246 Glossary

Terms

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 AccuPoint 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

R

properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation date.

RAM (random access memory) — Volatile memory that can be

 

 

written to as well as read. By volatile, we mean 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.

 

random access memory — See RAM.

 

read-only memory — See ROM.

 

reboot — See boot, restart.

 

removable disk — A disk that can be removed from a disk drive. A

 

diskette is one example of a removable disk.