Reference Guide

684 Glossary
SDMS
Abbreviation for SCSI device management system.
sec
Abbreviation for second(s).
SEC
Abbreviation for single-edge contact.
serial port
An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to
your computer. You can usually identify a serial port
on your computer by its 9-pin connector.
settings
Settings are conditions of a manageable object help to
determine what happens when a certain value is
detected in a component. For example, a user can set
the upper critical threshold of a temperature probe to
75 degrees Celsius. If the probe reaches that
temperature, the setting results in an alert being sent
to the management console so that user intervention
can be taken. Some settings, when reached, can trigger
a system shutdown or other response that can prevent
damage to the system.
service tag number
A bar code label on the computer that identifies it when
you call Dell for customer or technical support.
SGRAM
Acronym for synchronous graphics RAM.
shadowing
A computer’s system and video BIOS code is usually
stored on ROM chips. Shadowing refers to the
performance-enhancement technique that copies
BIOS code to faster RAM chips in the upper memory
area (above 640 KB) during the boot routine.
SIMD
Abbreviation for Single Instruction Multiple Data.
SIMM
Acronym for single in-line memory module. A small
circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to
the system board.
SIP
Acronym for single in-line package, which is a type of
housing for electronic components in which the
connecting pins protrude from one side. A SIP is also
called a Single In-line Pin Package (SIPP).
SKU
Acronym for stock keeping unit.
SMART
Acronym for Self-Monitoring Analysis Reporting
Technology. A technology that allows hard drives to
report errors and failures to the system BIOS, which
then displays an error message on the screen. To take
advantage of this technology, you must have a
SMART-compliant hard drive and the proper support
in the system BIOS.
SMBIOS
Acronym for system management BIOS.
SMD
Acronym for surface mount device.
SNMP
Abbreviation for Simple Network Management
Protocol. SNMP is an industry-standard interface that
allows a network manager to remotely monitor and
manage workstations.
SODIMM
Acronym for small outline-DIMM. A DIMM module with
a thinner profile due to the use of TSOP chip packages.
SODIMMs are commonly used in laptop computers.
SOIC
Acronym for Small Outline IC, a small-dimension,
plastic, rectangular, surface mount chip package that
uses gull-wing pins extending outward.