Compaq C180 Computer Monitor User Manual


 
216
Glossary
path The hardware address of a device
that is attached to the I/O system of your
workstation.
pathname A series of names separated
by slashes that describe the path of the
operating system from some starting
point in the network to a destination ob-
ject. Pathnames begin with the name of
the starting point, and include every di-
rectory name between the starting point
and the destination object. A pathname
ends with the name of the destination ob-
ject. See also name, object.
permissions A set of rights (read, write,
execute) associated with an object in the
file system. Determines who may use the
object.
PID Process Identification. Also re-
ferred to as a process ID. See also pro-
cess ID.
pointer Sometimes called the “mouse
pointer,” the pointer shows the mouse lo-
cation on the screen. The pointer’s shape
depends on its location. In the HP VUE
Workspace, the pointer is an X. On a
window frame, the pointer is an arrow.
process A computing environment in
which you may execute programs; a pro-
gram currently running in the system.
process ID A unique identification
number assigned to all processes by the
operating system. Also referred to as a
PID. See also PID.
program A unit of executable code, in
binary or “source” form. Most HP-UX
commands and routines consist of pro-
grams.
prompt A message or symbol displayed
by the system to let you know that it is
ready for your input.
push button A graphic control that
simulates a real-life push button. Use the
pointer and mouse to push the button and
immediately start an action.
RAM Random access memory.
ROM Read-only memory.
root See superuser.
scroll bar A vertical or horizontal bar
located on the side or bottom of a win-
dow that allows the user to view infor-
mation that does not fit within the
window.
SCSI See Small Computer System In-
terface.
server A program that controls all ac-
cess to input and output devices.
session The time between when you log
in and when you log out. Also called a
work session or a login session. See also
current session.
shell A command-line interpreter pro-
gram used to invoke utility programs.
Some examples of HP-UX shells are the
Bourne, Korn, Key, and C shells. Some-
times referred to as a command interpret-
er. See also command interpreter.
shell command An instruction you