198
Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3.2
P
palette — See color palette.
parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In
communications, it means the transmission of more than one bit
of information at a time. On some computers, a parallel port
provides a parallel communications interface between the
computer and an appropriate device. Compare serial.
password — A unique string of characters which you enter to
verify your identity to the computer or the network.
PC Card — A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to
increase the capabilities of notebook computers. PC Cards
provide functions such as modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive,
network adapter, sound card, or SCSI adapter.
peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is
attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.
pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be
produced on a screen or printer.
Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to
automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices.
When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a
device manufacturer, allows a PC to configure itself
automatically to work with the device.
pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse,
that enables you to move the cursor on the screen.
port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for
connection to a network or a peripheral device.
processor — See central processing unit (CPU).
program — A set of instructions that can be executed by a
computer. The general classes of programs (also called software)
are operating system, application, and utility. See also operating
system, application, utility.
properties — The attributes of an object or device. For example,
the properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation
date.
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