86
Appendix
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU, sometimes called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the computer. It interprets
and executes program commands and processes data stored in memory.
Device Driver
A device driver is a special set of instructions that allows the computer’s operating system to commu-
nicate with devices such as VGA, audio, Ethernet, printer, or modem.
Hardware
Hardware is a general term referring to the physical components of a computer system, including pe-
ripherals such as printers, modems, and pointing devices.
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)
IDE devices integrate the drive control circuitry directly on the drive itself, eliminating the need for a
separate adapter card (in the case for SCSI devices). UltraDMA/33 IDE devices can achieve up to
33MB/Sec transfer.
LPT Port (Line Printer Port)
Logical device name reserved by DOS for the computer parallel ports. Each LPT port is configured to
use a different IRQ and address assignment.
MMX
A set of 57 new instructions based on a technique called Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD),
which is built into the new Intel Pentium PP/MT (P55C) and Pentium II (Klamath) CPU as well as
other x86-compatible microprocessors. The MMX instructions are designed to accelerate multimedia
and communications applications, such as 3D video, 3D sound, video conference.
North Bridge
The CPU to PCI interface, also contains the memory and cache controllers.
PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Local Bus)
PCI bus is a specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface. PCI is a standard widely used by
expansion card manufacturers.
Peripherals
Peripherals are devices attached to the computer via I/O ports. Peripheral devices allow your computer
to perform an almost limitless variety of specialized tasks.
POST (Power On Self Test)
When you turn on the computer, it will first run through the POST, a series of software-controlled
diagnostic tests. The POST checks system memory, the motherboard circuitry, the display, the key-
board, the diskette drive, and other I/O devices.