Glossary-11
GLOSSARY
parity: 1) The symmetrical relation-
ship 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 charac-
ters used to identify a specific user.
The computer provides various levels
of password protection such as user,
supervisor and eject.
pel: The smallest area of the display
that can be addressed by software.
Equal in size to a pixel or group of
pixels. See pixel.
peripheral component interconnect:
An industry standard 32-bit bus.
peripheral device: An I/O device that
is external to the central processor
and/or main memory such as a printer
or a mouse.
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.
port: The electrical connection
through which the computer sends
and receives data to and from devices
or other computers.
Power Saver Utility: A TOSHIBA
utility that lets you set the parameters
for various power-saving functions.
printed circuit board (PCB): A
hardware component of a processor to
which integrated circuits and other
components are attached. The board
itself is typically flat and rectangular,
and constructed of fiberglass, to form
the attachment surface.
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.
prompt