EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): also called Flash BIOS, is a 

ROM chip, which can be updated. This allows you to keep up with changes in the BIOS 

programs without having to buy a new chip. TYAN's BIOS updates can be found at 

http://www.TYAN.com 

EMRL: Embedded RAID Logic. An Adaptec specific RAID technology. 

ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data): a format for storing information about 

Plug n Play devices in the system BIOS. This information helps properly configure the 

system each time it boots. 

Fault tolerance: a term describing a system where one component can quickly be 

replaced without causing a loss of service, such as in a RAID system. 

Firmware: low level software that controls the system hardware. 

Form factor: an industry term for the size, shape, power supply type, and external 

connector type of the Personal Computer Board (PCB) or motherboard. The standard 

form factors are the AT and ATX, although TYAN also makes some Baby AT and ATX 

Footprint boards. 

Global timer: onboard hardware timer, such as the Real Time Clock (RTC). 

Handshaking: a form of encryption. One system, typically the server, sends an 

encryption scheme to another agent, typically a client. Thus, the client's data is protected 

during transmittal to the server. 

HDD: stands for Hard Disk Drive, a type of fixed drive. 

H SYNC: controls the horizontal synchronization/properties of the monitor. 

IC (Integrated Circuit): the formal name for the computer chip. 

IDE (Integrated Device/Drive Electronics): a simple, self contained HDD interface. It 

can handle drives up to 8.4 GB in size. Almost all IDEs sold now are in fact Enhanced 

IDEs (EIDEs), with maximum capacity determined by the hardware controller. 

IDE INT (IDE Interrupt): a hardware interrupt signal that goes to the IDE. 

I/O (Input/Output): the connection between your computer and another piece of 

hardware (mouse, keyboard, etc.) 

Initial Program Load (IPL): a feature built into BBS compliant devices, describing those 

devices as capable of loading and executing an OS, as well as being able to provide 

control back to the BIOS if the loading attempt fails. 

IPL: see Initial Program Load. 

IPMB: Intelligent Platform Management Bus.  It is a subset of I2C or SMBus.  Brief 

description, it is used to send IPMI messages/commands.  (The communication uses 

standard I2C or SMBus protocol.  It is just that the message being sent into the bus is 

formatted to IPMI standard.)

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