All-Products Esuprt Ser Stor Net Esuprt Poweredge Poweredge-830 User's Guide10 En-Us
All-Products Esuprt Ser Stor Net Esuprt Poweredge Poweredge-830 User's Guide10 En-Us
System Overview
Using the System Setup Program
Technical Specifications
Glossary
Model MVT01
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  Technical Specifications
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 830 Systems User's Guide
Processor
or
Internal cache
Expansion Bus
Expansion slots
       PCI-X                                Two full-height, full-length 3.3-V, 64-bit, 133-MHz
One 3.3-V, x8
Memory
Maximum RAM 8 GB
Drives
Connectors
Externally accessible
Back
Front
Video
Video memory 16 MB
Power
Battery
        System battery                               CR 2032 3.0-V lithium ion coin cell
Physical
Environmental
NOTE: For additional information about environmental measurements for specific system configurations, see
www.dell.com/environmental_datasheets.
Temperature
Relative humidity
Maximum vibration
        Operating                                    0.25 G (half-sine wave) at a sweep of 3 to 200 MHz
                                                     for 15 minutes
Maximum shock
        Operating                                    Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the
                                                     positive and negative x, y, and z axes (one pulse on
                                                     each side of the system) of 36 G for up to 2.6 ms
Altitude
  System Overview
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 830 Systems User's Guide
This section describes the major hardware and software features of your system and provides information about the indicators on the system's front and back
panels. It also provides information about other documents you may need when setting up your system and how to obtain technical assistance.
Blue system                   The blue system status indicator lights during normal system operation.
status indicator
Amber system                  The amber system status indicator flashes when the system needs attention due to a problem with power supplies, fans, system
status indicator              temperature, or hot-plug hard drives.
                              NOTE: If the system is connected to AC power and an error has been detected, the amber system status indicator flashes
                              regardless of whether the system has been powered on.
Power button, The power button turns system power off and on.
Power-on
indicator
                              NOTICE: If you turn off the system using the power button and the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the
                              system can perform an orderly shutdown before power is turned off. If the power button is pressed for more than 4 seconds, the
                              system power will turn off regardless of the current operating system state. If the system is not running an ACPI-compliant
                              operating system, power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed.
                              The power button is enabled in the System Setup program. When disabled, the button can only turn the system power on. For
                              more information, see "Using the System Setup Program" and the operating system's documentation.
The power-on indicator lights or blinks to indicate the status of power to the system.
                              The power-on indicator lights when the system is on. The indicator is off when the system is off and power is disconnected from
                              the system. The indicator blinks when the system is on but in standby state, or when the system is off but is still connected to
                              the power source.
                              To exit from the standby state, briefly press the power button or click or move the mouse.
Hard-drive                   Flashes when data is being read from or written to the internal SATA hard drives that are connected to the integrated controller.
activity indicator
Activity    Flashing amber indicates that network data is being sent or            When off at the same time that the link indicator is off, the NIC is not
            received.                                                              connected to the network.
Link        Steady green indicates that the NIC is connected to a valid link       When off at the same time that the activity indicator is off, the NIC is not
            partner on the network.                                                connected to the network.
   l    Most devices must be connected to a specific connector and device drivers must be installed before the device operates properly. (Device drivers are
       normally included with your operating system software or with the device itself.) See the documentation that accompanied the device for specific
       installation and configuration instructions.
   l    Always attach external devices while your system is turned off. Next, turn on any external devices before turning on the system (unless the
       documentation for the device specifies otherwise).
For information about individual connectors, see your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide. For information about enabling, disabling, and configuring I/O ports
and connectors, see "Using the System Setup Program."
 System Features
   l   One of the following processors:
          ¡    Intel® Celeron® processor with an internal operating speed of at least 2.53 GHz, internal cache of 256 KB, and a front-side bus speed of at least
              533 MHz.
          ¡    Intel Pentium® 4 processor with an internal operating speed of at least 2.8 GHz, internal cache of at least 1 MB, and a front-side bus speed of at
              least 800 MHz.
NOTE: Use the System Setup program to view processor information. See "Using the System Setup Program."
   l    A minimum of 256 MB of 533-MHz DDR 2 SDRAM memory, upgradable to a maximum of 8 GB by installing combinations of 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB
       unbuffered ECC memory modules in the four memory module sockets on the system board.
          ¡    Up to four internal, 1-inch-high, SATA hard drives with the integrated drive controller, or up to four SATA hard drives with the optional SATA RAID
              controller card.
or
¡ Up to four internal, 1-inch-high, hot-pluggable (optional) SCSI hard drives with a SCSI controller card or SCSI RAID controller card.
   l    One 3.5-inch peripheral drive bay for the diskette drive, and two 5.25-inch bays for any combination of the following supported drives: CD, DVD,
       combination CD-RW/DVD, or tape backup unit.
l Support for hardware RAID using an optional SATA or SCSI RAID controller card.
l Support for external storage systems using an optional RAID controller card.
l Chassis intrusion alarm and a bezel lock that prevents access to the hard drives.
   l    Single integrated drive controller that supports up to four SATA hard drives and one IDE CD, DVD, or CD-RW/DVD combination drive, and an IDE tape
       backup unit.
   l   Five PCI slots: one PCI Express x1 (3.3 V) slot, one PCI Express x8 (3.3 V) slot, two 64-bit, 133-MHz PCI-X (3.3 V) slots, and one 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI (5
       V) slot.
l An integrated Gigabit Ethernet NIC, capable of supporting 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps data rates, with support for PXE and Wake-on-LAN.
   l   Four USB 2.0-compliant connectors (two on the front and two on the back) capable of supporting a diskette drive, a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard, a
       mouse, or a USB flash drive.
   l    An integrated XGI XG20 VGA video controller. This video subsystem has 16 MB of VRAM (nonupgradable). True-color graphics are supported in the
       following resolutions: 640 x 480, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024, and 1600 x 1200.
   l    Systems management circuitry that monitors critical system voltages and fan speeds. The systems management circuitry works in conjunction with the
       systems management software.
l Back-panel connectors include mouse, keyboard, serial, video, two USB connectors, and a NIC connector.
   l   A System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing system configuration information. For more information on this program, see "Using the
       System Setup Program."
l Enhanced security features, including a system password and a setup password, available through the System Setup program.
   l   System diagnostics for evaluating system components and devices. For information about using the system diagnostics, see "Running the System
       Diagnostics" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
l Video drivers for displaying many popular application programs in high-resolution modes.
   l    SATA or SCSI device drivers that allow the operating system to communicate with devices attached to the integrated SATA or SCSI subsystem. For more
       information about these drivers, see "Installing Drives" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
   l   Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 Standard Edition, and Small Business Server Standard Edition (Service Pack 1 or later)
   l    Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
l Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES (version 4) for Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T)
l PDU — Uses circuit breakers to ensure that the AC current load does not exceed the PDU's rating.
   l    Surge protector — Prevents voltage spikes, such as those that may occur during an electrical storm, from entering the system through the electrical
       outlet. They do not protect against brownouts, which occur when the voltage drops more than 20 percent below the normal AC line voltage level.
   l    Line conditioner — Maintains a system's AC power source voltage at a moderately constant level and provides protection from brownouts, but does not
       protect against a complete power loss.
   l    UPS — Uses battery power to keep the system running when AC power is unavailable. The battery is charged by AC power while it is available so that
       after AC power is lost, the battery can provide power to the system for a limited amount of time—from 5 minutes to approximately an hour. A UPS that
       provides only 5 minutes of battery power allows you to save your files and to shut down the system. Use surge protectors and PDUs with all universal
       power supplies, and ensure that the UPS is UL-safety approved.
       The Product Information Guide provides important safety and regulatory information. Warranty information may be included within this document or as a
       separate document.
l The Getting Started Guide provides an overview of initially setting up your system.
l The Installation and Troubleshooting Guide describes how to troubleshoot the system and install or replace system components.
l CDs included with your system provide documentation and tools for configuring and managing your system.
l Systems management software documentation describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of the software.
l Operating system documentation describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.
l Documentation for any components you purchased separately provides information to configure and install these options.
l Updates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system, software, and/or documentation.
NOTE: Always check for updates on support.dell.com and read the updates first because they often supersede information in other documents.
   l    Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference material
       intended for experienced users or technicians.
Dell Enterprise Training and Certification is available; see www.dell.com/training for more information. This service may not be offered in all locations.
After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Record the
information for future reference.
l Change the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware
<F2> = Setup
If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.
NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.
NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.
Keys Action
Spacebar, <+>, <–>, left and right arrows Cycles through the settings in a field. In some fields, you can also type the appropriate value.
<Esc>                                          Exits the System Setup program and restarts the system if any changes were made.
NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system.
Main Screen
When you enter the System Setup program, the main System Setup program screen appears (see Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1. Main System Setup Program Screen
Table 2-2 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the main System Setup program screen.
NOTE: The options for the System Setup program change based on the system configuration.
NOTE: The System Setup program defaults are listed under their respective options, where applicable.
Option Description
Diskette Drive A:   Displays a screen that allows you to select the type of diskette drive for your system.
System Memory       Displays the amount of system memory. This option does not have user-selectable settings.
Video Memory        Displays the amount of video memory. This option does not have user-selectable settings.
System Memory       Determines if memory is being tested during POST.
Testing
(Enabled)
OS Install Mode     Determines the maximum amount of memory available to the operating system. On sets the maximum memory to 256 MB. Off makes all
(Off default)       of the system memory available to the operating system. Some operating systems cannot install with more than 2 GB of system memory.
                    Enable this option (On) during operating system installation and disable (Off) after installation.
CPU Information     See "CPU Information Screen."
IDE Primary Drive   Enables (Auto) or disables (Off) the IDE device in Drive 0 (optical drive).
0
(Auto)
IDE Primary Drive   Enables (Auto) or disables (Off) the IDE device in Drive 1 (tape backup unit).
1
(Off)
SATA Port (0 – 3)   Enables (Auto) or disables (Off) the SATA hard drive in Port 0.
(Auto)
Boot Sequence       Determines the order in which the system searches for boot devices during system startup. Available options can include the diskette
                    drive, CD drive, hard drives, and network.
(Diskette Drive)
Hard-Disk Drive     Determines the order in which the system searches the hard drives during system startup. The selections depend on the hard drives
Sequence            installed in your system.
USB Flash Drive     Determines the emulation type for a USB flash drive. Hard disk allows the USB flash drive to act as a hard drive. Floppy allows the USB
Emulation Type      flash drive to act as a removal diskette drive. Auto automatically chooses an emulation type.
(Auto default)
Integrated            See "Integrated Devices Screen."
Devices
PCI IRQ               Displays a screen to change the IRQ assigned to each of the integrated devices on the PCI bus, and any installed expansion cards that
Assignment            require an IRQ.
Console               See "Console Redirection Screen."
Redirection
System Security       Displays a screen to configure the system password and setup password features. See "Using the System Password" and "Using the
                      Setup Password" for more information.
Keyboard              Determines whether your system starts up with the NumLock mode activated on 101- or 102-key keyboards (does not apply to 84-key
NumLock               keyboards).
(On default)
Report Keyboard       Enables or disables reporting of keyboard errors during the POST. Select Report for host systems that have keyboards attached. Select
Errors                Do Not Report to suppress all error messages relating to the keyboard or keyboard controller during POST. This setting does not affect
(Report default)      the operation of the keyboard itself if a keyboard is attached to the system.
Asset Tag Displays the customer-programmable asset tag number for the system if an asset tag number has been assigned.
Option Description
Demand-Based Power         When set to Enabled, the CPU Performance State Tables are reported to the operating system. When set to Disabled, the
Management                 Performance State Tables are not reported to the operating system.
(Disabled default)
                           If the processor does not support Demand-Based Power Management, this field is read-only.
Processor 1 ID             Displays the family and model number of each processor.
64-bit Technology Specifies if the installed processor supports Intel® 64-bit extensions.
Option                Description
Diskette Controller   Enables or disables the system's diskette drive controller. When Auto is selected, the system turns off the controller when necessary to
(Auto default)        accommodate a controller card installed in an expansion slot. You can also configure the drive as read-only. When using the read-only
                      setting, the drive cannot be used to write to a disk.
IDE Controller        Enables the integrated IDE controller. When set to Auto, each channel of the integrated IDE controller is enabled if IDE devices are
(Auto default)        attached to the channel and the external IDE controller is not detected.
SATA Controller       Allows the integrated SATA controller to be set to Off or ATA Mode. Off disables the SATA subsystem. ATA Mode sets the SATA
(ATA default)         subsystem to Native IDE mode.
USB Controller        Enables or disables the system's USB ports. Options are On with BIOS support, On without BIOS support, or Off. Disabling the USB
(On with BIOS         ports makes system resources available for other devices.
support default)
Embedded Gb NIC Enables or disables the system's integrated NIC. Options are Enabled without PXE, Enabled with PXE, and Disabled. PXE support
(Enabled with PXE allows the system to boot from the network. Changes take effect after the system reboots.
default)
MAC Address           Displays the MAC address for the integrated 10/100/1000 NIC. This field does not have user-selectable settings.
Serial Port           Serial Port 1 options are COM1, COM3, BMC Serial, BMC NIC, and Off. If an optional remote access controller (RAC) is installed in the
(COM1 default)        system, RAC is an additional option.
                      Serial port 1 shares three usage models. For standard usage, serial port 1 attempts to use COM1 first, and then COM3. For BMC usage,
                      serial port 1 uses the COM1 address and communication can be either via the Serial port or the integrated shared NIC. RAC control uses
                      only the COM1 address.
NOTE: Off and COM3 are not available options when Console Redirection is set to use Serial Port 1.
Option          Description
System          Displays the current status of your system's password security feature and allows you to assign and verify a new system password.
Password
                NOTE: See "Using the System Password" for instructions on assigning a system password and using or changing an existing system
                password.
Setup           Restricts access to the System Setup program in the same way that you restrict access to your system using the system password feature.
Password
                NOTE: See "Using the Setup Password" for instructions on assigning a setup password and using or changing an existing setup password.
Password        Setting the Setup Password option to Enabled prevents the system password from being changed or disabled at system start-up.
Status
                To lock the system password, assign a setup password in the Setup Password option and then change the Password Status option to
                Locked. In this state, you cannot change the system password using the System Password option and cannot be disabled at system start
                up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>.
                To unlock the system password, enter the setup password in the Setup Password field and then change the Password Status option to
                Unlocked. In this state, you can disable the system password at system start up by pressing <Ctrl><Enter> and then change the password
                using the System Password option.
The button is enabled in the System Setup program. When disabled, the button can only turn on system power.
AC Power       Determines how the system reacts when power is restored to the system. If system is set to Last, the system returns to the last power
Recovery       state. On turns on the system after power is restored. When set to Off, the system remains off after power is restored.
(Last default)
Option Description
Console Redirection         Sets the console redirection feature to Serial Port 1 or Off.
(Off default)
Failsafe Baud Rate          Displays if the failsafe baud rate is used for console redirection.
(11520 default)
Redirection After Boot      Enables or disables console redirection after your system restarts.
(Enabled default)
Exit Screen
After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following options:
l Return to Setup
       NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended without having a system password
       assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting.
Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password
protection.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"). If you forget your
password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password jumper
setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is
Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system
password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the
System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
       The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system
       beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
            NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to
            completing step 5.
4. Press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
6. Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.
       NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password"), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system
       password.
When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.
When the Password Status option is set to Locked whenever you turn on your system or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your
password and press <Enter> at the prompt.
After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.
If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password. You have three attempts to enter the
correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that the
system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the correct password is entered.
       NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup Password options to further protect your system
       from unauthorized changes.
If you are asked to enter your setup password, contact your network administrator.
3. Select the System Security screen field to verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
5. Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option.
       If Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, the system password has been deleted. If Enabled is displayed for the System Password
       option, press the <Alt><b> key combination to restart the system, and then repeat steps 2 through 5.
You can assign (or change) a setup password only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup
Password option and press the <+> or <–> key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the
system beeps.
       NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two passwords are different, the setup password can be used as an
       alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the setup password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps.
To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you
for the setup password.
A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required).
If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify most of the System Setup options. When you start
the System Setup program, the program prompts you to enter a password.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify, the System Setup screens—with the following exception:
If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot
disable or change an existing system password).
       NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized
       changes.
  1.    Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.
  2.    Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press <Enter> twice to clear the existing setup
        password.
3. If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in "Assigning a Setup Password."
l Provides text console redirection for system setup, text-based utilities, and operating system consoles
NOTE: To remotely access the BMC through the integrated NIC, you must connect the network connection to integrated NIC1. See Figure 1-3.
For additional information on using BMC, see the documentation for the BMC and systems management applications.
If your operating system begins to load before you press <Crtl-E>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.
  Glossary
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 830 Systems User's Guide
This section defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in your system documents.
A — Ampere(s).
AC — Alternating current.
ACPI — Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A standard interface for enabling the operating system to direct configuration and power
management.
ambient temperature — The temperature of the area or room where the system is located.
ANSI — American National Standards Institute. The primary organization for developing technology standards in the U.S.
application — Software designed to help you perform a specific task or series of tasks. Applications run from the operating system.
ASCII — American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
asset tag — An individual code assigned to a system, usually by an administrator, for security or tracking purposes.
backup — A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, back up your system's hard drive on a regular basis. Before making a change to the
configuration of your system, back up important start-up files from your operating system.
backup battery — A battery that maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.
beep code — A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your system's speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and
then a burst of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.
BIOS — Basic input/output system. Your system's BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:
blade — A module that contains a processor, memory, and a hard drive. The modules are mounted into a chassis that includes power supplies and fans.
BMC — Baseboard management controller.
boot routine — A program that clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system when you start your system. Unless the operating
system fails to respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>. Otherwise, you must restart the system by
pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then back on.
bootable diskette — A diskette that is used to start your system if the system will not boot from the hard drive.
BTU — British thermal unit.
bus — An information pathway between the components of a system. Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to communicate
with controllers for the peripheral devices connected to the system. Your system also contains an address bus and a data bus for communications between
the processor and RAM.
C — Celsius.
cache — A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quick data retrieval. When a program makes a request to a disk drive for data that
is in the cache, the disk-cache utility can retrieve the data from RAM faster than from the disk drive.
CD — Compact disc. CD drives use optical technology to read data from CDs.
cm — Centimeter(s).
control panel — The part of the system that contains indicators and controls, such as the power button and power indicator.
controller — A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and a peripheral.
conventional memory — The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all systems. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS® programs are
limited to running in conventional memory.
coprocessor — A chip that relieves the system's processor of specific processing tasks. A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing.
CPU — Central processing unit. See processor.
DC — Direct current.
DDR — Double-data rate. A technology in memory modules that potentially doubles the output.
device driver — A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a peripheral. Some device drivers—such as
network drivers—must be loaded from the config.sys file or as memory-resident programs (usually, from the autoexec.bat file). Others must load when you
start the program for which they were designed.
DHCP — Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A method of automatically assigning an IP address to a client system.
DMA — Direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.
DMI — Desktop Management Interface. DMI enables the management of your system's software and hardware by collecting information about the system's
components, such as the operating system, memory, peripherals, expansion cards, and asset tag.
DNS — Domain Name System. A method of translating Internet domain names, such as www.dell.com, into IP addresses, such as 143.166.83.200.
DRAM — Dynamic random-access memory. A system's RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips.
ERA — Embedded remote access. ERA allows you to perform remote, or "out-of-band," server management on your network server using a remote access
controller.
expansion bus — Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to communicate with controllers for peripherals, such as NICs.
expansion card — An add-in card, such as a NIC or SCSI adapter, that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the system board. An expansion card adds
some specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral.
expansion-card connector — A connector on the system board or riser board for plugging in an expansion card.
F — Fahrenheit.
FAT — File allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize and keep track of file storage. The Microsoft® Windows® operating
systems can optionally use a FAT file system structure.
flash memory — A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a system; most EEPROM chips can only be
rewritten with special programming equipment.
format — To prepare a hard drive or diskette for storing files. An unconditional format deletes all data stored on the disk.
FSB — Front-side bus. The FSB is the data path and physical interface between the processor and the main memory (RAM).
ft — Feet.
g — Gram(s).
G — Gravities.
Gb — Gigabit(s); 1024 megabits or 1,073,741,824 bits.
GB — Gigabyte(s); 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes. However, when referring to hard-drive capacity, the term is usually rounded to 1,000,000,000
bytes.
graphics mode — A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels by z colors.
group — As it relates to DMI, a group is a data structure that defines common information, or attributes, about a manageable component.
guarding — A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical drives stores data and an additional drive stores parity data. See also mirroring, striping,
and RAID.
h — Hexadecimal. A base-16 numbering system, often used in programming to identify addresses in the system's RAM and I/O memory addresses for
devices. In text, hexadecimal numbers are often followed by h.
headless system — A system or device that functions without having a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached. Normally, headless systems are managed
over a network using an Internet browser.
host adapter — A host adapter implements communication between the system's bus and the controller for a peripheral device. (Hard-drive controller
subsystems include integrated host adapter circuitry.) To add a SCSI expansion bus to your system, you must install or connect the appropriate host
adapter.
Hz — Hertz.
I/O — Input/output. A keyboard is an input device, and a monitor is an output device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational
activity.
ID — Identification.
IDE — Integrated drive electronics. A standard interface between the system board and storage devices.
integrated mirroring — Provides simultaneous physical mirroring of two drives. Integrated mirroring functionality is provided by the system's hardware. See
also mirroring.
internal processor cache — An instruction and data cache built into the processor.
IP — Internet Protocol.
IRQ — Interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the processor. Each peripheral
connection must be assigned an IRQ number. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.
jumper — Small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects
the pins and creates a circuit, providing a simple and reversible method of changing the circuitry in a board.
K — Kilo-; 1000.
key combination — A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time (for example, <Ctrl><Alt><Del>).
kHz — Kilohertz.
KMM — Keyboard/monitor/mouse.
KVM — Keyboard/video/mouse. KVM refers to a switch that allows selection of the system from which the video is displayed and for which the keyboard and
mouse are used.
LAN — Local area network. A LAN is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically
to the LAN.
lb — Pound(s).
LED — Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is passed through it.
Linux — A version of the UNIX® operating system that runs on a variety of hardware systems. Linux is open source software, which is freely available;
however, the full distribution of Linux along with technical support and training are available for a fee from vendors such as Red Hat Software.
local bus — On a system with local-bus expansion capability, certain peripheral devices (such as the video adapter circuitry) can be designed to run much
faster than they would with a traditional expansion bus. See also bus.
m — Meter(s).
mA — Milliampere(s).
MAC address — Media Access Control address. Your system's unique hardware number on a network.
mAh — Milliampere-hour(s).
MB — Megabyte(s); 1,048,576 bytes. However, when referring to hard-drive capacity, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.
memory address — A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in the system's RAM.
memory module — A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.
memory — An area in your system that stores basic system data. A system can contain several different forms of memory, such as integrated memory (ROM
and RAM) and add-in memory modules (DIMMs).
MHz — Megahertz.
mirroring — A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical drives stores data and one or more sets of additional drives stores duplicate copies of the
data. Mirroring functionality is provided by software. See also guarding, integrated mirroring, striping, and RAID.
mm — Millimeter(s).
ms — Millisecond(s).
NAS — Network Attached Storage. NAS is one of the concepts used for implementing shared storage on a network. NAS systems have their own operating
systems, integrated hardware, and software that are optimized to serve specific storage needs.
NIC — Network interface controller. A device that is installed or integrated in a system to allow connection to a network.
NMI — Nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the processor about hardware errors.
ns — Nanosecond(s).
NTFS — The NT File System option in the Windows 2000 operating system.
NVRAM — Nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your system. NVRAM is used for maintaining the
date, time, and system configuration information.
partition — You can divide a hard drive into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical
drives. You must format each logical drive with the format command.
PCI — Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus implementation.
PDU — Power distribution unit. A power source with multiple power outlets that provides electrical power to servers and storage systems in a rack.
peripheral — An internal or external device, such as a diskette drive or keyboard, connected to a system.
PGA — Pin grid array. A type of processor socket that allows you to remove the processor chip.
pixel — A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 640 x 480, is expressed
as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.
POST — Power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your system, the POST tests various system components such as RAM and
hard drives.
processor — The primary computational chip inside the system that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software
written for one processor must usually be revised to run on another processor. CPU is a synonym for processor.
The Windows 2000 and UNIX 32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-DOS cannot run in protected mode.
PS/2 — Personal System/2.
PXE — Preboot eXecution Environment. A way of booting a system via a LAN (without a hard drive or bootable diskette).
RAID — Redundant array of independent disks. A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50. See also guarding, mirroring, and striping.
RAM — Random-access memory. The system's primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when
you turn off your system.
RAS — Remote Access Service. This service allows users running the Windows operating system to remotely access a network from their system using a
modem.
readme file — A text file, usually shipped with software or hardware, that contains information supplementing or updating the product's documentation.
read-only file — A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting.
ROM — Read-only memory. Your system contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. A ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn
off your system. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your system's boot routine and the POST.
SCSI — Small computer system interface. An I/O bus interface with faster data transmission rates than standard ports.
sec — Second(s).
serial port — An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your system. You can usually identify a serial port on your system by its 9-pin connector.
service tag — A bar code label on the system used to identify it when you call Dell for technical support.
SMART — Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. Allows hard drives to report errors and failures to the system BIOS and then display an error
message on the screen.
SMP — Symmetric multiprocessing. Used to describe a system that has two or more processors connected via a high-bandwidth link and managed by an
operating system, where each processor has equal access to I/O devices.
SNMP — Simple Network Management Protocol. A standard interface that allows a network manager to remotely monitor and manage workstations.
striping — Disk striping writes data across three or more disks in an array, but only uses a portion of the space on each disk. The amount of space used by a
"stripe" is the same on each disk used. A virtual disk may use several stripes on the same set of disks in an array. See also guarding, mirroring, and RAID.
SVGA — Super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than
previous standards.
system board — As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of your system's integral components, such as the processor, RAM,
controllers for peripherals, and various ROM chips.
system configuration information — Data stored in memory that tells a system what hardware is installed and how the system should be configured for
operation.
system diskette — See bootable diskette.
System Setup program — A BIOS-based program that allows you to configure your system's hardware and customize the system's operation by setting
features such as password protection. Because the System Setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain in effect until you change them again.
system.ini file — A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the system.ini file to determine a variety of options
for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the system.ini file records which video, mouse, and keyboard drivers are installed for
Windows.
UNIX — Universal Internet Exchange. UNIX, the precursor to Linux, is an operating system written in the C programming language.
uplink port — A port on a network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or switches without requiring a crossover cable.
UPS — Uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically supplies power to your system in the event of an electrical failure.
USB — Universal Serial Bus. A USB connector provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice and keyboards. USB devices
can be connected and disconnected while the system is running.
utility — A program used to manage system resources—memory, disk drives, or printers, for example.
UTP — Unshielded twisted pair. A type of wiring used to connect systems in a business or home to a telephone line.
V — Volt(s).
VGA — Video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous
standards.
video adapter — The logical circuitry that provides (in combination with the monitor) your system's video capabilities. A video adapter may be integrated into
the system board or may be an expansion card that plugs into an expansion slot.
video driver — A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and operating systems to display at a chosen resolution with the desired number
of colors. Video drivers may need to match the video adapter installed in the system.
video memory — Most VGA and SVGA video adapters include memory chips in addition to your system's RAM. The amount of video memory installed primarily
influences the number of colors that a program can display (with the appropriate video drivers and monitor capabilities).
video resolution — Video resolution (800 x 600, for example) is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down. To display a
program at a specific graphics resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution.
W — Watt(s).
WH — Watt-hour(s).
win.ini file — A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the
Windows operating environment. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are
installed on the hard drive.
Windows 2000 — An integrated and complete Microsoft® Windows® operating system that does not require MS-DOS® and that provides advanced
operating system performance, improved ease of use, enhanced workgroup functionality, and simplified file management and browsing.
Windows Powered — A Windows operating system designed for use on NAS systems. For NAS systems, the Windows Powered operating system is
dedicated to file service for network clients.
Windows Server 2003 — A set of Microsoft software technologies that enable software integration through the use of XML Web services. XML Web services
are small reusable applications written in XML that allow data to be communicated between otherwise unconnected sources.
XML — Extensible Markup Language. XML is a way to create common information formats and to share both the format and the data on the World Wide
Web, intranets, and elsewhere.
ZIF — Zero insertion force.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, PowerEdge, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, a n d Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows Server is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation; Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks
of Novell, Inc.; Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.; UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.