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Glossary Glossary-13
OS
See operating system.
parallel port
A device that transfers bits of data simultaneously through the eight separate wires in
a parallel cable. Printers are often connected to a parallel port.
partition
To format a hard disk so that it behaves as if it is two or more smaller hard disks.
PC
Personal computer.
PCI
See Peripheral Component Interconnect.
peripheral
A device connected to a computer, such as a monitor or a printer.
Peripheral
Component
Interconnect
(PCI)
A local bus capable of transferring data at a maximum rate of 132 MBps. The PCI
bus was the first bus to incorporate Plug and Play. See bus, Plug and Play.
Personal
Computer
Memory Card
International
Association
An industry group organized to promote standards for credit card-sized memory and
input/output devices that fit into a notebook or laptop computer.
pixel
One of the individual dots that make up a graphical image.
playlist
Tracks chosen for play from a CD or DVD.
Plug and Play
Refers to a device that when connected to a computer is automatically recognized by
the operating system and BIOS.
Point-to-Point
Protocol (PPP)
An instruction set that enables a computer to gain authorized access to a network
using dial-up networking, a modem, and a standard telephone line. Many Internet
service providers use PPP.
pop-up menu
A list of choices that is displayed when an item on a menu bar is selected.
port
A point through which data flows between computers or between a computer and a
peripheral device. See parallel port, serial port.
PPP
See Point-to-Point Protocol.