| Computer Glossary |
Packet:- The basic unit of data transmission over phone lines.
Parallel Port:- The port that is usually used to send information from the computer to the printer.
Parallel Printer:- A printer with a parallel interface, which you connect to a parallel port.
Parameter:- Information added to a command that directs it to work on a specific object, such as a file or directory.
Parent Directory:- A directory immediately above a directory. In the directory C - \Windows\System, Windows is the parent directory of the
directory named System.
Parity:- An error checking procedure used to check data transmitted in modems or processed in memory chips.
Partician:-A division in a hard disk into more than one logical drive (e.g., C - and D -).
Partition Table:- A special table on a formatted hard disk that is used by the operating system to identify the hard disk.
Pascal:- A high-level, usually compiled programming language originally designed for teaching programming.
Password:- A unique group of characters (letters or numbers) that is usually assigned to provide security in identifying authorized users.
Path:- The notation used to tell the operating system where a file is located.
PC:- Personal computer. Usually PC refers to any personal computer compatible with IBMs.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interface):- A 32/64-bit local bus architecture that is widely used in Pentium-based PCs. A PCI bus provides
a high-bandwidth data channel between the mother board components and adapters.
PCL (Printer Control Language):- The standard printer language that drives HP DeskJet, LaserJet, and other Hewlett-Packard printers.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association):- The standard for the credit card-size adapter cards used in
many laptop computers. PCMCIA defines three card types - Type I cards which can be up to 3.3 mm thick and are generally used for RAM
and ROM expansion cards; Type II cards which can be as thick as 5.5 mm and are typically used for modems; and Type III cards which can
be as thick as 10.5 mm and are mostly used for miniature hard disks.
PDF (Portable Document Format):- A Text format designed by Adobe, to be read by the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Pen Computer:- A type of laptop PC that uses a pen to write directly on the screen rather than using a keyboard.
Pentium Chip:- Intel's fifth generation, equivalent to a 586, of sophisticated high-speed microprocessors. Pentium means "the fifth
element."
Pentium Pro:- A CPU chip produced by Intel, which has some substantial architectural changes from the Pentium, including a built in L2
cache.
Peripherals:- Extra equipment for the computer that will extend its usefulness and capability. Most peripherals either increase the
computer's storage capacity or permit it to communicate with outside devices.
PIF (Program Information File):- A binary file used by Windows to store configuration information about a DOS program. A PIF includes
such information as the path to the executable file, the amount of memory the program requires, and whether the window in which the
program is run closes automatically when the program terminates.
PIM (Personal Information Manager) Software:- Software program used to store and manage personal information such as schedules,
phone lists, and things-to-do notes.
Ping (Packet Internet Groper):- A program used to test the reachability of destinations by sending them an echo request and waiting for a
reply.
Pixel:- A small, discrete (smallest) unit of visual information on a video screen.
Platter:- The physical disk medium of a hard drive system onto which data is recorded and read back.
Plotter:- An output device that uses moving ink pens to place graphic images on paper.
PnP (Plug and Play):- The technology that lets the operating system (i.e., Windows 95) automatically detect and configure most of the
adapters and peripherals connected to the PC. A Plug and Play-enabled PC requires a PnP BIOS, PnP adapters and peripherals, and a
PnP operating system.
Point:- The unit of measurement for the height of a printed character. A point equals 1/72 of an inch, or approximately 1/28 of a centimeter.
To make a character 1 inch high, make it 72 points.
Pointing Device:- Mice, trackballs, light pens, and touch pads allow quick input to the computer in addition to the conventional keyboard.
POP (Post Office Protocol):- A protocol to allow single user machines to download e-mail from a server.
Port:- A plug and its associated circuitry in a computer's hardware, used for sending data from computer to its peripherals or to other
computers. Serial, parallel, and SCSI ports are commonly used ports.
POST:- Power-On Self-Test. Test of internal circuitry, memory, and installed hardware that a computer does to itself when turned on.
Posting:- An article or message sent to a USENET Newsgroup, forum, or mailing list discussion group.
Postmaster:- The person responsible for managing the E-mail system.
Postscript:- A language designed for describing text and graphics, usually built into high-end output devices such as laser printers and
typesetters.
Power PC:- A competitor to the Pentium chip produced by an Apple-IBM-Motorola alliance.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol):- A protocol that allows a computer to connect to the Internet through a dial-in connection and to enjoy most
of the benefits of a direct connection.
Press:- Action performed using the mouse button.
Print Driver:- A file that contains information that a program needs to print your work to a given model of printer.
Print Manager:- The Windows program which handles documents that have been sent to your printer.
Print Queue:- A storage area for files that have been sent to a printer and are waiting to be printed.
Print Server:- A device and/or program that manages shared printers.
Printer:- A mechanical device for making a permanent record of your computer's output on paper.
Program:- A precise series of instructions (software) written in a computer language that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
Prompt:- An on-screen message from the operating system, a software application, or someone on-line with you.
Properties:- The characteristics (such as size, color, or screen location) or an aspect of behavior (such as whether it is hidden) of an
object or a file.
Proportional Font:- A font in which different characters have varying widths.
Protected Mode:- An IBM PC or compatible computer's operating mode that is capable of addressing extended memory directly.
Protocols:- Rules or procedures that control how data is transmitted between computers.
Parallel Port:- The port that is usually used to send information from the computer to the printer.
Parallel Printer:- A printer with a parallel interface, which you connect to a parallel port.
Parameter:- Information added to a command that directs it to work on a specific object, such as a file or directory.
Parent Directory:- A directory immediately above a directory. In the directory C - \Windows\System, Windows is the parent directory of the
directory named System.
Parity:- An error checking procedure used to check data transmitted in modems or processed in memory chips.
Partician:-A division in a hard disk into more than one logical drive (e.g., C - and D -).
Partition Table:- A special table on a formatted hard disk that is used by the operating system to identify the hard disk.
Pascal:- A high-level, usually compiled programming language originally designed for teaching programming.
Password:- A unique group of characters (letters or numbers) that is usually assigned to provide security in identifying authorized users.
Path:- The notation used to tell the operating system where a file is located.
PC:- Personal computer. Usually PC refers to any personal computer compatible with IBMs.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interface):- A 32/64-bit local bus architecture that is widely used in Pentium-based PCs. A PCI bus provides
a high-bandwidth data channel between the mother board components and adapters.
PCL (Printer Control Language):- The standard printer language that drives HP DeskJet, LaserJet, and other Hewlett-Packard printers.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association):- The standard for the credit card-size adapter cards used in
many laptop computers. PCMCIA defines three card types - Type I cards which can be up to 3.3 mm thick and are generally used for RAM
and ROM expansion cards; Type II cards which can be as thick as 5.5 mm and are typically used for modems; and Type III cards which can
be as thick as 10.5 mm and are mostly used for miniature hard disks.
PDF (Portable Document Format):- A Text format designed by Adobe, to be read by the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Pen Computer:- A type of laptop PC that uses a pen to write directly on the screen rather than using a keyboard.
Pentium Chip:- Intel's fifth generation, equivalent to a 586, of sophisticated high-speed microprocessors. Pentium means "the fifth
element."
Pentium Pro:- A CPU chip produced by Intel, which has some substantial architectural changes from the Pentium, including a built in L2
cache.
Peripherals:- Extra equipment for the computer that will extend its usefulness and capability. Most peripherals either increase the
computer's storage capacity or permit it to communicate with outside devices.
PIF (Program Information File):- A binary file used by Windows to store configuration information about a DOS program. A PIF includes
such information as the path to the executable file, the amount of memory the program requires, and whether the window in which the
program is run closes automatically when the program terminates.
PIM (Personal Information Manager) Software:- Software program used to store and manage personal information such as schedules,
phone lists, and things-to-do notes.
Ping (Packet Internet Groper):- A program used to test the reachability of destinations by sending them an echo request and waiting for a
reply.
Pixel:- A small, discrete (smallest) unit of visual information on a video screen.
Platter:- The physical disk medium of a hard drive system onto which data is recorded and read back.
Plotter:- An output device that uses moving ink pens to place graphic images on paper.
PnP (Plug and Play):- The technology that lets the operating system (i.e., Windows 95) automatically detect and configure most of the
adapters and peripherals connected to the PC. A Plug and Play-enabled PC requires a PnP BIOS, PnP adapters and peripherals, and a
PnP operating system.
Point:- The unit of measurement for the height of a printed character. A point equals 1/72 of an inch, or approximately 1/28 of a centimeter.
To make a character 1 inch high, make it 72 points.
Pointing Device:- Mice, trackballs, light pens, and touch pads allow quick input to the computer in addition to the conventional keyboard.
POP (Post Office Protocol):- A protocol to allow single user machines to download e-mail from a server.
Port:- A plug and its associated circuitry in a computer's hardware, used for sending data from computer to its peripherals or to other
computers. Serial, parallel, and SCSI ports are commonly used ports.
POST:- Power-On Self-Test. Test of internal circuitry, memory, and installed hardware that a computer does to itself when turned on.
Posting:- An article or message sent to a USENET Newsgroup, forum, or mailing list discussion group.
Postmaster:- The person responsible for managing the E-mail system.
Postscript:- A language designed for describing text and graphics, usually built into high-end output devices such as laser printers and
typesetters.
Power PC:- A competitor to the Pentium chip produced by an Apple-IBM-Motorola alliance.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol):- A protocol that allows a computer to connect to the Internet through a dial-in connection and to enjoy most
of the benefits of a direct connection.
Press:- Action performed using the mouse button.
Print Driver:- A file that contains information that a program needs to print your work to a given model of printer.
Print Manager:- The Windows program which handles documents that have been sent to your printer.
Print Queue:- A storage area for files that have been sent to a printer and are waiting to be printed.
Print Server:- A device and/or program that manages shared printers.
Printer:- A mechanical device for making a permanent record of your computer's output on paper.
Program:- A precise series of instructions (software) written in a computer language that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
Prompt:- An on-screen message from the operating system, a software application, or someone on-line with you.
Properties:- The characteristics (such as size, color, or screen location) or an aspect of behavior (such as whether it is hidden) of an
object or a file.
Proportional Font:- A font in which different characters have varying widths.
Protected Mode:- An IBM PC or compatible computer's operating mode that is capable of addressing extended memory directly.
Protocols:- Rules or procedures that control how data is transmitted between computers.
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