digital video signal between display (LCD monitor) and source (Computer). DVI Connector can result in a better image quality for there is no electrical noise and other forms of analog distortion. The analog VGA connectors, used to connect Video Graphics Cards and the traditional desktop PC’s CRT monitor, are being rapidly replaced by this DVI.
E
EPP (Enhanced Profile Protocol) memory is a standard launched by NVIDIA®, which is an extra level of detail over the standard SPD included in the RAM. It brings 1.5X more performance than standard memory, and also brings more room for overclocking. Besides, it is an open standard. Bundled with SLI technology, it will creative the amazing performance than you ever thought.
eSATA enters the external storage market already served by the USB and FireWire interfaces. eSATA does not suffer from some low-level drive features such as S.M.A.R.T., which USB or 1394 external devices do. Unlike PATA, both SATA and eSATA support hot-swapping. However, this feature requires proper support from other devices.
Ethernet standard invented by Xerox in 1973, developed jointly by Xerox, Intel, and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), it was later defined in 1983 as the industry standard for computer networks. Ethernet supports a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps(10 million bits per second). A newer version called Fast Ethernet defined in 1995 supports 100Mbps. The most recent Ethernet technology, Gigabit Ethernet defined in 1998, supports 1 Gbps.
ExpressCard is developed by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which is meant to replace CardBus PC (PCMCIA) cards. The cards are designed for hot-plug. ExpressCard technology have dramatic increase in bandwidth over the previous PCMCIA card, which is due to ExpressCard has a direct connection to the system bus over a PCI Express x1 lane or USB 2.0, whereas CardBus utilizes PCI. The ExpressCard has a maximum throughput of 2.5 Gb/s by PCI Express or 480 Mb/s by USB 2.0, versus PCMCIA's shared 1066 Mb/s bandwidth. In addition, the ExpressCard standard uses lower voltages and less power than the PCMCIA slots (1.5V/3.3V versus 3.3V/5.0V).
F
FHSS (Frequency-hopping spread-spectrum) works very much like its name implies. FHSS utilizes a set of narrow channels and "hops" through all of them in a predetermined sequence. For example, the 2.4 GHz frequency band is divided into 70 channels of 1 MHz each. Every 20 to 400 msec the system "hops" to a new channel following a predetermined cyclic pattern. FHSS continuously changes the center frequency of a conventional carrier. These "hops" follow a psuedo-random set of channels, agreed upon by both sender and receiver.
FSB refers to CPU Bus Frequency, the frequency wherein CPU communicate with other components.From Pentium 66MHz Frequency to current 133MHz frequency, FSB would require both CPU and chipset to support properly Some people would will adjust the CPU FSB higher than it's original frequency hence refer as overclocking.
FTTP (Fiber to the premises) is a form of fiber-optic communication delivery. In contrast with other fiber-optic communication delivery strategies such as fiber to the node (FTTN), fiber to the curb (FTTC), or hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) which depend on more traditional methods such as copper wires or coaxial cable for "last mile" delivery, FTTP uses optical fiber for directly connection to the customers' premises.
G
There are three fundamental functions in Gateway, including a bridge between the interior and exterior networks, a firewall, and a routing function that connects two more PCs in a network. Thus, it plays an indispensable role not only as a pivot of WAN and LAN but also a platform for exchanging the network technologies.
GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate) is a form of RAM that is designed especially for graphics processing. It has specialized clock speed, bandwidth and power requirement making it a best choice for graphics card and differing from standard DDR memory. They are four standards exist currently: GDDR, GDDR2, GDDR3 and GDDR4, this type of memory is used by almost all modern graphics cards.
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA), a versatile display option designed by Intel, is an intelligent graphics engine built into the chipset that is on the motherboard. This integration can increase graphics performance without the need for a separate graphics card. GMA relies on the computer's main memory for storage, which imposes a performance reduction.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), the brain of the graphics card, has been designed specifically for the processing of 3D graphics. GPU is similar to the CPU (central processing units) of Mainboard in function. The difference between a CPU and GPU is that GPU only deals with the calculations required for graphics functions; in addition GPU relieves the CPU of much of the graphics processing load.
H
H.264 is the newest standard for video compression. It can encode video with approximately 3 times fewer bit rates than previous video compression standards and assure clearer and more fluent image transmission. H.264 typically outperforms all existing standards especially in comparison to MPEG-2.
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a content protection specification to protect digital entertainment content across the DVI/HDMI interface. The HDCP provides a robust, cost-effective and transparent method for transmitting and receiving digital entertainment similar to DVI/HDMI-compliant digital displays. HDCP encrypts the data transmitted between the DVI/HDMI connector on the graphics adapter and the display. To provide this support, both the graphics adapter and the display need to have an HDCP transmitter and receiver respectively.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a new interface standard for PCs, displays and consumer electronics devices that supports standard, enhanced and high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It enables your PC to transmit all HDTV standards that combine HDCP protected video at resolutions up to 1080p and 8-channel digital audio with 5 Gbps of bandwidth provided.
HDTV(High Definition TV) is the highest level of the Digital TV system. HDTV comes in three different resolutions, called 720P(1280×720P, progressive)、1080i(1920×1080i, interlaced)、1080P(1920×1080i, progressive), offers a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, and outputs 5.1 channels Dolby Digital audio.
Hyper-Threading Techonology(HT), the Intel®'s new outstanding technology, is designed exclusively for the systematic platform like server or workstation in the very beginning. However, with the release of Intel®'s Pentium 4 3.06GHz processor, HT also began to be applied into the Desktop systems from now on.
Hyper-Threading Technology makes a CPU processor able to have the capability of Thread-Level-Parallelism(TLP) and greatly enhance the performance of CPU computing resources.
This is a sort of technology called Simultaneous Multi Threading(SMT) which enables a single processor to run multi-threaded tasks parallelly and also run lots of softwares simultaneously. So you can enjoy multitask like never before.
Hybrid SLI enables NVIDIA motherboard GPUs to work cooperatively with NVIDIA discrete GPUs when paired in the same PC platform. It has two new technologies -- GeForce Boost and HybridPower. GeForce Boost technology increases graphics performance when dial up performance for demanding 3D games and applications. HybridPower technology lets you switch from your graphics card to your motherboard GeForce GPU when running less graphically-intensive applications for a silent, low power PC experience.
I
IDE is an interface primarily for controlling HDD (hard disk drive), it's a 8bit or 16bit controller. IDE specification states that controller IC and chipset must be included in HDD PCB (printed circuit board), so IDE interface card is simple and cost is low. In the 586 era, IDE controller is built-in to the chipset, system can directly access IDE controller through the chipset which does not require IDE interface card anymore
IDE at first was designed at 16bit for PC/AT and peripheral data transfer, so it is also known as ATA (AT attachment). Then comes second generation ATA-2 which supported 2.5in HDD, ATA-2 was also known as EIDE or Fast IDE. Third generation ATA-3 support 33Mbps transfer rate, DMA mode 2, CRC check, password protect, power saving etc. ATA-4 specification can reach up to 120ns data transfer rate.
What is IEEE 1394?
IEEE 1394 is an emerging IEEE bus interface standard for portable and desktop computing environments. It provides an important linking technology which bridges the consumer and computer markets. The standard describes a serial bus driven by an advanced communication protocol which is designed for low system cost while providing the data transfer rate needed for a high-performance peripheral bus.
ts applications include:
- Computers, both desktop and portable
- Consumer electronics products such as: Set-top boxes, Digital VCRs, camcorders and DVD-RAM
Multimedia products such as digital cameras and stereo/audio equipment
Electronic publishing products such as printers and scanners
Data storage and retrieval products such as hard disk drives and CD-ROMs
Infrastructure mode is a wireless networking framework. In infrastructure mode, wireless clients send and receive information through access points(AP). The AP not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighbourhood, but also provides communication with the wired network.
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP address of the destination. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.
Internet Service Provider. An ISP is a business that provides connectivity to the Internet for individuals and other businesses or organizations.
L
Local Area Network. A LAN is a group of computers and devices connected together in a relatively small area (such as a house or an office). Your home network is considered a LAN.
What is LDCM?
M
MAC stands for Media Access Control. A MAC address is the hardware address of a device connected to a network.
Micro-ATX board and ATX board are pretty much the same, the difference lies in the size. Micro-ATX is smaller in order to accommodate PC which require small/thin design.
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What is Micro-ATX?
A new mainboard specification enabling smaller, cost-reduced system designs
Mainboard square area reduced to approx. 92 square inches
Integrated graphics / audio, 2 DIMMs and max. of 3 slots
ATX backward compatible
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What is the Micro-ATX chassis?
Smaller tower for a more cost effective system
Pentium(R) II processor support
Support for 3 expansion slots and 3 or 4 bays
Cost effective power supply (approx. 90 watts)
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What is the SFX (Micro-ATX) Power Supply?
90 watts, 135 watts peak
+5V, +/-12V, +3.3V, +5V standby (no -5V)
Supports PS-ON, 5VSB, PW-OK
Fan speed control to minimize noise
Fan OFF control for sleep states
Supports optional power connector
Ability to expand for future requirements such as Suspend to RAM (STR) and IEEE 1394 Pwr
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What are the advantages of the Micro-ATX mainboard?
Micro-ATX mainboards are very flexible.
Can be used with standard ATX or new Micro-ATX chassis and power supply
Possible combinations:
1.ATX tower + ATX PSU
2.ATX tower + Micro-ATX PSU
3.Micro-ATX tower + Micro-ATX PSU = enabling the most cost-effective
system
What is MMX™? What are its benefits?
MMX™ means Multi-Media Extension. It improved multimedia & communications performance. The following performance improvements are:
On Media Benchmark:
1. Video 40% ( MPEG-1 Decoding)
2. Audio 25% (Resampling, Mixing, Filtering)
3. Imaging 5% ( Running Digital Filters)
4. 3D 30% ( 3D Geometry based on Direct3D amd OpenGL, at this
point the 3D code does not take advantage of MMX technology)
On Standard Benchmarks:
1. Larger L1 Cache
2. Better Branch Prediction
3. Call/Return Stack
4. Intel's time frame of phasing MMX technology into its CPU:
N
Network Address Translation. This process allows all of the computers on your home network to use one IP address. Using the NAT capability of the HomeConnect home network gateway, you can access the Internet from any computer on your home network without having to purchase more IP addresses from your ISP.
NetBEUI, short for NetBIOS Extended User Interface, is an enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol designed originally by IBM for their LAN Manager server and later extended by Microsoft and Novell. NetBEUI is the best performance choice for communication within a single LAN. However it is a non-routable protocol, which means that computers that are not located on the same network segment or subnet can't communicate.
It is one of the two core chipsets on a PC mainboard which handles communications between the CPU, RAM, AGP or PCI Express, the other is southbridge. It is also called memory controller hub (MCH). The northbridge and southbridge combination is common, though there are few mainboards using one chipset instead.
P
PCI is an architecture co-developed by Intel, DEC, IBM to be used together with Pentium CPU.
PCI define the interconnect and bus transfer protocol between highly integrated peripheral adapters and CPU. Usually a PC can support a maximum of 16 PCI cards. PCI also support Mac PowerPC so PCI can work in different kind of workstation. PCI have 32bit PCI bus and 64bit PCI bus which support PCI bus speeds up to 33MHz and 66MHz respectively.
There is a new revision is PCI which is PCI-X, it uses 64bit bus width and transfer speed of 133MHz, can increase data transfer up to 1.064Gbps and can use current PCI cards available, PCI-X early
implemenation will be on workstation and server.
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What is Multi-Transaction Timer (MTT)?
MTT allocates a minimum time slice to a PCI master so that short bursters (like 430VX and 430HX; 430FX is long burster) can perform multiple bursts without rearbitrating.
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What is Passive Release?
Passive release allows CPU and PCI Masters to be granted the bus during ISA DMA and Bus Master cycles. This results in significant improvement for CPU utilization when playing Soft MPEG clips, e.g., with audio on ISA bus.
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What is PCI Delayed Transaction?
Delayed transaction frees PCI bus from slow ISA accesses. This ensures that CPU-to-ISA cycles do not hog system resources.
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What is Enhanced Write Performance?
Enhanced write performance increases concurrency for both CPU and PCI masters.
Improved write posting to DRAM for both CPU and PCI Masters
Host based processing benefits from CPU to memory write performance
PCI Express (PCI-E or PCIe), is a computer expansion card interface format introduced by Intel in 2004, which was designed to replace the general purpose PCI expansion bus, and the AGP graphics card interface. PCI-E slots have many sizes referred to by the maximum lane count they support, such as x1, x4, x8 and x16. A x16 card will not fit in a x8 slot, but a x8 card can be used in a x16 slot.
PCMCIA (PC Card) is a kind of peripheral interface designed for notebooks. It was originally for memory expansion, but many notebook peripherals were made available in this form, which include network cards, modems, and hard disks. PCMCIA cards developed from Type I through Type IV, and now it is being replaced by Express Card steadily.
What is Plug and Play?
Plug and Play is both a design philosophy and a set of PC architecture specifications. Its goal is to make the PC, add-in hardware devices, drivers and operating system work together automatically without user intervention. In order to achieve this, all components need to be Plug and Play-compatible.
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What are the components of Plug and Play?
A Plug and Play operating system (Windows(R) 95)
A Plug and Play BIOS (using Flash memory with NVRAM)
Plug and Play hardware devices with drivers
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How are devices configured in a Plug and Play System?
In order for the system to boot, the BIOS must configure a display device, an input device and a device for initial program loading. Then, it must pass the information about each of these devices to the operating system for additional system configuration.
When devices are added and removed, the three components of a Plug and Play system coordinate and perform the following tasks:
Identify installed devices
Determine device-resource requirements
Create a non-conflicting system configuration
Program devices
Load device drivers
Notify the operating system of configuration changes
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What are the benefits of Plug and Play?
The PC is easier to use since users do not have to worry about switches, jumpers, hardware conflicts or loading drivers manually.
Users will have great mobility. Hot-docking stations that support Plug and Play will enable the user to remove a portable system while it is running and bring the system to the docking station without having to turn off the system.
For PC vendors, Plug and Play can provide cost reductions. As many as 50% of technical support calls result from installation and configuration problems. By making operations easier and automatic, manufacturers can achieve lower support costs and pass these savings to the user.
Plug and Play provides a common platform that enables PC vendors to develop innovative features and differentiate their products from others.
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What is NVRAM?
NVRAM refers to Non-Volatile RAM. Plug 'n Play implementation requires 4K of NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) to store some configuration information or the ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) structure. This is also used by Windows 95 to store the information on resources used by legacy (non-Plug and Play)ISA cards. BIOS has a BIOS function call to update this NVRAM. So, Flash memory is needed so that the BIOS can write into it. NVRAM cannot be written into EPROM since EPROM is read-only. So, a Plug and Play BIOS must be programmed in a Flash memory.
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. Point-to-Point Protocol is a method of secure data transmission originally created for dial-up connections; PPPoE is for Ethernet connections.
R
RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks) is a term for computer data storage schemes. RAID combines more than two hard disks into a single logical unit by using special hardware or software. RAID systems are designed to keep working when failure occurs- disks can be hot swapped and data recovered automatically while the system keeps working. Other systems have to be shut down to replace the disks.
RAMDAC, shorting for Random Access Memory Digital-to-Analog Converter, is a chip on graphics cards to convert digitally encoded images into analog signals that can be understood by a monitor. More RAMDACs mean a better refresh rate for monitors, so faster RAMDACs are necessary if you want to get better performance and quality out of your cards.
RJ-45, short for Registered Jack-45, is similar in shape and appearance to RJ-11 that is used for connecting telephone equipment, but with a much wider housing since it contains eight wire connectors. It is commonly used to connect Ethernet and Token Ring devices.
S
SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), a serial communication protocol for direct attached storage (DAS) devices, is designed for the corporate and enterprise market as a replacement for parallel SCSI. SAS technology is backwards-compatible with SATA drives and allows for much higher speed data transfers than previously available and brings enterprises flexibility, high performance, reliability and cost-saving.
Serial ATA is the latest ATA transmission interface, developed for multi-purposes, including fast data transmission, user-friendly interface, self-adjusting capability, and above all, it must be compatible with the Parallel ATA software.
Five years ago, Serial ATA Organization, Intel and some big HD companies created Serial ATA transmission interface which is faster than ATA100 and ATA133. The speed of Serial ATA is able to reach 150MB/sec because it uses serial sequence as a way to transmit data, which only uses a cable line and greatly reduce the pin numbers on cable line. There are only four pins to undertake all tasks, including signal sending, signal receving, powering and grounding. Its working principle is identical to USB which is able to lower temperature and reduce power consumption.
Cable line of Serial ATA is thiner and twistable, able to save space inside computer and is of great help to shrink the PC chasis. Meanwhile, it is also supportive to Hot Plug and quick set-up functions. So far, Intel's cooperative partners includes APT Technologies, Dell, IBM, Maxtor, Quantum and Seagate. Most of them manufactured HD devices.
As we all know for a long time, IDE/ATA is out of date, needing to be replaced. For consumers' demand of speed and efficiency, Parallel ATA seems not good and stable enough to meet users' need. The so-called Parallel ATA(using lots of parallel paths to transmsit data) also means lots of cable lines and high frequency signals of interruption. Serial ATA, on the contrary, uses sequence data process and some successful experiences like Ethernet, USB, FireWire and AMD's HyperTransport to make it slef a more stable and faster way of data transmission.
SCSI is a parallel interface developed by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for connecting peripheral device. Originally a communication standard between Minicomputer and workstation peripheral device. As SCSI is faster compared to other interface, PC starts to develop device to support SCSI interface.
A SCSI card depending on it's chipset can support 7, 15 or 31 internal or external SCSI devices like Tape Device, Hard Disk, Scanner, MO, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM etc.
The advantage of SCSI not only lies in speed, but it lessen the CPU loading, stabilize transfer effectivity, this is especially important for device like scanner or CDRW.
As SCSI development, it has SCSI-1, SCSI-2 and SCSI-3. SCSI-2 divided into SCSI-2, Fast SCSI-2 (Ultra SCSI-2) and Wide SCSI-2 (Wide SCSI-2). SCSI device used must be compatible with the SCSI controller card for proper usage, the specification mentioned are backward compatible which means that SCSI-2 controller card can support SCSI-1 and SCSI-2 devices but SCSI-1 controller card can only support SCSI-1 devices.
Below is a summary of various SCSI specification
1.SCSI-1: 8bit bus, 5Mbps data transfer rates and support a single device
2.SCSI-2: difference from SCSI-1 is it can support up to 7 devices and 10-20 Mbps transfer rate
3.WIDE SCSI: 16bit bus and 10-20Mbps transfer rate
4.FAST SCSI: Double the interface clock on the 8bit bus to 10Mbps transfer rate
5.FAST WIDE SCSI: 16bit bus and 20Mbps transfer rate
6.ULTRA SCSI: 8bit bus and 20Mbps transfer rate
7.SCSI-3: also known as ULTRA WIDE SCSI,16bit bus and 40Mbps transfer rate
8.ULTRA2 SCSI: 8bit bus and 40Mbps transfer rate
9.WIDE ULTRA2 SCSI: 16bit bus and 80Mbps transfer rate
In installing SCSI card and SCSI devices, take note that there are SCSI ID in the SCSI card. 8bit bus SCSI card has ID from 0 to 7, SCSI card ID usually is 7, so can connect up to 7 SCSI devices. 16bit bus SCSI card can connect up to 15 devices.
For boot HDD, the ID usually is set to 0 while the other devices can select ID from 1 and so on. Devices have DIP switch or jumper for selecting which ID to use
SCSI card devices have a jumper called Terminator, the two end of SCSI connections should set this jumper as Enable (ON).
SDRAM handles all input and output signal in sync with CPU FSB. In this case CPU and BUS can synchronously read/write data from memory. It can finish data transfer in one CPU cycle which is better compared to EDO RAM
Currently, SDRAM is the mainstream memory module in the market, comes in 168 pin and 3.3v voltage.
In order to be in sync with CPU FSB, SDRAM comes in 66MHz/100MHz/133MHz specification, the latter two to meet Intel 100/133 MHz FSB which commonly referred as PC-100/PC-133 memory
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What is SDRAM?
SDRAM stands for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. SDRAM improves bandwidth to main memory because all address, data and control systems are synchronized, or gated, to a single system clock. With all operations being synchronous to the system clock, system wait states are eliminated. SDRAM simplifies design and memory-system control, and it greatly reduces setup and hold timers.
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What are the differences between DRAM and SDRAM?
DRAM:
No system clock
Level RAS control
One-bank operation
One transfer per column address
SDRAM:
Runs off system clock
Pulsed RAS control
Two banks for on-chip interleaving
Burst of 1, 2, 4 or 8 transfers per column address
Read latency is programmable (and full page for x16 organization)
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What are the advantages of SDRAM?
SDRAM technology enables designer to resolve the bandwidth challenge and offers them significant advantages:
Uses existing device technology and is a JEDEC standard
Can support microprocessors with speeds up to 100MHz now and will provide an upgrade path to future synchronous speeds above 100 MHz
Enables a simplified, cost-effective design for main memory and unified memory system
Offers a non-proprietary approach that meets high-speed microprocessor bandwidth requirements
Chipset control design is simpler because it is based on state machine operation instead of being level / pulse width driven
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What are the features of SDRAM?
SDRAM technology provides features that offer designers significant advantages that affect speed and performance.
Synchronous control: all inputs and outputs are synchronized to the system clock to simplify the design of the chipset / memory interface.
Burst I/O: having the capability to burst I/O without entering new address means that the design can be optimized for cache fills at the system frequency. It also provides to flexibility for interleaved or sequential burst.
Programmable Burst: programmable burst length and latency enables designers to customize and optimize these critical functions.
Two-bank architecture: this can increase data throughput and eliminate data gaps because the interleaved banks effectively hide the precharge time of one bank by accessing data through the other.
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What is the difference between 2-clock and 4-clock SDRAM?
The 2-clock SDRAM is the old SDRAM standard. 4-clock SDRAM was designed mainly to increase its driving capability. For the 2-clock SDRAM, pins 42 and 125 were defined as clocks. For the 4-clock SDRAM, pins 79 and 163 (which were NC before) were redefined as clocks as well.
SLI technology was developed entirely at NVIDIA.Delivers up to 2x the performance of a single graphics card configuration for unequaled gaming experiences by allowing two cards to run in parallel. The must-have feature for performance PCI Express graphics, SLI technology dramatically scales performance on today's hottest games.
What is SMBus?
Two wire interface through which simple devices can communicate with the rest of the system.
Messages passed to and from devices instead of tripping individual control lines.
1.Reduces pin count (individual control lines not needed)
2.Ensures future expandability by accepting messages
Follows the I2C protocol.
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What are the benefits of SMBus?
Detects and configures memory (serial presence detect)
Provides manufacturer information
Tells system about model and part number
Reports different types of errors
Disables clock to the DIMMs that are unloaded
Detects low battery condition
Socket 3 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 370 / A
As CPU development rapidly increase, to save the cost of changing the whole system when changing to a new CPU, every Mainboard will have a CPU socket, for user future CPU upgrade.
In the course of time, CPU socket change from 486 Socket 3 to Pentium Socket 5 to to current Socket 7 and Socket 370. Changes are meant to meet the requirements of Intel CPU. Socket 8 is for Pentium Pro which is seldom seen.
Another CPU vendor AMD, releases Socket A specification for AMD Socket A CPU
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Slot 1 / 2 / A
World biggest CPU vendor Intel, in order to develop CPU performance, developed Pentium II/Pentium III CPU at the same time developed Slot specification which make CPU look like PCI card inserted to the Mainboard.
Another CPU vendor AMD, releases Socket A specification for AMD Slot A CPU
It is a chip that equips the "slower" capabilities of the mainboard in a northbridge/southbridge combination, which is also called the I/O Controller Hub (ICH). It handles many functions like PCI bus, Real Time Clock, IDE controller, USB and other devices.
SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) is a standard for transmitting high-quality digital stereo audio. It is used for connecting digital audio signals (by coaxial or optical) on PC audio cards, Hi-Fi Equipment, DVD players, Digital Decoders, CD players etc. or transferring audio signal from motherboards to graphics card.
Stateful Packet Inspection. SPI is the type of corporate grade Internet security provided by your Home-Connect home network gateway. Using SPI, the gateway acts as a firewall, protecting your network from computer hackers.
Spread Spectrum, developed originally by the military, a communication technique that spreads a signal bandwidth over a wide range of frequencies for transmission and then de-spreads it to the original data bandwidth at the receiver. Spreading the data across the frequency spectrum makes the signal resistant to noise, interference, and snooping. Spread-spectrum modulation schemes are commonly used with personal communication devices such as digital cellular phones, as well as with wireless local area networks (WLANs) and cable modems.
Short for Service Set Identifier, a 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a LAN that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect to the access point. The SSID differentiates one LAN from another; so all access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific LAN must use the same SSID.
A subnet mask, which may be a part of the TCP/IP information provided by your ISP, is a set of four numbers configured like an IP address. It is used to create IP address numbers used only within a particular network (as opposed to valid IP address numbers recognized by the Internet, which must assigned by InterNIC).
T
What is TCAV?
TCAV refers to Trend ChipAway Virus. This is the only antivirus solution that's designed to ensure the entire boot process is virus-free. Trend patented JumpLoadingTM technology guards against boot virus threats early in the boot cycle, before they have a chance to load into your system, ensuring your computer boots to a clean operating system.
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What are the benefits of TCAV?
- Provides PC users a clean boot procedure and operating system
- Delivers a clean and safe environment from firmware level
- Detects all known and unknown boot virus actively
- Uses Rule-base virus trap; no need to update virus pattern file
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What is the difference between TCAV and other anti-virus software like PCCillin(R) and Norton(R) Anti-Virus?
TCAV is entirely different from the known anti-virus software like PCCillin(R) and Norton(R) Anti-virus.
TCAV is loaded from the BIOS level and aims to protect your system's boot sector.
Anti-virus software aims to protect your system, only after the system boots to the operating system. If your system's boot sector is infected with virus, you won't even be able to load the operating system.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This is the standard protocol for data transmission over the Internet.
U
What are the benefits of DMA?
- Significantly increases the overall system performance by letting CPU free from performing data transfer in a multi-task environment or large transfer single tasking environment
- Allows data transferred directly from the HDD to main memory without using very many CPU resources
- Free CPU from data transfer, allowing CPU to work on different tasks
- Especially effective in multi-tasking environment
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What are the benefits of Ultra DMA 33?
Except for the significant performance increase, the protocol provides other benefits.
- Saving CPU free from performing data transfer; thus CPU may can now concentrate on the calculation instead of data transferring
- Increasing efficiency of overall system performance; ups theoretical 16MB/sec ATA-2 to 33 MB/sec
- Refines existing signals on ATA when in DMA/33 mode; Requires no extra signal pins on the IDE connector
- Fully backward compatible with older ATA devices; controller and driver use correct protocol for each transfer
- Plug and play capable; drivers identify itself as Ultra DMA / 33 compatible
- Error checking; CRC checking with 16 bit CRC register checked on each burst
- Automatically scanning to ensure the recognition of all CD-ROMs
- Window NT 4.0 driver included
- No changes to mainboard layout are required
USB is co-developed by Intel, Compaq, NEC, DEC (Digital), IBM, Northern Telecom and Microsoft. It comes with 1.5Mbps and 12Mbps transfer rate and can support a maximum of 127 devices.
USB not only increase device transfer rate and bandwidth, it also support hot-plug which means a user can plug in a USB device even when the system is power on.
As USB transfer rate is faster compared to serial or parallel port, new device are starting built based on USB interface. USB 2.0 specification extend the transfer speed from 12Mbps to 480Mbps which is exactly 40 times of USB 1.0 or USB 1.1.
MircrSoft Windows 95/98 support USB interface which aid in the rise of USB product like LAN, keyboard, mouse, joystick, CD-ROM, FDD, printer, scanner, digital camera etc. These USB devices support PnP (plug n play) and Hot plug.
W
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), a security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP uses the RC4 encryption algorithm and aims to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it is protected as it is transmitted from one end point to another. However it has some known weaknesses in how the encryption is implemented.
What is Windows® CE?
Microsoft® Windows® CE is an open, scalable Windows® platform for a broad range of communications, entertainment and mobile-computing devices. The standards-based Windows® CE platform is an entirely new operating system built from the ground up to make possible new categories of business and consumer non-PC devices that can communicate with each other, share information with Windows® -based PCs, and connect to the Internet.
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Why did Microsoft® develop Windows® CE?
For the past few years, Microsoft® has outlined its vision of "Information At Your Fingertips", in which the idea of a personal computer on every desk and in every home evolved into one of computer-based devices in a variety of business and consumer environments. The Windows® CE is the result of a multiyear development effort to fulfill that vision. With Windows™ CE, Microsoft® is providing an open, standards-based platform that will significantly lower the hurdles for OEMs, hardware manufacturers, software developers, and, ultimately, customers to adopt new non-PC technologies and solutions.
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What new products is Microsoft® planning, or does Microsoft® envision, based on Windows® CE?
The first products based on Windows CE will be a new category of mobile companion devices for Windows® -based PCs called handheld PCs, or HPCs. HPCs are designed to provide the millions of mobile professionals using Windows® -based personal computers an affordable, easy-to-use, PC companion to carry their most important information when they are away from their PC.
WAP (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a security technology for wireless networks. The Wi-Fi Alliance put together WPA as a data encryption method for 802.11 wireless LANs. WPA is a pre-standard version of 802.11i, and provides a rather higher level of data security across wireless network than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA will serve until the 802.11i standard is ratified. It significantly increases the level data protection and access control for existing and future wireless LAN systems.