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Glossary 7
P
page
A type of message transmission in which a message is sent or received via modem to a
paging device from a computer (with paging communications software) or telephone.
parallel interface
Interface that communicates multiple data bits at a time.
parallel printer
A printer with a parallel interface.
parameter
A characteristic of a device or system.
partition
Process of dividing mass storage (hard disk drive) into isolated or separate sections.
Partitioning a hard drive creates additional logical drives, e.g., a 20-GB hard drive
partitioned into three logical drives creates drives C, D, and E. Partitioning facilitates
file management by allowing you to isolate the computer’s operating system to drive C
while storing applications and data files on separate drives D and E (also referred to as
partitions).
password
A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows access or
system privileges.
PC Cards
A credit-card-sized peripheral interface standard for portable devices. Types of PC
Cards (also known as PCMCIA cards) currently offered by major vendors include
fax/modems, LAN, storage cards, and wireless communications devices.
peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a peripheral
device.
pixels
Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.
port
Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external devices.
A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the device to the computer.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.