Parallel

The type of interface that transmits data in groups of bits. See Interface and SeriaI.

Parameter

A qualifier added to a command that tells the computer what particular conditions to look for.

Parent directory

The directory immediately above a given directory in the directory tree. In pathnames, the parent directory is represented by the symbol .. (two periods).

Parity

Data signals sent during communications to detect errors in transmitting or receiving data.

Partition

The area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system; to divide a hard disk into separate sections or logical drives.

Pathname

The list of directories and subdirectories you need to specify to locate a file. For example, the pathname for the file SALES which is located in the subdirectory BUSINESS of the root directory (\) is \BUSINESS\SALES.

Peripheral

A device (such as a printer or a modem) connected to a computer that depends on the computer for its operation.

Port

A physical input/output socket on a computer where you can connect a peripheral device.