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Glossary
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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 touch pad 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 touch pad 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.
processor—See Central Processing Unit (CPU).
program—A set of instructions that can be executed by a computer. The
general classes of programs (also called software) are operating
system, application, and utility. See also operating system,
application, utility.
properties—The attributes of an object or device. For example, the
properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation date.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)—Volatile memory that can be
written to as well as read. Volatile here means that information in
RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. This type of memory
is used for your computer’s main memory. See also memory.
Compare ROM.