An ATAPI cabling method that uses a narrower and more reliable cable than the 80–conductor cable. See also parallel ATA.
startup BIOS
Part of system BIOS that is responsible for controlling the PC when it is first turned on. Startup BIOS gives control over to the OS once it is loaded.
video card
An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. Also called display adapter or graphics card.
S/PDIF
A sound port that connects to an external home theater audio system, providing digital output and the best signal quality.
system BIOS
BIOS located on the motherboard.
software
Computer programs, or instructions to perform a specific task. Software may be BIOS, OSs, or applications software such as a wordprocessing or spreadsheet program.
system board
See motherboard.
secondary storage
Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as a hard drive.
video memory
Memory used by the video controller. The memory might be contained on a video card or be part of system memory. When part of system memory, the memory is dedicated by Windows to video.
ROM
Chips that contain programming code and cannot be erased.
