Toshiba Portege 7140 - Manual (Page 187)

User's Manual Glossary 11
Version
5
Last Saved on 20/12/99 04:11
Portege 7140CT User's Manual – 7140_UK.doc – ENGLISH – Printed on 20/12/99 as IM_714UK
P
parallel interface: Refers to a type of information exchange that transmits
information one byte (8 bits) at a time. See also serial interface.
parallel: Refers to two or more processes or events that can occur
simultaneously, and without interfering with each other. See also
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, supervisor and eject.
pel: The smallest area of the display that can be addressed by software.
Equal in size to a pixel or group of pixels. See pixel.
peripheral component interconnect: An industry standard 32-bit bus.
peripheral device: An I/O device that is external to the central processor
and/or main memory such as a printer or a mouse.
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 95 that enables the system to
automatically recognise connections of external devices and make
the necessary configurations in the computer.
port replicator: A connection device for serial and parallel devices, as
well as a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
port: The electrical connection through which the computer sends and
receives data to and from devices or other computers.
printed circuit board (PCB): A hardware component of a processor to
which integrated circuits and other components are attached. The
board itself is typically flat and rectangular, and constructed of
fibreglass, to form the attachment surface.
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.