User's Guide

shut down the computer.

RTCRST — real-time clock reset — A jumper on the system board of some computers that can often be used

for troubleshooting problems.

ScanDisk — A Microsoft utility that checks files, folders, and the hard disk's surface for errors. ScanDisk often

runs when you restart the computer after it has stopped responding.

SDRAM — synchronous dynamic random-access memory — A type of DRAM that is synchronized with the

optimal clock speed of the microprocessor.

serial connector — An I/O port often used to connect devices such as a handheld digital device or digital

camera to your computer.

Service Tag — A bar code label on your computer that identifies your computer when you access Dell

Support at support.dell.com or when you call Dell for customer service or technical support.

setup program — A program that is used to install and configure hardware and software. The setup.exe or

install.exe program comes with most Windows software packages. Setup program differs from system setup

program.

shortcut — An icon that provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, folders, and drives. When

you place a shortcut on your Windows desktop and double-click the icon, you can open its corresponding

folder or file without having to find it first. Shortcut icons do not change the location of files. If you delete a

shortcut, the original file is not affected. Also, you can rename a shortcut icon.

shutdown — The process of closing windows and exiting programs, exiting the operating system, and turning

off your computer. You can lose data if you turn off your computer before completing a shutdown.

smart card — A card that is embedded with a microprocessor and a memory chip. Smart cards can be used

to authenticate a user on computers equipped for smart cards.

software — Anything that can be stored electronically, such as computer files or programs.

S/PDIF — Sony/Philips Digital Interface — An audio transfer file format that allows the transfer of audio from

one file to another without converting it to and from an analog format, which could degrade the quality of the

file.

standby mode — A power management mode that shuts down all unnecessary computer operations to save

energy.

surge protectors — Prevent voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from

entering the computer through the electrical outlet. Surge protectors do not protect against lightning strikes

or against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC-line

voltage level.

Network connections cannot be protected by surge protectors. Always disconnect the network cable from the

network connector during electrical storms.

SVGA — super-video graphics array — A video standard for video cards and controllers. Typical SVGA

resolutions are 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768.

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