NEC L320 manual Interface that communicates multiple data bits at a time

N

nonvolatile memory

Storage media that retains its data when system power is turned off. Nonvolatile memory in the Versa notebook is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip that is backed up by an internal battery. The backup battery preserves the clock/calendar data and system configuration parameters stored in CMOS. See volatile memory.

O

operating system

Set of programs that manage the overall operation of the computer.

overwrite

Storing information at a location where information is already stored, thus destroying the original information.

P

page

A type of message transmission in which a message is sent or received via modem to a paging device from a computer (with paging communications software) or telephone.

parallel interface

Interface that communicates multiple data bits at a time.

parallel printer

A printer with a parallel interface.

parameter

A characteristic of a device or system.

partition

Process of dividing mass storage (hard disk drive) into isolated or separate sections. Partitioning a hard drive creates additional logical drives, e.g., a 5.1-GB hard drive partitioned into three logical drives creates drives C, D, and E. Partitioning facilitates file management by allowing you to isolate the computer’s operating system to drive C while storing applications and data files on separate drives D and E (also referred to as partitions).

password

A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows access or system privileges.

Glossary 7