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Glossary-11
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 pix-
els. 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.
plug and play: A capability with Win-
dows that enables the system to auto-
matically recognize connections of
external devices and make the neces-
sary configurations in the computer.
pixel: A picture element. The smallest
dot that can be made on a display or
printer. Also called a pel.
port: The electrical connection
through which the computer sends and
receives data to and from devices or
other computers.
RAM
Port Replicator: Devices that enables
one-point connection to a number of
peripheral devices and provides addi-
tional ports and slots.
printed circuit board (PCB): A hard-
ware 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 com-
puter can execute that enables it to
achieve a desired result. See also appli-
cation.
prompt: A message the computer pro-
vides 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 suffi-
cient for office use. Class B provides a
more stringent classification for home
equipment use. TOSHIBA portable
computers comply with Class B com-
puting device regulations.
Random Access Memory (RAM):
High speed memory within the com-
puter circuitry that can be read or writ-
ten to.