| Glossary | 217 | |
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| password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to verify his | ||
| or her identity to the computer or the network. |
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| PC Card — A | ||
| capabilities of computers. PC Cards provide functions such as | ||
| modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive, network adapter, sound card, | ||
| or SCSI adapter. |
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| peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is attached | ||
| to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU. |
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| pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be | ||
| produced on a screen or printer. |
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| Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to |
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| automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices. | ||
| When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a | ||
| device manufacturer, allows a computer to configure itself |
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| automatically to work with the device. |
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| pointer — An icon (usually an arrow) that moves on the screen when | ||
| you slide your finger across the TouchPad or move a mouse. Used to | ||
| point to and select/activate | ||
| items, and buttons. The shape and purpose of the pointer varies | ||
| depending on the program you are using and what you are doing. | ||
| pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse, that | ||
| enables you to move the pointer on the screen. |
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| port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for |
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| connection to a network or a peripheral device. |
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| processor — See Central Processing Unit (CPU). |
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| 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, |
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| application, utility. |
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| properties — The attributes of an object or device. For example, the | ||
| properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation date. | ||
R | RAM (Random Access Memory) — 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.