Panasonic U500D user manual User’s Manual Glossary-11

Glossary

password: A unique string of characters used to identify a specific user. The computer provides various levels of password protection such as user and supervisor.

PC card: A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to increase the capabilities of notebook computers. PC Cards provide functions such as modem, fax/ modem, hard disk drive, network adapter, sound card, or SCSI adapter.

PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect. An industry standard 32-bit bus.

peripheral: Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.

pixel: A picture element. The smallest dot that can be made on a display or printer. Also called a pel.

plug and play: A capability with Windows that enables the system to automatically recognize connections of external devices and make the necessary configurations in the computer.

pointing device: Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse, that enables you to move the cursor on the screen.

port: The electrical connection through which the computer sends and receives data to and from devices or other computers.

Power Saver: A TOSHIBA utility that lets you set the parameters for various power-saving functions.

program: A set of instructions a computer can execute that enables it to achieve a desired result. See also application.

prompt: A message the computer provides indicating it is ready for or requires information or an action from you.

R

Radio frequency interference (RFI) shield: A metal shield enclosing the printed circuit boards of the printer or computer to prevent radio and TV interference. All computer equipment generates radio frequency signals. The FCC regulates the amount of signals a computing device can allow past its shielding. A Class A device is sufficient for office use. Class B provides a more stringent classification for home equipment use. TOSHIBA portable computers comply with Class B computing device regulations.

Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile memory that can be written to as well as read. Volatile here means that information in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. This type of memory is used for your computer’s main memory. See also memory. Compare ROM.

User’s Manual Glossary-11