Parameter

A qualifier added to a command that tells MS-DOS what particular conditions to look for and specifies information such as what data to process and where to locate or store a file.

Parity

A method used to verify the accuracy of data transmissions by adding a bit that makes the total of the byte odd for odd parity or even for even parity.

Password

The sequence of characters you type after you turn on the computer in order to access and use your system.

Pathname

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 to which you can connect a peripheral device.

Power-ondiagnostics

Tests that the computer runs to check its internal circuitry and configuration each time you turn it on.

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