MSI G52-MA00362 User Manual

A-2

A set of hardware lines within the computer system, through which the

data is transferred among different components.  In a PC, the term bus

usually refers to a local bus that connects the internal components to the

CPU and main memory.

A special memory subsystem that is used to speed up the data traffer.  It

stores the contents of frequently accessed RAM locations and the ad-

dresses where these data items are stored.

A collection of integrated chips designed to perform one or more related

functions.  For example, a modem chipset contains all the primary cir-

cuits for transmitting and receiving data; a PC chipset provides the elec-

tronic interfaces between all subsystems.

CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)

CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor, which features high speed

and low power consumption.  PCs usually contain a small amount of

battery-powered CMOS memory to retain the date, time, and system setup

parameters.

In MS-DOS system, the name of a serial communications port.  DOS

supports four serial ports.  For example, if a modem is connected to one

serial port and a serial mouse to another, they are identified as COM1

and COM2.

DIMM (dual in-line memory module)

A small circuit board that holds memory chips.  A SIMM (single in-line

memory module) has a 32-bit path to the memory chips whereas a DIMM

has 64-bit path.