Glossary

P

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. Compare serial. parity: 1) The symmetrical relationship between two parameter values (integers) both of which are either on or off; odd or even; 0 or 1. 2) In serial communications, an error detection bit that is added to a group of data bits making the sum of the bits even or odd. Parity can be set to none, odd, or even.

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.

User’s Manual

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