Glossary



account The means by which you access the system and the space assigned for your files and directories. address 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.
attachment unit interface (AUI) port
The port on the SPARCstation 10 system unit where the AUI adapter cable is connected. attachment unit interface (AUI) adapter cable An optional cable that connects to the system attachment unit interface (AUI) port. It terminates with two connectors: a 26-pin micro-D connector that is used to connect to the SpeakerBox and other audio devices; and a 15-pin D connector that is used to connect the system unit to a thick Ethernet cable. backup The process of making a copy of files on a diskette or tape. backup copy A duplicate copy of files. board See printed circuit board. In the SPARCstation 10 system, a board occupies one or more SBus slots. boot To load the system software into memory and start it running. cables Wires or bundles of wires configured with connectors at each end and used to connect two or more hardware devices. card See printed circuit board. cartridge tape Quarter-inch (6.35 mm) magnetic tape used in the tape drive of the Desktop Backup Pack and External Storage Module to read and write data. client A system on a network that relies on another system (called a server) for resources. DCE Data Communications Equipment. Modems are a good example of DCE. Any equipment that connects to DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) using an RS232 or CCITT V.24 standard interface. default A preset value that is assumed to be correct unless changed by the user.
Desktop Storage Module
An external data storage that contains a disk drive or a tape drive.
Desktop Storage Pack
An external data storage unit that contains a disk drive (Desktop Disk Pack), a tape drive (Desktop Backup Pack), or a compact disc drive (Desktop SunCD Pack) and that can be connected to a SPARCstation 10 system. disk A round platter, or set of platters, coated with magnetic medium and organized into concentric tracks for storing data. disk drive The mechanism that rotates a disk. diskette A removable disk of magnetic medium for storing software and information. The outer jacket of the diskette is made of firm plastic that measures 3.5 inches (88.9 millimeters) across. diskette drive A device that reads and writes diskettes. If installed, the diskette drive access is located on the right side of the SPARCstation 10 system unit.
DSIMM
A small printed circuit card that contains dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips. The acronymn "DSIMM" stands for dynamic random access memory single inline memory module. DTE Data Terminal Equipment. Typically, DTE includes terminals, personal computers, and workstations. The SPARCstation 10 is a DTE device. DTR Data Terminal Ready. DTR is the name of a circuit used to control the switching of data communication equipment to the communication channel. When DTR is in the on condition, the circuit prepares the data communication equipment to be connected to the communication channel and maintains the connection established. When DTR is in the off condition, the data communication equipment is removed from the communication channel following completion of any transmission that is already in progress. Ethernet A type of network hardware that allows communication between systems connected directly together by transceiver taps, transceiver cables, and a coaxial cable. Also implemented using twisted-pair telecommunications wire and cable. Ethernet address A unique number assigned to each system when it is manufactured. The Ethernet address of your system is displayed on the banner screen that appears when you power-on the SPARCstation 10 system. External Storage Module An external unit that contains disk/tape drives and that can be connected to a SPARCstation 10 system. Abbreviated as ESM. formatting Preparing a diskette or hard disk so that information can be stored on it. frame buffer The printed circuit board for controlling video display that is installed in an SBus slot of the system unit. hostname A name that you (or your system administrator) assign to your system unit to uniquely identify it to the Sun operating system (and also to the network). hung system A system that does not respond to input from the keyboard or mouse.
integrated services digital network (ISDN)
A technical standard that provides for fully digital transmission and reception of data, and fully digital end-to-end connectivity of telecommunications devices across a public network. keyboard Input device for entering information by typing. keyboard port The port on the SPARCstation 10 system unit where the keyboard cable is connected. laser printer A high-speed, high-resolution printer that uses laser technology to produce computer output on paper. log in The process of gaining access to a system by entering a username and, optionally, a password. log out The process of exiting from a system. modem A device that enables a computer or terminal to establish a connection with another computer or terminal and to communicate data through telephone lines. modem cable A cable that physically connects a modem or some other device to a SPARCstation 10 serial port. The modem cable is wired "straight through." See also null modem cable. monitor A video display unit that is part of the SPARCstation 10 system. Not the same as a terminal. mouse A hand-held device that controls the position of a pointer on the screen. mouse button One of three buttons on the mouse that you press to perform an operation. mouse pad A thin pad that is used as a surface for positioning the mouse. network A collection of at least two systems that are connected together by an Ethernet cable. network address A unique number assigned to each system on a network, consisting of the network number and the system number. Also known as Internet address. null modem cable A cable used to connect a printer, terminal, or some other device to the SPARCstation 10 system. Unlike the modem cable, the null modem cable is not wired "straight through"; some wires are crossed or jumpered to change the flow of data in a particular way. password A character string that is associated with a user name. Provides security for a user account. The SPARCstation 10 system requires you to type a password when you log into your system so that no unauthorized person can use your system. printed circuit board Any board with electronic wiring etched on it. printer A physical device that takes electronic signals, interprets them, and prints them on paper. SCSI Small Computer System Interface; pronounced "scuzzy." SCSI cable A cable that connects the Desktop Storage Packs, External Storage Module, or External Expansion Module to the SCSI port of the SPARCstation 3 system unit. SCSI port The ports on the Desktop Disk Pack, Desktop Backup Pack, External Storage Module, External Expansion Module, and SPARCstation 10 system unit where the SCSI cable is connected. SCSI terminator A device that terminates the signal coming through an unused SCSI port. serial interface Y-cable The SPARCstation 10 system has two serial ports located on the two terminations of its optional serial interface Y-cable. server A system that is on a network and provides resources to other systems. single system A system that is used by itself and not connected to a computer network. slot An electronic connection and long, narrow groove or opening in the system unit designed to receive a module or a printed circuit board (such as a SIMM or a frame buffer board). Sun operating system (SunOS) Software that allows you to control the resources of your system: hardware, programs, data, and user access. Sun windowing system The windowing screen, such as OpenWindows, a background screen containing a menu for access to files and applications. Refers to both the background screen and the objects on it, such as icons and individual windows. superuser A user with full access privileges on a system, unlike a regular user whose access to files and accounts is limited. system Any computer that allows you to run programs or applications. In this book, it is used to mean the SPARCstation 10 system unit together with the Sun operating system and peripheral hardware devices. system unit The enclosure containing the system memory, central processing unit, hard disk, diskette drive, and frame buffer. tape drive A drive that reads information from and writes information to a cartridge tape. The tape drive is located in the optional Desktop Tape Pack, Desktop Storage Module, or External Storage Module. terminal A device that consists of a video display and keyboard that you use to type and display information. A terminal may be connected to either the serial interface connector on the back panel of the SPARCstation 10 system or to port A on the optional serial interface Y-cable (that is in turn connected to the back panel serial interface connector). Not the same as a monitor. user name A combination of letters, and possibly numbers, that identifies a user to the system.