Glossary 7
N NVRAM
(Nonvolatile RAM) A type of RAM that retains its contents even after the computer is
powered off. This memory stores EISA configuration information. See also RAM and
SRAM.
O operating system
A set of programs that provides the interface between other software programs and the
computer.
P parallel port
The connector on the back of your computer that allows the transfer of data between the
computer and a parallel device, such as a parallel printer.
partition
The process of dividing the storage space on a hard disk into separate areas so that the
operating system treats them as separate disk drives.
password
A security feature that prevents an unauthorized user from operating your computer. See
also EEPROM.
PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect. PCI is a high-performance peripherals I/O bus
supporting data transfers of up to 132MB per second.
Pentium
A type of microprocessor, with a built-in math coprocessor, cache memory, and memory
and bus controllers, that processes and communicates 32 bits of data at a time. This
microprocessor also contains power management capabilities.
peripheral
A device connected to and controlled by the computer, such as an external disk drive or a
printer.
pixel
The smallest element that is visible on a video display. The resolution of a video display
system is measured in pixels.
PnP
(Plug-n-Play) Plug-and-play is the ability to plug a device into a computer and have the
computer recognize that the device is there. The user doesn't have to tell the computer.