Glossary 203L1 cache — Primary cache stored inside the processor.L2 cache — Secondary cache which can either be external to the processor orincorporated into the processor architecture.carnet — An international customs document that facilitates temporary imports intoforeign countries. Also known as a merchandise passport.CD-R — CD recordable — A recordable version of a CD. Data can be recorded onlyonce onto a CD-R. Once recorded, the data cannot be erased or written over.CD-RW — CD rewritable — A rewritable version of a CD. Data can be written to aCD-RW disc, and then erased and written over (rewritten).CD-RW drive — A drive that can read CDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs)and CD-R (recordable CDs) discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, butyou can write to CD-R discs only once.CD-RW/DVD drive — A drive, sometimes referred to as a combo drive, that can readCDs and DVDs and write to CD-RW (rewritable CDs) and CD-R (recordable CDs)discs. You can write to CD-RW discs multiple times, but you can write to CD-R discsonly once.clock speed — The speed, given in MHz, that indicates how fast computercomponents that are connected to the system bus operate.CMOS — A type of electronic circuit. Computers use a small amount of battery-powered CMOS memory to hold date, time, and system setup options.COA — Certificate of Authenticity — The Windows alpha-numeric code located on asticker on your computer. Also referred to as the Product Key orProduct ID.Control Panel — A Windows utility that allows you to modify operating system andhardware settings, such as display settings.controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor andmemory or between the processor and devices.CRIMM — continuity rambus in-line memory module — A special module that hasno memory chips and is used to fill unused RIMM slots.cursor — The marker on a display or screen that shows where the next keyboard, touchpad, or mouse action will occur. It often is a blinking solid line, an underline character,or a small arrow.book.book Page 203 Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:29 AM
