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Glossary
165
non-interlaced—A method of refreshing a computer screen,
in which each pixel of every line is refreshed as the electron
beam scans across and down the screen. Compare
interlaced.
non-system disk—A disk for storing programs and data that
cannot be used to start the computer. Compare system disk.
O
online—Available through the computer. Online may refer to
information being read from your own computer’s internal
storage drive, 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 the
Windows Vista
®
, Windows
®
7, and Windows 8 operating
systems.
optical disc 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.
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.