228 Glossary

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non-system disk — A disk for storing programs and data that cannot be used to start the computer. Compare system disk.

online — Available through the computer. Online may refer to information being read from your own computer’s hard disk, such as online documentation or online Help, or to information coming from another company on a company network or the Internet.

operating system — A set of programs that controls how the computer works. Examples of operating systems are the Windows Vista™ Ultimate and Windows Vista™ Home Basic operating systems.

optical drive — A drive which reads plastic coated discs on which information is recorded digitally, and uses a laser to read data, music, or videos.

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 your computer, the parallel port provides a parallel communications interface between the computer and an appropriate device. Most modern printers are parallel. Compare serial.

password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to verify his or her 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 computer 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.