Glossary-13

PC Card – A credit card-sized device that can be plugged into a PC Card slot on a notebook computer to expand its functionality. Formerly known as a PCMCIA Card. See Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

PCI – See Peripheral Component Interconnect.

PCMCIA – See Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.

peripheral – A device connected to a computer, such as a monitor or a printer.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) – A local bus capable of transferring data at a maximum rate of 137 Mbps. The PCI bus was the first bus to incorporate the Plug and Play setup. See bus, Plug and Play.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association – An industry group organized to promote standards for credit card-sized memory and input/output devices that fit into a notebook or laptop computer.

pixel – One of the individual dots that make up a graphical image.

playlist – Tracks chosen for play from a CD or DVD.

Plug and Play – Refers to a device that when connected to a computer is automatically recognized by the operating system and BIOS.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) – An instruction set that enables a computer to gain authorized access to a network using dial-up networking, a modem, and a standard telephone line. Many Internet service providers use PPP.

pop-up menu – A list of choices that is displayed when an item on a menu bar is selected.

port – A point through which data flows between computers or between a computer and a peripheral device. See parallel port, serial port.

PPP– See Point-to-Point Protocol.

processor – See microprocessor.

Product Key – The Microsoft Windows operating system product identification code printed on the lower right corner of the cover of the Microsoft Windows Getting Started guide. You must enter this code during the Microsoft Windows Setup.

program – Software installed on a computer that facilitates the performance of useful work, such as a word processing program.