Parallel
The type of interface that transmits all the bits in a byte of data simultaneously over separate lines. See also Interface and Serial.
Parameter
A qualifier added to a command that tells the program what particular conditions to look for and specifies information such as what data you want to process and where to locate or store a file.
P u r i t y
A method used to verify the accuracy of data transmissions by adding a bit that makes the total of the byte count odd for odd parity or even for even parity.
Partition
(1)The area defined on a hard disk for use by an operating system; (2) to divide a hard disk into separate sections or logical drives. You can define a primary partition and one or more extended partitions on a hard disk.
P a t h n a m e
The directory name(s) you specify to locate a file. For example, the pathname for the file SALES, stored in the subdirectory BUSINESS, is \BUSINESS\SALES.
Peripheral device
An external 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.
14 Glossary