Toshiba Tecra A8, SATELLITE PRO A120 manual Glossary-11

Glossary

P

parallel interface: Refers to a type of information exchange that transmits information one byte (8 bits) at a time. See also serial interface.

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, 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.

R

Radio frequency interference (RFI) shield: A metal shield enclosing the printed circuit boards of the printer or computer to prevent radio and TV interference. All computer equipment generates radio frequency signals. The FCC regulates the amount of signals a computing device can allow past its shielding. A Class A device is sufficient for office use. Class B provides a more stringent classification for home equipment use. TOSHIBA portable computers comply with Class B computing device regulations.

Random Access Memory (RAM): High speed memory within the computer circuitry that can be read or written to.

User’s Manual Glossary-11