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Glossary
operating system — A set of programs that controls how the computer
works. Examples of operating systems are the Windows
®
XP,
Windows Vista
®
Home Basic and Windows
®
7 operating systems.
optical drive — A drive which reads plastic coated discs on which
information is recorded digitally, and uses a laser to read data,
music, or videos.
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 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 computer to configure itself
automatically to work with the device.
pointer — An icon (usually an arrow) that moves on the screen when
you slide your finger across the TouchPad or move a mouse. Used to
point to and select/activate on-screen items, such as icons, menu
items, and buttons. The shape and purpose of the pointer varies
depending on the program you are using and what you are doing.
pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse, that
enables you to move the pointer on the screen.
port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for
connection to a network or a peripheral device.