'> Glossary

address: Refers to a location within a computer system memory. The word location is a synonym. Reference is usually made to an address for the purpose of retrieving or storing information.
A RMS: Amperes root mean square. RMS is often used in power measurements for electronic equipment.
attachment unit interface (AUI) port: The port on the SPARCstation 10 system unit where the AUI adapter cable is connected.
board: See printed circuit board.
boot: To load the system software into memory and start the system running.
boot PROM: Refers to a specific PROM chip on the system board. This chip contains boot code and a Forth Monitor program. The boot PROM is connected to the I/O data bus.
boot PROM diagnostics: The diagnostic firmware contained in the boot PROM. These diagnostics include the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and on-board diagnostics.
buffer: The auxiliary data-storage device which holds data temporarily, and which may also perform other functions in conjunction with various I/O machines.
cables: Wires or bundles of wires configured with connectors at each end and used to connect two or more hardware devices.
cache: A mechanism for accelerating a microprocessor performance. A cache is a small, fast memory between the microprocessor and main memory. It quickens a microprocessor access time to main memory. It also stores the most recently used information (data, instructions, etc.), and provides such information again to the microprocessor more rapidly than could main memory.
card: See printed circuit board.
CPU: Central processing unit.
DMA: Direct Memory Access.
DRAM: Dynamic Random Access Memory.
DSIMM: DRAM Single Inline Memory Module. A small printed circuit card that contains dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips.
Ecache: External cache is a cache that is located external to the microprocessor. See cache.
Forth: A high-level programming language. A major feature of Forth is that user- defined operators can be used as if they are primitives.
Forth Toolkit: An interactive command interpreter based on the Forth programming language. While in the Toolkit, you will see the ok prompt. The Toolkit gives you access to an extensive set of functions for performing fault isolation and debugging.
frame buffer board: A printed circuit board installed in an SBus slot of the system unit that controls a video display.
IC: Integrated Circuit.
ID: Identification.
I/O: Input/Output. A device that inputs data to a computer CPU and receives data from a computer CPU. Examples of I/O devices include keyboards, mice, monitors and peripherals devices.
IU: Integer Unit.
LANCE: Local Area Network Controller for Ethernet.
LED: Light Emitting Diode.
Location: See address.
MBus module: A printed circuit board installed in an MBus slot of the system unit that contained the CPU circuitry and components.
Monitor 1): Indicated by the prompt. From the prompt, you can boot the system, continue the execution of a halted program, or enter the Forth Toolkit. If disaster happened to your operating system, the Monitor automatically starts.
Monitor 2): A video display unit that is part of the SPARCstation 10 system. It is not the same thing as a terminal.
MMU: Memory Management Unit.
NVRAM: Non-Volatile RAM.
On-Board Diagnostics: A test that allows you to test the control registers, the network controller, the diskette drive system, memory, the cache, the system clock, and watch the network for valid packets.
Pok: Power ok is a signal from the power supply, which is activated after DC voltages have risen.
POST: Power-On Self-Test. The POST runs when you turn on the system power switch or reboot the system and press and hold the L1-d keys. The POST, stored in the boot PROM, is a series of rudimentary tests designed to verify that the major components on the system board and the MBus modules installed in the system are working properly.
printed circuit board: Any board with electronic wiring etched on it.
PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory.
RAM: Random Access Memory.
ROM: Read Only Memory.
SBus card: A printed circuit board installed in an SBus slot of the system unit.
SCC: Serial Communications Controller.
SCSI: Small Computer System Interface; pronounced "scuzzy."
SIA: Serial Interface Adapter.
SunDiag System Exerciser: Diagnostic software that runs under SunOS system software; displays real-time use of system resources and peripheral equipment such as Desktop Storage Packs and External Storage Modules.
system Monitor: See Monitor 1) or 2).
terminal: A device that consists of a video display and keyboard that is used to type and display information. A terminal may be connected to either of the
RS-423/RS-232 serial interface ports on the back panel of the SPARCstation 10 system. It is not the same thing as a monitor.
TOD: Time of Day clock.
TPE: Twisted-pair Ethernet.
UART: Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter.
VSIMM: Video Single Inline Memory Module. A small printed circuit card that contains dynamic random access memory (VRAM) chips. The first VSIMM in the system uses the 13W3 monitor connector on the back panel of the system. To install a second VSIMM, an auxiliary video board (containing a 13W3 connector on the back of the board) must be installed.
wrist strap: A device that provides grounding for static electricity between your body and the system unit chassis. Electric current and voltage do not pass through the wrist strap.