User`s guide

CMOS

Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A low-power

silicon chip used for RAM and switching operations. CMOS is

backed up by a battery.

Controller

A processor, interface, port, or adapter that translates data

between the CPU and a peripheral device, such as a hard disk,

diskette drive, keyboard, or video monitor. Controllers convert

data from one format to another, match speeds between

devices that operate at different speeds, and perform other

functions.

CPU

Central Processing Unit. The primary device that interprets

instructions, performs tasks, keeps track of stored data, and

controls input and output operations. See also Processor.

Device

A piece of computer equipment that performs a specific task,

such as a disk drive, a monitor, a printer, or a scanner. Also

called a peripheral.

Device driver

A file containing instructions that allow your computer to

recognize and communicate with a device. The device may be a

printer, monitor, or other type of device.

DIP

Dual Inline Package. A type of chip that has two rows of

downward-pointing pins.

Glossary