Glossary 5
parallel interface
Interface that communicates eight bits at a time.
parallel printer
A printer with a parallel interface.
parameter
A characteristic of a device or system.
password
A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows access or
system privileges.
PCMCIA
A credit card sized peripheral interface standard for portable devices. Types of
PCMCIA cards currently offered by major vendors include fax/modems, LAN,
storage cards, and wireless communications devices.
peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a peripheral
device.
pixels
Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.
port
Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external
devices. A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the device to
the computer.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.
prompt
A special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message that
appears on the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.
R
RAM
Random Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered and from
which data is retrieved in a nonsequential manner.
read
To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified by the user
except under special conditions.
To Next Page
Loading...
