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Explanatory Dictionary - RST





RAID - Redundant Array of Independant Disks

RAID refers to a hard disk technology which can be used to speed up data transfer and/or provide disk redundancy through disk system fault tolerance.

RAID provides these features by utilising more than one hard disk at a time, there are several variations of a RAID configuration referred to as levels.

Each of these levels provide different performance and/or fault tolerance benefits.

RAID configurations are commonly found in data critical applications.

RAM - Random Access Memory

This is the main memory in your computer, this is where the computer stores the data it needs when you are using a program. RAM gets its name from the ability to allow the system to access any data stored in the memory in any location at any time. This memory is often referred to as Volatile (power dependent). i.e. when the power is isolated the data is lost. RAM comes in many different packages and there are many different types of RAM all designed to be compatible with a certain system.

ROM - Read Only Memory

ROM refers to a type of memory storage which is non-volatile (not power dependant).

It can not be changed using normal methods i.e written to like RAM.

ROMS are widely used for any application that requires data to be stored permanently and/or without a constant supply of power.

Router - Network Router

A router is placed at a junction between two or more networks/segments, each network/segment can be using a different topology or protocol.

The router will intercept and forward any data packets passing through, most routers can be set up to block certain types of data packets which can be useful for security reasons.

The destination address of the data packet needs to be included within the header information, routers don't propogate broadcasts/multicasts.

The router will then decide the best route for transferring the data packet to its destination by interrogating a routing table which is either static or dynamically generated.

SATA - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment

Refers to an interface type used for data storage devices.

The SATA interconnect is a serial implementation of the parallel Ultra ATA interface used to connect storage devices such as hard drives & optical drives to a PC's motherboard (host system).

The SATA technology starts at a data transfer rate of 150MB/sec, with plans already in place to take it up to 600MB/sec.

SCSI - Small Computer System Interface

A standard for connecting multiple devices such as hard drives, cd roms, floppy drives, etc, it enables the connection of more devices than its counterpart IDE and normally faster, but the drives tend to carry a bigger price tag.

SCSI was originally developed by Shugart Associates and was originally called SASI (Shugart Associates System Interface) before it became standardised.

SDRAM - Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory

Refers to a type of memory (DRAM) that can sychronise itself with the processor's bus speed, and can run at much higher speeds than it's EDO counterpart.

Shareware - software

A type of software that is not commercial and normally requires a registration payment to the author, there is normally a trial period.

SIMM - Single Inline Memory Module

SIMM refers to a type of memory module commonly used in older PCs, they commonly come in 30-pin and 72-pin packages.

SIMMS are 32-bit memory modules which has made them less popular since the advent of 64-bit processors.

As SIMMS have a 32-bit data path they have to be doubled up when installed in a system with a 64-bit processor unlike DIMMS.

SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

An SMTP server allows you to send emails which have been written within your email client program such as Outlook or Netscape Messenger, this allows you to write your emails offline and then connect for a few seconds to send them. Most email providers supply an SMTP server through which you can send your emails.

Soundcard - Sound Card

This is an internal device which controls and produces any sounds including music that your PC makes.

Sound cards come with various specifications, for example some have more inputs/outputs than others allowing for 5.1 surround sound etc, others have a higher sampling frequency to give better sound recording.

Sound cards can also come built-in to motherboards (mainboards), although the built-in cards are usually sufficient for most uses they can be lacking in quality and features if you intend to record or create digital music or sounds.

SPAM - SPAM Email

SPAM can come in a variety of forms, although the most common is unsolicited commercial email, SPAM emails can be very annoying and can clog up your inbox.

SSL - Secure Sockets Layer

A protocol developed by Netscape to transfer information via the Internet securely. Web sites use this encryption to allow users to enter credit card numbers and other confidential information, normally you will see the padlock in your browser lock and the URL will begin HTTPS as opposed to HTTP.

SVGA - Super Video Graphics Array

A standard for monitors and graphic cards developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) which supports resolutions of up to 800x600 Pixels and up to 16 Million Colours.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

A collection of protocols (rules) that depict how data is transferred across networks between computer systems.

Terabyte - TB

This is commonly used to describe the capacity of a digital system.

A Terabyte is 1,099,511,627,776 bytes (2 to the 40th power).

TFT - Thin Film Transistor

A type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) used in the screen of laptops/notebooks, with 1 to 4 transistors defining one pixel on-screen.

TIFF - Tagged Image File Format

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) refers to a type of image format developed by Aldus and Microsoft that is commonly used within computing.

TIFF files are basically Bitmap images, they are not restricted in resolution and can be black and white, grey scale or full colour.

Most (if not all) image editing software can support the TIFF format, TIFF files typically have the .tif or .tiff file extension.

TTL - Transistor Transistor Logic

A term used to describe the method of creating logical gates using 2 transistors. TTL also refers to a series of Integrated Circuits. One of the benefits of using TTL circuits over CMOS circuits is the fact that they are not easily damaged by static unlike CMOS devices, however, CMOS has a lower power consumption and is generally better for use in integrated systems.