Operating system

A collection of programs that allows a computer to control all of its operations. The operating system determines how programs run on the computer and supervises all input and output. Your computer comes with MS-DOS, an operating system by Microsoft.

Option card

A circuit board you install in a slot in your main unit. Option cards provide additional capabilities, such as a mouse, fax, or network. The expansion slot on the LT-286e is accessed from the bottom of the computer.

Parallel

A type of interface that transmits data in groups of bits. Distinguished from serial, a type of interface in which bits are transmitted one at a time.

Parameter

A term added to a command that tells the computer how to perform the command (for example, what data file to use or what particular conditions to expect).

Parity

A bit used to verify the accuracy of data.

Partition

To divide a hard disk into logical sections for use by one or more operating systems. You must partition a hard disk before you can use it, even if you intend to install only one operating system on the disk.

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