Toshiba C6609-1201M1 port, pixel, palette, PC Card, program, parallel, password, processor, peripheral, properties, 198 Glossary, Plug and Play, pointing device

198 Glossary

P	palette — See color palette.
	parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In
	communications, it means the transmission of more than one bit
	of information at a time. On some computers, a parallel port
	provides a parallel communications interface between the
	computer and an appropriate device. Compare serial.
	password — A unique string of characters which you enter to
	verify your identity to the computer or the network.
	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.
	peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is
	attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.
	pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be
	produced on a screen or printer.
	Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to
	automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices.
	When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a
	device manufacturer, allows a PC to configure itself
	automatically to work with the device.
	pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse,
	that enables you to move the cursor on the screen.
	port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for
	connection to a network or a peripheral device.
	processor — See central processing unit (CPU).
	program — A set of instructions that can be executed by a
	computer. The general classes of programs (also called software)
	are operating system, application, and utility. See also operating
	system, application, utility.
	properties — The attributes of an object or device. For example,
	the properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation
	date.