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User’s Manual Glossary-12
Glossary
P
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. Compare serial. parity: 1) The symmetrical
relationship 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 characters used to identify a specific user.
The computer provides various levels of password protection such
as user and supervisor.
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.
PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect. An industry standard 32-bit bus.
peripheral: Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is attached to the
computer and controlled by the computer's CPU.
pixel: A picture element. The smallest dot that can be made on a display
or printer. Also called a pel.
plug and play: A capability with Windows that enables the system to
automatically recognize connections of external devices and make
the necessary configurations in the computer.
pointing device: Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse, that
enables you to move the cursor on the screen.
port: The electrical connection through which the computer sends and
receives data to and from devices or other computers.
Power Saver: A TOSHIBA utility that lets you set the parameters for
various power-saving functions.
program: A set of instructions a computer can execute that enables it to
achieve a desired result. See also application.
prompt: A message the computer provides indicating it is ready for or
requires information or an action from you.