Glossary 9
partition
Process of dividing mass storage (hard disk drive) into isolated or separate
sections. Partitioning a hard drive creates additional logical drives, e.g. a
5.1GB hard drive partitioned into three logical drives creates drives C, D,
and E. Partitioning facilitates file management by allowing you to isolate
the computer’s operating system to drive C while storing applications and
data files on separate drives D and E (also referred to as partitions).
password
A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows
access or system privileges.
PC Cards
A credit card sized peripheral interface standard for portable devices. Types
of PC cards (also known as 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.
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