User's Manual

readme file — A text file included with a software package or hardware product. Typically, readme files provide installation
information and describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet been documented.
read-Only — Data and/or files you can view but cannot edit or delete. A file can have read-only status if:
It resides on a physically write-protected floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
It is located on a network in a directory and the system administrator has assigned rights only to specific
individuals.
refresh rate — The frequency, measured in Hz, at which your screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also
referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video flicker can be seen by the human eye.
resolution — The sharpness and clarity of an image produced by a printer or displayed on a monitor. The higher the
resolution, the sharper the image.
RFI — radio frequency interference — Interference that is generated at typical radio frequencies, in the range of 10 kHz to
100,000 MHz. Radio frequencies are at the lower end of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum and are more likely to have
interference than the higher frequency radiations, such as infrared and light.
ROM — read-only memory — Memory that stores data and programs that cannot be deleted or written to by the computer.
ROM, unlike RAM, retains its contents after you shut down your computer. Some programs essential to the operation of your
computer reside in ROM.
RPM — revolutions per minute — The number of rotations that occur per minute. Hard drive speed is often measured in rpm.
RTC — real time clock — Battery-powered clock on the system board that keeps the date and time after you 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.
S
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.