ACPI

Short for Advanced Configuration & Power Interface, ACPI defines a flexible and abstract hardware interface that provides a standard way to integrate power management features throughout a PC system, including hardware, operating system and application software. This enables the system to turn peripherals on and off, such as CD-ROMs, network cards, hard drives, and printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the PC such as VCRs, televisions, telephones, and stereos. With this technology, peripherals can also activate the PC. For example, inserting a tape into a VCR could turn on a PC that would activate a large-screen television and high-fidelity sound system. If you see a red or blue screen with an ACPI error code in Windows 98, you may have a hardware or software issue. The red screen indicates that an ACPI issue with hardware or the computer BIOS, we recommend making sure you have the latest hardware drivers and BIOS updates. The blue screen indicates a software ACPI or other hidden problem, make sure you have all the latest software patches for your programs and operating system.

Also see: BIOS, Power definitions