Toshiba Tecra A4 (PTA40) - Manual (Page 199)

User’s Manual Glossary-13
Glossary
serial communications: A communications technique that uses as few as
two interconnecting wires to send bits one after another.
serial interface: Refers to a type of information exchange that transmits
information sequentially, one bit at a time. Contrast: Parallel
interface.
serial port: A communications port to which you can connect devices,
such as a modem, mouse, or serial printer.
SIO: Serial Input/Output. The electronic methodology used in serial data
transmission.
soft key: Key combinations that emulate keys on the IBM keyboard,
change some configuration options, stop program execution, and
access the numeric keypad overlay.
software: The set of programs, procedures and related documentation
associated with a computer system. Specifically refers to computer
programs that direct and control the computer system’s activities.
See also hardware.
stop bit: One or more bits of a byte that follow the transmitted character or
group codes in asynchronous serial communications.
subpixel: Three elements, one red, one green and blue (RGB), that make
up a pixel on the colour LCD. The computer sets subpixels
independently, each may emit a different degree of brightness. See
also pixel.
S-video: This connection provides separate lines for contrast and colour,
which produces a video image superior to that produced by a
composite connection. See also RCA jack.
synchronous: Having a constant time interval between successive bits,
characters or events.
system disk: A disk that has been formatted with an operating system. For
MS-DOS the operating system is contained in two hidden files and
the COMMAND.COM file. You can boot a computer using a system
disk. Also called an operating system disk.
T
terminal: A typewriter-like keyboard and CRT display screen connected to
the computer for data input/output.
TFT: A colour LCD technology that applies individual transistors to each
pixel enabling fine display control and excellent screen legibility.
TTL: Transistor-transistor logic. A logic circuit design that uses switching
transistors for gates and storage.
U
USB: Enables chain connection of a number of USB-equipped devices to
one port on your computer. For example, you might connect a USB-
HUB to the computer, then connect a keyboard to the USB-HUB
and a mouse to the keyboard.