HP 724AU manual Parallel port a connector on

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parallel port A connector on

the back of the computer for plugging in a parallel cable attached to a parallel device, such as a printer. Data is transferred, one byte at a time, through eight data wires (one for each bit in the byte). All eight bits travel side by side and arrive at the same time. A parallel port is faster than a serial port, which lets data through one bit at a time. See also digital and serial port.

path A sequence of information that directs the operating system to a file. For example, C:\Windows\Clouds.bmp is the path to a bitmap file named Clouds. It is located in a folder named Windows, which is located on the C: drive.

PC card A removable device that is designed to plug into a PCMCIA slot to accommodate devices such as a modem, fax, and rotating storage media.

peripheral An external device connected to a computer. Examples are a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, joystick, and digital camera.

pixel One of the individual dots, or picture elements, that compose a graphical image. See also graphics.

playlist Tracks chosen to play from a CD or DVD.

plug-and-playA feature, introduced with Windows 95, to simplify the use of some peripheral devices. After the device has been installed (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions), you can plug it into the computer while the computer is running. The operating system automatically recognizes the new device. (In order to connect

anon-plug-and-play device, you must first shut down the computer.) See also peripheral.