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Glossary
262
O
online — Available through the computer. Online may refer to
information being read from your own computer’s hard disk, such
as online documentation or online help, or to information coming
from another company on a company network or the Internet.
operating system — A set of programs that controls how the computer
works. Examples of operating systems are Windows
®
98 Second
Edition and Windows
®
2000.
P
palette — See color palette.
parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In communications, it
means the transmission of more than one bit of information at a
time. On your computer, the parallel port provides a parallel
communications interface between the computer and an appropriate
device. Most modern printers are parallel. Compare serial.
password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to verify his
or her identity to the computer or the network.
PC Card — A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to increase the
capabilities of notebook computers. PC Cards provide functions
such as modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive, network adapter,
sound card, or SCSI adapter.
peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is attached
to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.
pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be
produced on a screen or printer.
Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to
automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices.
When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a
device manufacturer, allows a PC to configure itself automatically to
work with the device.
pointing device — Any device, such as the AccuPoint or a mouse, that
enables you to move the cursor on the screen.
port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for
connection to a network or a peripheral device.
processor — See central processing unit (CPU).